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Cultural identity plays a critical role in the prevention of
mental illnesses and the better adaptation to life. By exploring the
relationship between cultural integrity and emotional wellbeing, we can shed
light on ways to improve the psychological health of indigenous people who
have often experienced adverse life events and stressors. Native people from
around the world place a high value on cultural identity within social
norms. The denial of ethnic identity can lead to self-rejection and the loss
of one's own history, while recognizing someone as part of the aboriginal
group often poses risks such as discrimination and social isolation.
The origin of aboriginal identification can be traced back to the late 19th
century when the central government narrowed the criteria for defining
people as 'aboriginals' to diminish the official number of Indians. The
Indian Act of 1876 provided the initial official description of an Indian
representative, which excluded the involvement of indigenous people and
qualified only small groups of individuals as eligible for Indian status
and, subsequently, for property claims. As a result, official definitions
only rely on lineage and marriage and ignore inquiries of identity,
individual qualities, culture, and local area meanings of being an
aboriginal.
Discrimination against Canadian aboriginals has been a widespread issue
throughout history. Despite social awareness and the formation of a special
joint committee to investigate the country's policies with respect to
indigenous people, their situation did not improve under the Indian Act of
1951. The act provided a central registry for everybody who was under its
protection, further exacerbating the unjust setting of status and identity
by the Canadian government.
Being an indigenous individual brings complexities and considerations such
as stereotyping and difficulty finding a workplace. Identity is determined
not only by an individual's status but also by their country of citizenship,
family, membership in certain organizations, ancestral chamber or office,
and whether they live in their home local area or have relocated to a
metropolitan community. Community-based methodologies present a promising
system to help address the problem of Indigenous youth's depression and
suicide.
Cultural identity is essential in addressing the psychological health of
indigenous people. Rejecting ancestral identity often leads to negative
consequences, as evidenced by the Indigenous people's suicidal rates
surpassing the rate among the rest of the population by an 800-fold. Studies
suggest that communities with various positive social markers, including
self-administration, language, settled land claims, schooling, medical care,
social offices, and infrastructure, experience lower suicidal rates than
those without. Indigenous identity and connectedness are promoted as a
method for treating and reducing mental problems.
Social connectedness encouraged through community organizations and social
activities is crucial in supporting citizens' identity. The removal and
forced assimilation of aboriginal Canadians over history are regularly
connected to current states of social avoidance, destitution, and local area
crime rate. Cultural loss, specifically the difficulty to determine
identity, contributes to the mental health problems experienced by
Indigenous people.
In conclusion, cultural identity is of utmost importance in the
psychological well-being of indigenous people. Efforts must be made to
recognize and value cultural integrity and promote social connectedness
through community-based interventions. By doing so, we can help address the
mental health problems experienced by indigenous people and promote a
society that is more inclusive and equitable. |
