Results from our original exploratory ACHH Maritimes work identified an increased rate of Ear and Oral health conditions and disproportionate access to Mental Health services for Mi’kmaw children and youth in Nova Scotia when compared to non-Mi’kmaw children. As a result, funding was obtained for the Community Led Solutions project which focuses on exploring the Mi’kmaw healthcare experiences associated with these three factors. Environmental scans determining each community’s service access and conversation sessions with youth, parents and health professionals are all currently taking place in order to develop community-led solutions to address these disproportionate rates.
Completed Research
ACHH National involves the expansion of our previous ACHH Maritimes work through the addition of partnering sites from across Canada. Youth, Elders and health professionals have participated in conversation sessions sharing their experiences and youth have also taken part in art-based workshops to encourage the use of art to share their pain experiences. In addition, ACHH National involves the development of research-based tools such as the Kids Hurt App and an online cultural safety in healthcare training program. For further details, click here.
ACHH Maritimes involved the expansion of our original UnPPAC work to four Maritime communities across the Mi’kma’ki and Wolastoqey territories. Conversation sessions were completed with youth, Elders, parents, teachers and health professionals. In addition, youth also participated in art sessions to explore the expression of pain through artwork. Health data was also reviewed to compare the rates of pain related conditions in Mi’kmaw children and youth compared to non-Mi’kmaw children and youth.
The UnPPAC work was the first of our pain and hurt related research. We partnered with Eskasoni First Nation and community members shared their personal stories of what pain and hurt meant to them and how they managed their pain and hurt from both a Western and Indigenous lens. This work laid the foundation for all future work and our partnership with Eskasoni continues as a steadfast force in all of the ACHH Initiative work.
*Image credit Eskasoni First Nation webpage.