PSYNOPSIS CANADA'S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE - Canadian Psychological Association
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VOLUME 44 ISSUE 1 2022 PSYNOPSIS CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS GROUNDING PSYCHOLOGY IN INDIGENOUS WORLDVIEWS: The Need to Address Epistemological Racism Page 16 PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT & INTERVENTION IN THE ERA OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION, AND THE NATIONAL INQUIRY INTO MMIWG Page 20 SWAP PANEL ON RECLAIMING POWER AND PLACE The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Page 22 DAVID DANTO, PH.D. & JENNIFER CHALMERS, PSY.D. Guest Editors
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2 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 3 ● 2021
PSYNOPSIS CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE
THE OFFICIAL
MAGAZINE MISSING AND
OF THE CANADIAN MURDERED
PSYCHOLOGICAL INDIGENOUS
ASSOCIATION WOMEN
AND GIRLS
EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief Karen R. Cohen
Managing Editor Christy Savage MESSAGE FROM THE GUEST EDITORS 04
Advertising Kathryn McLaren
Design/Production Adam Ashby Gibbard FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK 09
BOARD 2020-2021
President Ada Sinacore, Ph.D.
SACRED WOMEN, LAWS PROFANE:
President-elect Kerri Ritchie, Ph.D., C. Psych.
The Missing Justice for Murdered 10
Past President Kimberly Corace, Ph.D., CPsych
Indigenous Women & Girls
FIGHTING IGNORANCE WITH EDUCATION:
Directors Jean Saint-Aubin, Ph.D.
Action for Missing and Murdered 12
Shelley Goodwin, Ph.D., RPsych
Indigenous Women and Girls
Kerri Ritchie, Ph.D., CPsych
Elizabeth Church, Ph.D., RPsych
David Danto, Ph.D., CPsych
DECOLONIZING PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAINING:
Janine Hubbard, Ph.D., RPsych
Creating psychologically and culturally safe spaces 14
Laurie Ford, Ph.D.
for future Indigenous mental health professionals
Alejandra Botia, M.A.
GROUNDING PSYCHOLOGY
Partners CCDP - Sandra Byers, Ph.D.
IN INDIGENOUS WORLDVIEWS: 16
CCPPP - Sara Hagstrom, Ph.D., CPsych
The Need to Address Epistemological Racism
CSBBCS - Valerie Thompson, Ph.D.
CPAP - Judi Malone, Ph.D., RPsych
COLONIALISM AND INDIGENOUS WOMEN
AND GIRLS: Psychology’s Responsibility
to Respect and Integrate Indigenous Worldviews 18
Chief Executive Officer Karen R. Cohen, Ph.D., CPsych
Deputy Chief Lisa Votta-Bleeker, Ph.D. into the Canadian Criminal Justice System
Executive Officer
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
& INTERVENTION IN THE ERA OF TRUTH
AND RECONCILIATION, AND THE 20
Psynopsis is proud to announce that as of Vol 42.4 we have
switched to using more environmentally-friendly vegetable-based
NATIONAL INQUIRY INTO MMIWG
ink, 100% recycled material for the pages, and 10% recycled
content for the cover pages. COMMENTS ON RECLAIMING POWER
SUBMISSIONS AND PLACE: The Final Report of the National 22
Please send your articles to psynopsis@cpa.ca. Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous
Please visit cpa.ca/psynopsis for additional Women and Girls (MMIWG)
submission details and editorial guidelines.
The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) retains copyright CPA HIGHLIGHTS 24
of Psynopsis. The contents of any article published therein, by
other than an officer, director or employee of the CPA, are strictly
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions
ofthe Canadian Psychological Association, its officers, directors, DR RHONDA MATTERS - In Memoriam 26
or employees.
CANADA PUBLICATION
DR JOHN GLENN ADAIR - In Memoriam 27
POST MAIL
POSTE POSTE
CANADA PUBLICATION
AGREEMENT
THE 30TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS 28
40069496
REGISTRATION NUMBER
NUMÉRO DE CONTRAT
OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
D’INSCRIPTION
ISSN 1187-11809 WORDS THAT FIRE TOGETHER WIRE TOGETHER 29
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 3 ● 2021 3
MMIWG
DAVID JENNIFER
DANTO CHALMERS
PH.D., C. PSYCH., PSY.D., REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
PROGRAM HEAD, AND PRACTICE IN CLINICAL AND
PSYCHOLOGY COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TL’OONDIH
GUELPH-HUMBER HEALING SOCIETY
MESSAGE FROM THE GUEST EDITORS
ACTING ON T
he National Inquiry of the Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) was mandated
by the federal government and the 13 provinces and
THE 231 CALLS territories in Canada to report on the systemic causes
of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+
TO JUSTICE -
people, and to report on the institutional policies and practices
implemented in response to violence experienced by Indigenous
women and girls in Canada.
