Since 2011, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has funded a research project concerning the implementation and evaluation of a mental health program to promote the well-being of families in several aboriginal communities across Canada. The Listening to One Another program, which has been culturally adapted by our First Nation partners, is for youth (aged 10-14 yrs.) and their families.
Program description: During the 14 sessions, families are reminded of aboriginal culture and values. Youth are involved in activities that promote communication and social skills. The aim is to help them adopt a healthy lifestyle by providing them with tools to avoid bullying, alcohol/substance abuse and other risky behaviour. Parents or other family members also participate in the sessions and can discuss parenting issues.
Cultural adaptation: When a new community joins the project, the first step is to adapt the program to the local culture. This process allows local partners, who meet with Elders to develop their own version. The Manual is thus enriched with an appropriate translation[1] and with cultural components such as rituals, stories and local aboriginal perspectives. It is this reference book that will guide facilitators during the 14 sessions.
Implementation: Before recruiting participants, local facilitators are trained to facilitate the sessions. With the assistance of an Elder and occasional guest speakers, they will autonomously deliver the 14-session program. Since the sessions usually begin in the early evening (5 p.m.), supper is served when the participants arrive in order to create a welcoming environment that is conducive to communication. Sessions take place once or twice a week (occasionally on weekends according to local preferences) between October and April. Finally, the program is evaluated in collaboration with the researchers involved in order to improve the intervention and favour its outcome. Three themes are prioritized: a) General organization, b) Respecting objectives, and c) Observed benefits.
[1] Translation according to local preferences: addition of key words or more complete translation in an aboriginal language.
