Learning objectives for the presentation:

1)  Develop a Strengths Based Perspective to effect change with Indigenous People

2)  Using Indigenous Worldview to Define Wellness

Background:
While mental health programs and services seek to address the mental wellness challenges faced by many First Nations (FN) communities, there are gaps between and among these services as they could be better coordinated and are not always delivered in a culturally safe manner. Acknowledging this opportunity for improvement, the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum (FNMWC) Framework was created.

Methods:
The FNMWC Framework relies on Indigenous culture as the foundation and describes Hope, Belonging, Meaning, and Purpose as outcomes of Mental Wellness supported by 13 critical indicators of wellness. These indicators have been identified from Indigenous Knowledge and community-based knowledge. These foundational themes are vital for monitoring wellness of FN families and communities, while demonstrating strengths of community programs and services. 

Results:
Using the Native Wellness Assessment, it is evident that when implemented successfully, mental health programs that use the FNMWC Framework increase the overall wellness of a individual, family, or community.

Conclusions:
Defining a people by their deficits, needs, challenges shapes societies relationships with that population.  A decolonizing approach sets the foundation for displacing internalized oppression to support inherent strengths of people.  PSupporting Indigenous Wellness requires a paradigm shift that supports strengths while attending to needs.