THE FINAL From 2016 to 2019:
REPORT
2380 people participated in the National Inquiry;
468 family members and survivors shared their
experiences with violence and death;
National Inquiry 270 family members and survivors shared their
into Missing and
stories in 147 private sessions;
750 people shared formal statements, and 819
Murdered Indigenous created artistic works;
Women and Girls, 84 expert witnesses, Elders and Knowledge
Keepers, front-line workers shared their stories;
and 2SLGBTQQIA+ 9 Institutional and Expert Knowledge Keeper
People
Hearings were held;
4 PSYNOPSIS,
PSYNOPSIS,CANADA’S
CANADA’SPSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGYMAGAZINE
MAGAZINE● ●ISSUE
ISSUE41● ●2021
2022
MMIWG
The inquiry summarized that perpetrators of A concluding finding of the National Inquiry into
violence include Indigenous and non-Indigenous Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
family members, partners, casual acquaintances, was that the violence was consistent with a race-based
and serial killers. genocide of Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations,
Métis and Inuit, and which targets women, girls and
Thousands of women’s deaths and disappearances are believed 2SLGBTQQIA people.
to be unrecorded and because of this, the real number of missing
and murdered Indigenous women and girls is to believed to be Dr. Chalmers notes her experiences, as a mental health worker
much higher than documented in police files. The rates of violence and psychologist in working with Missing and Murdered
against First Nations, Métis and Inuit women and girls and Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples comes
2SLGBTQQIA+ people are much higher than non-indigenous from witnessing first-hand the suffering of families who
people in Canada. experienced the violent deaths of their family members. Having
tremendous respect for the Indigenous family members who
The guiding principle of the National Inquiry was “Our Women invited her to sit with them following their experiences of the
and Girls are Sacred”, which supported the National Family most traumatic event one can imagine, losing a loved one to
Advisory Circle (NFAC), which was made up of family members violence. "The experiences with the families of murdered
of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Indigenous women have provided me with the strength to speak
2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and survivors. The Final Report focuses up for the rights of Indigenous Peoples". The inequalities in
on the testimony gathered from families, friends, and loved funding for Indigenous Peoples continues in 2022 for core services
ones of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and in mental health, education and justice. Despite the funding
2SLGBTQQIA people, and survivors of violence. There are realities, we remain optimistic for the future, based on the
several volumes of the report Volume 1a; Volume 1b, which courageous submissions by the authors of the articles in this
includes the 231 Calls for Justice; Volume 2 is a report specific edition. It is the voices and demands for action from these submis-
to Quebec. Additional documents from the National Inquiry sions that provide encouragement and hope, as they speak of
include an annex providing the Forensic Document Review the strength and power of Canada’s First Peoples.
Project, and a supplementary report titled “A Legal Analysis
of Genocide.” In June of 2021, the National Action Plan: Ending The reports from the National Inquiry into MMIWG are a
Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ good start to being current, as the volumes are accessible and
People was released. written for all audiences. We strongly encourage the Final Report
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 5
MMIWG
of the MMIWG be required reading for psychology personnel, of ground-penetrating radar, our Indigenous neighbours must
who work with the public, and/or who provide education and revisit the pain that they have already known all too well – that
training to psychology students. their family members were taken from them, never to be returned
because of their ethnicity and their identity. There is no doubt,
Canada in all its diversity has only recently begun to come in this horrific and truthful acknowledgement of history, that
to grips with the scope of what has happened and continues to those who were most vulnerable had the most taken from them.
happen here. The history that most of us were taught in high
school did not name the systemic oppression inflicted upon the Do we have a responsibility to address this history and the
first peoples of this land. There was not even the question of ongoing systemic marginalization that results from centuries of
whether a ‘cultural’ or ‘actual’ genocide occurred in our midst. cultural elitism and colonization? Our Code of Ethics indicates
Nevertheless, the experiences of those of us who are not Indigenous that we do. For example, consider the ethical principle of ‘Integrity
are different in many ways from our Indigenous friends and in Relationships’, as summarized in the profession’s response to
colleagues. We can be differentiated by whether or not we or the TRC Report (p.8, 2018):
our siblings were subjected to forced-adoption initiatives; whether
or not our parents were coerced or tortured into abandoning This ethical principle mandates that, in providing
their culture in one of the 150 or so Canadian Government treatment in their particular areas of competence,
funded Residential Schools; whether or not anyone in our extended psychologists in Canada are called upon to evaluate
family has challenges accessing clean drinking water, routine how their “experiences, attitudes, culture, beliefs, values,
healthcare, or appropriate education. individual differences, specific training, external
pressures, personal needs, and historical economic
When we take a broader perspective and review the findings and political context might influence their activities.”
of the National Inquiry of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous As a discipline, psychology has not done this in relation
Women and Girls and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Psychologists have
of Canada Report, we are forced to acknowledge the vast differ- not, as a profession, engaged in the essential cultural
ences that distinguish the Indigenous population in Canada from safety and cultural competence training required to
all others who live here. As the rest of Canada grapples with reflect on cultural values, implicit biases, and
recent discoveries of the bodies of thousands of children at the ethnocentrism that dominates the field, in order to
sites of Residential Schools, found only because of the technology engage in these relationships with true integrity.
