Why my mental wellness care must incorporate my Métis heritage – CBC

Mar 04, 2024

Mental health care fails to include Indigenous cultures, says Justin Langan: ‘It’s a chasm between two worlds’

This First Person column is the experience of Justin Langan, a Métis advocate for mental health awareness. For more information about CBC’s First Person stories, please see the FAQ.

Taanshii. My name is Justin Langan, and I am a 25-year-old Indigenous activist and student at the University of Manitoba.

In my journey, I’ve seen first-hand the profound impact that the mental health gap has on Indigenous youth.

This gap is more than just a lack of resources. It’s a chasm between two worlds: the traditional Indigenous understanding of mental wellness and the Western approach to mental health care.

Growing up in the rural community of Swan River, Man., my connection to Indigenous — specifically Métis — culture has been a cornerstone of my identity. However, navigating the complexities of this identity in a modern context has often been challenging, especially when it comes to mental health.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/mental-health-care-m%C3%A9tis-heritage-indigenous-1.7127212