On June 8th, 2024, in Bodo, Norway, Marie-Pier Bellefleur, a Psychology major and Indigenous Studies minor student from the Innu community of Pessamit, presented at the prestigious NAISA conference. This conference is the largest scholarly organization that engages Indigenous issues and communities. Remarkably, in only her second year of undergraduate studies, Marie-Pier has already showcased her research on an international level.
Marie-Pier's presentation was part of a panel that included fellow researchers Morgan Phillips, Daysi Zentner, and Dennis Wendt from Â鶹AV, along with Mathilde Garneau from the University of Sherbrooke. Their research consisted of the impact of COVID-19 on substance use treatment in the Kanien’kehá:ka/Mohawk community of Kahnawá:ke, Quebec.
The research team worked collaboratively with the Kanien’kehá:ka from the fall of 2022 to March 2024 to understand how the pandemic affected substance use treatment services in the community.
The goal was to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve mental health service delivery during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The team interviewed individuals from KahnawĂ :ke Shakotiia’takehnhas Community ServicesĚý(KSCS) such as clinical supervisors, addiction counsellors, the traditional cultural component of the Family and Wellness Centre, the Elders Lodge, and the Independent Living Centre, and other key service providers in the community.
The research identified several challenges brought on by the pandemic, such as increased substance use, social disconnection, and magnified intergenerational trauma. However, the findings highlighted the community's remarkable resilience, collective spirit, and rapid adaptation to new methods of service delivery. Innovative measures like men's wellness groups and alternative ways of connecting with clients have now become permanent features in the community's approach to mental health and substance use treatment.
Marie-Pier's presentation highlighted the pressing need for culturally safe and adapted services for Indigenous youth dealing with substance use issues. She emphasized that "Indigenous youths' mental well-being was disproportionately affected during the pandemic, underscoring the critical need for family involvement in treatment programs”.
Her research called attention to the urgent need for culturally adapted services for Indigenous youth in CANZUS (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States) dealing with substance use issues. "The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified mental health challenges for these youths, making family involvement in treatment more crucial than ever," Marie-Pier notes. Although existing literature supports family involvement in treatment programs, there is limited focus specifically on Indigenous youth. Marie-Pier's research identifies effective family-based programs, like the Shadow Project, which has demonstrated greater levels of moderation and enhanced family support through cultural engagement. "Programs like the Shadow Project illustrate the power of combining traditional practices with modern treatment to foster better outcomes," she says.
Early intervention and prevention programs, such as the Community Reinforcement Approach and Parenting in 2 Worlds, also demonstrate positive outcomes, including improved abstinence and better parent-child relationships. "Interventions that integrate family dynamics and cultural context can significantly impact the recovery and well-being of Indigenous youth," Marie-Pier states.
Marie-Pier's findings underscore the critical need for culturally safe, family-based interventions to support Indigenous youth with substance use issues. "By integrating both Western and Indigenous knowledge, we can more effectively address the unique challenges faced by these communities," she concludes.
Marie-Pier’s participation at the NAISA conference highlights her commitment to addressing critical issues faced by Indigenous communities. Her research not only contributes to the academic field but also provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for improving substance use treatment and mental health services for Indigenous youth.
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