6 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022
MMIWG
As we, particularly in the field of Psychology in Canada, learn
of this history and the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous
Peoples, including the reality of the incalculable numbers of
PSYNOPSIS
missing and murdered women and girls, what precisely is our
responsibility? What are we to do? Of course, there are no easy
answers to these kinds of questions which are fundamentally
individual and reflective kinds of queries, but in our view, there CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE
are several ‘guideposts’ on the path toward allyship and
reconciliation.
Psynopsis is the official magazine of the Canadian
Minimizing harm is a good place to start. A recent CBC
article titled: ‘First Nations family says culturally sensitive Psychological Association. Its purpose is to bring the
mental health care difficult to find’ by Lucie Edwardson, practice, study and science of psychology to bear
summarizes this issue by illustrating, for example, how a upon topics of concern and interest to the Canadian
mother seeking mental health care for her children had to public. Each issue is themed and most often guest
explain the concept of intergenerational trauma to doctors.
edited by a psychologist member of CPA with exper-
Culturally uninformed practitioners risk retraumatizing
already traumatized people. The approaches to assessment tise in the issue’s theme. The magazine’s goal isn’t so
and treatment that we learned in school are not universal. much the transfer of knowledge from one psychologist
As a result, we need to engage with people and materials to another, but the mobilization of psychological
that will improve our cultural literacy; participate in knowledge to partners, stakeholders, funders,
Indigenous cultural literacy trainings; attend events or decision-makers and the public at large, all of whom
presentations where Knowledge Keepers, Residential School
Survivors, Indigenous community members bravely and gen- have interest in the topical focus of the issue.
erously share their stories with those outside of their Psychology is the study, practice and science of how
immediate communities. Another place to start is the CPA people think, feel and behave. Be it human rights,
and PFC (2018) report available here: health care innovation, climate change, or medical
assistance in dying, how people think, feel and
https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Task_Forces/
TRC%20Task%20Force%20Report_FINAL.pdf behave is directly relevant to almost any issue, policy,
funding decision, or regulation facing individuals,
This report is the result of a three-day meeting between families, workplaces and society. Through Psynopsis,
members of the profession of psychology in Canada, Indigenous our hope is to inform discussion, decisions and
community members and members working within mental policies that affect the people of Canada. Each issue
health more broadly. Included in the document are guiding
principles that apply to the study and practice of psychology is shared openly with the public and specifically with
in general. They include: cultural allyship, humility, government departments, funders, partners and
collaboration, critical reflection, respect and social justice. This decision-makers whose work and interests, in a partic-
report, however, is just one possible starting point for those of ular issue’s focus, might be informed by psychologists’
us in the field of psychology to start exploring truth and work. CPA’s organizational vision is a society where
reconciliation.
understanding of diverse human needs, behaviours
As the submissions in this volume demonstrate, progress and aspirations drive legislation, policies and
regarding the intersection of Psychology and reconciliation is programs for individuals, organizations and
already well underway. These contributions are edited versions communities. Psynopsis is one important way that the
of papers that were presented during the 2021 CPA convention. CPA endeavours to realize this vision.
Some, draw attention to the accountability of the Canadian
Psychological Association itself. We acknowledge the need for
this accountability but also recognize that responsibility for
change and reconciliation cannot rest with any one organization
and must include all psychology organizations, provincial and
territorial associations as well as governing bodies, and each
member of the profession. We hope that the reader finds these
papers thought provoking and educational as we continue to
work together within the field to be better allies, develop our
discipline to be a better home to Indigenous people, and better
meet the needs of all members of our communities from coast
to coast to coast.
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
7 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 4 ● 2021 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 7
MMIWG
“A Mother’s Love” Wabimeguil is a Cree Artist from Northern Ontario.
She is inspired by ceremony, dreams, and big sky
Betty Albert country.
8 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022
MMIWG
FROM THE
PRESIDENT’S DESK
ADA L. SINACORE, Ph.D.
From coast to coast to coast, I of the corporate red. We chose to I had the privilege of moderating
acknowledge the ancestral and tra- change the banner for this issue the panel discussion, entitled;
ditional lands of all the Inuit, Métis, in honor of the of spirit of Truth Reclaiming, Power and Place: The
and First Nations people who call and Reconciliation, Indigenous Final Report of the National Inquiry
this land home. I am writing you this Peoples and the context of into Missing and Murdered Indigenous
message from Montreal, which is atrocities and abuses, both past Women and Girls (2019) held at the
located on land that has long served and ongoing, which led to missing CPA convention in 2021.
as a site of meeting and exchange and murdered women and girls. Throughout the discussion, the
amongst diverse Indigenous Peoples, panelists recognized the emerging
including the Haudenosaunee and In my Presidential Message evidence of the systematic
Anishinabeg Nations. I acknowledge (September 30, 2021), I asked you annihilation of Indigenous Peoples.
and respect that these nations are the to “consider how we can each, in For us as allies, this recognition is
traditional stewards of the lands and our own way, try to move forward critical to moving forward together
waters. I have deep admiration for in a spirit of truth, reconciliation in a positive way. The panel also
the land that I am on today, and for and allyship. Each of us must reflect acknowledged that it is time to look
the Indigenous Peoples who have on our role in colonization and ahead and walk together in
and do reside here. As well, I commit to action that brings about solidarity. The message I took from
acknowledge that the Canadian Psy- meaningful and lasting change.” that meeting was one of healing,
chological Association, located in One way of doing so, is to read the solidarity and hope. It is also one
Ottawa, sits on the traditional report being discussed in this issue of responsibility, companionship,
territory of the Algonquin of “Psynopsis” and familiarize your- and allyship. In our roles as
Anishnaabeg People. self with the Call to Actions that educators, practitioners, and
the report outlines. This report researchers, psychologists have a
These acknowledgements are and its contents highlights the keen responsibility to assist people
particularly important, as we reflect vulnerabilities, and harms that con- and groups to heal, to navigate
on the Final Report into Missing and front Indigenous women and girls trauma, and live with compassion.
Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls every day. The report implores us Join me in making a commitment
and the Calls to Justice. In this issue, to take action and underscores our to doing this work, as there is much
you may have noticed that the on-going obligation to bring about to be done, we all need to do
banner on the cover is orange instead change at all levels of society. our part.
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 9
MMIWG
SACRED
WOMEN,
LAWS
PROFANE
The Missing Justice
for Murdered
Indigenous
Women & Girls
MIKAELA D. GABRIEL
Ph.D, Clinical & Counselling Psychology,
OISE/University of Toronto
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Waakebiness-Bryce
Institute for Indigenous Health
10 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022MMIWG
S
he is my cousin. tionally, many Indigenous cultures hold shown that culturally-integrated practices
sacred the roles and abilities of women, and community support offer the depth
My father spoke of our cousin girls, and Two-Spirit members; however, of healing needed in continuing with life
who went missing when he was the governing Western laws continue to when such senseless violence occurs, yet
young, her remains discarded casually as see inaction and systemic racism that con- still limited, actual changes have been made
though she had not been an infant whose tinues to plague us with ongoing violence in service delivery or training. Governmen-
mother sang her to sleep. The telling was unmet with reprimand, deficits in manda- tal parties, of whatever colours, fail to deliver
one of senseless loss, but also of danger, tory cultural safety training and protocols, meaningful, systemic laws to protect, inform,
telling my sister and I to be careful. It and policies crafted and enacted without and support Indigenous Peoples to ensure
would be years before I unravelled more Indigenous communities present. Among even our survival.
of her story for myself, to make sense of broader society, persistent stereotypes exist
our connection to the brightly blazoned that numb the populace to our truths and This is but one story among many. Still
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women our realities, further evidenced by thriving the list grows, still the risks persist, still
and Girls movement that sometimes scrolled Eurocentrism in schools. The beauty of our communities must hold grief in one
in the news. Indigenous knowledges, perspectives, and hand and grasp healing in the other. It is
approaches are erased from schoolbooks; nearly incomprehensible for one human
The news article said that she ran. In so too is the truth of Canada’s genocide being to truly appreciate the pain, loss,
the winter of 1979, she ran into the woods of Indigenous Peoples, so severe and scoping and egregious injustice that lives in every
of our homeland, Ktaqmkuk, famed for its that great research efforts are invested to single story, every statistic.
freezing winds, mounting snow, and forests map out its abyssal impact. The healing
still wild. She ran from the man who chased and treatment of these impacts are similarly, But it is not just a story. It is not just
her, who caught her, who killed her. He woefully, lacking; interventions are deficient a statistic. These women, these girls, this
walked away. The snow fell, covering his in integrating cultural approaches, with woman, this girl, is not just missing or mur-
violence. The days turned. Months went no standardized safety training nor inter- dered.
by. Spring brought green sprouts back to ventions mandated across most frontline
life around her, but she never rose. care proceedings. Cultural approaches, cer- She is my cousin.
emony, or practices are steeply missing,
Her body was found months later, when leaving Indigenous Peoples phenomenally
decomposition made rudimentary forensics vulnerable to Western methods, Western
almost impossible to identify her. Thirty- ignorance, and violence of Western struc-
three years later, the man who chased her tures. If lateral and systemic violence is
stumbled into his confession in a parole insufficient, personal and communal vio-
hearing for yet another murder, accidentally lence will lay waiting, growing thick without
spilling his culpability, clumsy as a hand reprimand or reproach.
knocking over a glass. When taking the
life of one young woman was not enough, In this case, the lack of pursued justice
his brutality spread to two family trees. and the murderer’s clumsy admission show
He was only truly punished for the second. just how poorly Indigenous women are
considered in the realm of law in Canada.
As for her, her name appears on a list Thirty-three years slipped by with no pursuit
of those missing and murdered Indigenous of closure or leads, responsibility, or
women on our island, dating back to the accountability; in court transcripts, the fam-
1800s; names unknown, mere tribal mark- ily states there were no victim service calls,
ings in a list that scrolls down your screen. no supports offered, not even a courtesy
It says nothing of her smile, of her dreams. notification that the man was released from
I’ll never know them, either. prison.WhenitcomestoIndigenousPeoples
in Canada, we know that our justice has
She was sixteen, an age that girls are been robbed blind at every turn. But did
supposed to look forward to. For Indigenous the law, too, have to close its eyes?
women and girls, there is no certainty in
sweetness; there are great and graver risks, Those who loved her and survived her
and labels such as missing and murdered described turning to culture to seek healing.
may be closer to the truth. Missing and In the horrors that exist within the realm
Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls of great and growing violence against
are recognized across the provinces and Indigenous women and girls, it falls entirely
territories of what is now known as Canada, upon the community and culture to find
and what is now seen as the United States. healing. As noted, supports and services
Turtle Island holds countless lives, the red across Canada are predominately Western-
blood of our red women torn from their based; countless community voices, bur-
families, communities, and futures. Tradi- geoning research, and clinical efforts have
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 11MMIWG
FIGHTING IGNORANCE
WITH EDUCATION
Action for Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Women and Girls
ERIN WHITE
B.A. Hons. University of Manitoba
12 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022MMIWG
A
s a Métis women living with women and girls including members of
white privilege, I have lived a the 2SLGBTQQIA. Their Voices Will Guide
large portion of my life unaware Us provides teachers who are less familiar
of the horrific reality for Indige- with teaching Indigenous issues with brief
nous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA pedagogical context. The activities within
peoples because of the dangers it would this resource are fully developed and ready
have put my ancestors in to speak about for teachers to integrate into their class-
in the past. My mother a proud Métis rooms and explore with students. This
woman has introduced me to the reality resource facilitates inquiring minds as well
that is Canadian history. As I continue to as helps students find their voice. These
learn about the traumas and realities for skills can then be brought with them
Indigenous Peoples, I am amazed by how throughout adulthood. Since learning
little it is spoken about in schools, the about this resource, it angers me that so
media, and personal conversations. Every many resources have been available to
child in Canada goes through the educa- the public but because of the systemic
tion system and should be introduced to racism and white privilege rooted in our
all aspects of Canada’s history for this society people are oblivious to such pow-
nation to begin to understand the violence erful and useful tools.
that Indigenous Peoples continue to be
exposed to. I believe that one of the first steps in
creating Indigenous allies is to educate
There are a disproportionately high those around us. Too often people use
number of missing and murdered Indige- ignorance as a way to defend their think-
nous women and girls in Canada, Indige- ing and actions. During the virtual panel
nous women and girls are more likely to at the 2021 CPA conference, I was deeply
experience violence than any other pop- saddened by the truth Elder Beverly
ulation in Canada.1 In the final report of Keeshig-Soonias spoke when speaking
the National Inquiry into Missing and Mur- about the reality of Canada’s dark history
dered Indigenous Women and Girls, 231 “this is not about ideas and cool concepts,
calls to justice were identified. The call this is about people who are dead and
to justice 11.1 outlines the importance of dying because of these practices, values,
implementing lessons to provide awareness and assumptions that are made about
about missing and murdered Indigenous us.” Ignorance can no longer be an excuse
women and girls as well as 2SLGBTQQIA as resources such as the TRC’s calls to
people into the education system. This action, the United Nations Declaration
call is critical for the public to gain an on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and
understanding of the violence that Indige- the 231 calls to justice identified in the
nous women, girls and the 2SLGBTQQIA National Inquiry into Missing and Mur-
people endure. The pervasive violence that dered Indigenous Women and Girls have
they experience is rooted in colonization been established for many years. We as
and the attempt of the Canadian govern- a nation need to get to a place where
ment to assimilate Indigenous Peoples.2 no one can use the ignorance defense
Educators are now being asked to bring anymore. In light of the horrific discovery
light to these issues in partnership with of thousands of Indigenous children
Indigenous Peoples. Their Voices Will Guide across Turtle Island, we need to under-
Us is a resource that was created to help stand that what the Indigenous Peoples
guide all educators in introducing the value went through is our country’s collective
of Indigenous women’s and girls’ lives into history, it's not a separate history nor is
the classroom.3 The intention of this it just history.
resource is to promote critical thinking,
reflection as well as create a dialogue FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
around the lived realities of Indigenous PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 13MMIWG
DECOLONIZING
PSYCHOLOGICAL
TRAINING
Creating Psychologically
and Culturally safe
Spaces for Future
Indigenous Mental
Health Professionals
SOPHIA GRAN-RUAZ
B.Sc., University of Ottawa,
School of Psychology
DANA STRAUSS
B.Sc., University of Guelph,
School of Psychology
MARIE MACINTYRE
BA., University of Windsor,
School of Psychology
NOOR SHARIF
BA., University of Ottawa,
School of Psychology
14 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022MMIWG
Public Significance Statement. referred to as “death camps”), to unethical relations between Indigenous and non-
nutritional experiments undertaken on the Indigenous peoples.
Outlined herein are proactive initiatives children in some of these schools, to the
to increase engagement and ameliorate forced/coerced sterilization of Indigenous Such a structure would see the
the experiences of Indigenous peoples women that continues today, it is no wonder appreciation and incorporation of
within the mental health sector and that Indigenous peoples do not wish to align Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of
academic institutions. In addition to themselves with the system of their knowing, being, learning and healing.
decolonizing Psychology and increasing oppressors. Up until the 1970s, even for Further, Indigenous representation in
representation, these recommendations those that did see some benefit in formally mentors, professors, knowledge keepers,
highlight the benefits to such implements educating themselves within a Western par- traditional healers, and Elders would be
and emphasize not placing the burden of adigm, pursuing post-secondary education present and valued. This structure would also
such work upon Indigenous students and meant disenfranchisement or losing one’s promote Indigenous and non-Indigenous
faculty; consequently, this facilitates envi- Indian Status and access to treaty rights. community engagement and outreach. It
ronments which entail cultural compe- would also require staff, and students
tence. To eradicate these ubiquitous Now, Indigenous peoples interested in solemnly acknowledge and explore the role
systemic barriers and work towards enrolling in undergraduate or graduate settlers have played/continue to play in
reconciliation, it is imperative for there to studies within helping fields must contend oppressing Indigenous groups, and actively
be true equity between Indigenous and with admission criteria that is inherently work towards reconciliation. Necessary and
non-Indigenous peoples. biased against Indigenous peoples. More proactive Indigenous-lead support services
specifically, such programs almost entirely would be accessible - for mental health,
The Call. prioritize marks, publications in academic financial aid, academic success, peer
journals, academic conference mentorship, etc. Such a system would also
While not explicitly naming mental presentations, and academic letters of refer- see an overhaul of student admission
health professions, Call for Justice 7.8 of ence. They also generally require hundreds processes. This could include placing higher
The Final Report of the National Inquiry into of dollars in application fees. Should an value on Indigenous knowledge over grades
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Indigenous applicant’s admission prove exclusively, lowering mark expectations, plac-
Girls highlights the need for culturally successful, they often find themselves in ing value on volunteer work or lived
competent professionals to support unsafe, microaggressive or racist learning experience, creating Indigenous-only admis-
Indigenous communities’ healing post environments, with little financial aid, or sion pathways, and allowing non-academic
colonization. As the Call suggests, this culturally appropriate mental health references, among others.
culturally competent force would ideally be support. Moreover, such programs usually
made up of primarily Indigenous fail to appreciate or competently incorporate Responsibility.
practitioners, who already have a deep Indigenous knowledge or cultures. Instead,
appreciation for Indigenous epistemologies they tend to pathologize the Indigenous Finally, it is important to clarify whose
and ontologies, as well as existing experience and perpetuate White Savior job it is to see this work through. While
relationships and connections within said behaviors. Such environments lead to poor some departments and institutions are
communities. Yet, in reality, despite retention among Indigenous students. taking initiative to re-evaluate and restruc-
accounting for nearly 5% of Canada’s popu- ture their programs, universities should not
lation, Indigenous representation in Required Solutions. be left to hold themselves accountable.
recognized mental health services is Governing bodies with the power to hold
disparagingly low. For instance, Ansloos and What must be done to eliminate these these institutions accountable, such as the
team (2019) estimated that as of 2018, there barriers and draw Indigenous peoples to Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), have
were less than 12 Indigenous psychologists mental health programs? First, post- a part to play in driving change. For example,
practicing and/or teaching in all of Canada. secondary institutions and psychology the CPA could require that accredited
departments must create meaningful institutions reserve a representative
Barriers. relationships with local Indigenous groups. proportion of admission offers and faculty
Listen to them and their needs, and be willing positions for Indigenous peoples and that
To understand why Indigenous to engage in whatever said groups feel is they present a strategic plan for decolonial
representation is so low, one must consider necessary for reparation. Accountability and indigenization to which they are held
the historical, past and present barriers follow-through are key throughout the life accountable. External oversight and guid-
imposed on Indigenous peoples that prevent of these relationships. Once relationships ance are needed to catalyze these changes,
them from entering, and thriving, within are rooted and trust built, institutions and and the CPA is well-positioned for this role.
the field of psychology. First, acknowledge departments must support collaborative The CPA is also ideally positioned to model
Canada’s colonial legacy and the resultant efforts to engage in “decolonial indige- reciprocal relationships with Indigenous
mistrust Indigenous peoples have in Western nization” and the creation of culturally safe/ peoples by transparently engaging in
originating systems and ideologies. From competent/relevant learning environments. decolonial indigenization within their own
broken promises and exploitation in the early As Gaudry and Lorenz (2018) explain, organization.
treaties made, to the forced removal of decolonial indigenization requires the
Indigenous children into Residential Schools complete overhaul of the academy, replacing FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
(which should more appropriately be it with a new system built on balanced power PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 15MMIWG
GROUNDING
PSYCHOLOGY
IN INDIGENOUS
WORLDVIEWS
The Need to Address
Epistemological Racism
ILORADANON H. EFIMOFF
M.A. Applied Social Psychology,
University of Saskatchewan
16 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022MMIWG
H
áw’aa, Iloradanon Efimoff who defined psychology (and thus the but need not do all the work alone.
hínuu díi kya'áang. Hello, my epistemologies and acceptable methods) Psychology organizations can build
name is Iloradanon Efimoff. I are not only White, but also men. This is Indigenous capacity by compensating
am writing from Treaty 1 not to say that being a White man is bad, Indigenous people for this work and
territory and the homeland of the Métis only that epistemologies underlying psy- building infrastructure for Indigenous
Nation. I am Xaat’áa (Haida) and European chology come from this perspective at the community connection. One way to
settler. In this brief paper, I will share how exclusion of many other diverse begin could be to survey Indigenous
the profession of Psychology in Canada can perspectives. The predominant people involved in Psychology nationally
respond to the following Call for Justice epistemology in psychology is positivism. to see what supports are desired.
from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Positivism uses objective scientific methods
Women and Girls National Inquiry Report: to discover objective truths (Ryan, 2006). 2. Accept more qualitative research
“develop and implement research Such an approach can leave little room in psychology journals. Qualitative
frameworks, epistemologies, and research for other knowledges, such as Indigenous research often works well with
terminology grounded in Indigenous knowledges, to yield other truths. Positivism Indigenous methods (though Indigenous
worldviews.” Practitioners can take steps also erases the role of race on knowledge research can be quantitative and quali-
to ground psychological research in production as it posits knowledge is objective tative research is not automatically
Indigenous worldviews and can help to (Adams & Salter, 2011). As psychology is Indigenous research). Accepting quali-
change psychology in Canada. a predominantly White field, this epistemo- tative research may provide an outlet
logical racism and sexism ensure most for more Indigenous scholars’ research
I will focus on epistemology, as knowledge is created without other and provide space to ground psycho-
epistemology underlies all research perspectives; in many cases, without the logical research within Indigenous
frameworks and terminology. Epistemology perspectives of those who psychologists worldviews.
is the study of knowledge and often defines seek to help, such as Indigenous women
what counts as valid knowledge (Ryan, 2006). and girls. 3. Reward researchers doing work with
Epistemological racism is how epistemologies Indigenous Peoples. Funding agencies
themselves are racist (Scheurich & Young, In fact, psychology actively resists can encourage and publish research
1997). Current psychological epistemologies Indigenous epistemologies through systemic that is grounded in Indigenous
are largely shaped by White scholars and disciplinary practices. For example, pub- epistemologies and worldviews, such
associated social and historical experiences, lishing pressure directly conflicts with the as community-grounded Participatory
at the exclusion of non-White experiences long-term relationships required for doing Action Research done with Indigenous
(Scheurich & Young, 1997). This is further research with Indigenous people. A publish communities. Funders might create tan-
compounded by gender, as many researchers or perish culture means research isn’t about gible benefits for this work, such as grants
relationship; research is about publishing. for Indigenous researchers conducting
This may prevent people from doing research community-grounded research related
with Indigenous people because it takes to MMIWG with long and flexible
longer than conducting experimental timelines. Accept the costs associated
research with undergraduate participant with community work, such as the time
pools or panel providers like MTurk. Psy- to build good relationships and asso-
chology also resists qualitative research, a ciated monetary costs.
type of research that aligns well with story-
telling, an important part of Haida and 4. Create tenure and promotion
many other Indigenous cultures. This is guidelines that support Indigenous
illustrated by the low number of peer- approaches. To sustain Indigenous
reviewed psychology journals that accept people’s roles in shaping psychology’s
qualitative work. epistemology, Indigenous people need
to be providing care and producing
Despite these challenges, grounding psy- research. It may be more difficult for
chological epistemologies in Indigenous Indigenous people to obtain tenure given
worldviews is well worth the effort. It may the lengthy timeline for community-
result in training, graduates, and research grounded research. Universities can
that respect and support Indigenous Peoples, assist with this challenge.
including Indigenous women and girls. So
what can psychologists and related bodies To be clear, these are small steps that
in Canada do to ground psychological can be taken to help change the discipline
epistemologies in Indigenous worldviews? of psychology in Canada. They will not
Below, I provide four recommendations. “solve” epistemological racism, but are steps
toward needed systemic changes.
1. Support Indigenous people in Psy-
chology. Indigenous people should be FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
key in directing any such initiatives, PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 17MMIWG
COLONIALISM AND INDIGENOUS
WOMEN AND GIRLS
Psychology’s Responsibility to Respect and
Integrate Indigenous Worldviews into the
Canadian Criminal Justice System
CHRISTINA JEON
MS., Child and Youth Mental Health,
University of Edinburgh
AIDEN MEHAK
BA., Ryerson University
18 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022MMIWG
P
sychology and the criminal more conducive to healing than federal the development of culturally safe restora-
justice system are colonial instru- prisons (Hyatt, 2013). tive justice programs. Members of the pro-
ments that uphold white fession can also advocate for the expansion
supremacy and resist efforts to Healing lodge residents require mini- of initiatives such as the Indigenous Justice
demarginalize Indigenous people. The mum or medium security classifications Program, which funds community based
white settler state criminalizes and pathol- (CSC, 2021). Indigenous women are more Indigenous justice initiatives with the goal
ogizes Indigenous ways of life. Judicial likely than non-Indigenous women to of reducing rates of crime, victimization
policies and actions suppress traditional receive maximum-security classifications, and recidivism amongst Indigenous peo-
culture, impeding interdependence within reducing the number of Indigenous ples. These programs, rooted in Indigenous
many Indigenous communities. This then women eligible for placement in a healing legal traditions, have shown to be effective
increases behaviours punished as deviant lodge (Combs, 2018). alternatives to the mainstream criminal jus-
and pathological by Euro-Canadian tice system and work to address the deep
institutions. As a result, Indigenous Security assessments are made by underlying harm caused by ongoing colo-
women are overrepresented in Canadian parole officers who consider recommenda- nization (Government of Canada, 2021).
prisons. Indigenous women account for tions of minimum, medium, or maximum
40% of the federal prison population but security generated by the Custody Rating In doing so, the profession of psychol-
only 4% of the general population Scale. By sponsoring an improved, psycho- ogy can help to empower Indigenous com-
(Correctional Service Canada [CSC], metrically validated measure sensitive to munities through the revitalization of
2020). systemic racism and intergenerational Indigenous law and Indigenous models of
trauma, correctional psychologists can justice while also supporting culturally safe
Call to Justice 14.6 states: “We call upon assist in reducing overclassification and care for Indigenous women, girls and
CSC […] to provide intensive and compre- increasing healing lodge accessibility. 2SLGBTQQIA individuals based on the
hensive mental health, addictions, and needs and unique traditions of individual
trauma services for incarcerated Indige- Incorporating Indigenous input when communities.
nous women […]” developing this measure is imperative. Psy-
chologists must be open to ways of knowing While it is evident that the criminal jus-
CSC’s punitive approach revictimizes beyond a psychobiological frame. tice system continues to marginalize
Indigenous women and two-spirited indi- Indigenous peoples through its focus on the
viduals and disregards the increased justice In addition to improved mental health retribution of criminal acts, the profession
system contact and distress in this group services for incarcerated Indigenous of psychology in Canada has an opportu-
of people due to colonialism and associated women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA individ- nity to take action against this and engage
patriarchy. We must ultimately reduce uals, Call to Justice 5.11 states: We call in meaningful dialogue and partnerships
structural factors underlying overrepresen- upon all governments to increase accessi- with Indigenous communities. It is imper-
tation and trauma; with interim efforts bility to meaningful and culturally appro- ative for psychologists to bear in mind the
directing Indigenous people towards priate justice practices by expanding mistrust which exists between Indigenous
restorative justice programs and promote restorative justice programs and Indige- peoples and the field of psychology and
healing. nous Peoples’ courts. adopt a Two-Eyed Seeing framework to
facilitate trans-cultural collaborations
A small number of healing lodges offer Psychologists can advocate for increased moving forward, where both Indigenous
an alternative to CSC prisons, aiming to accessibility to meaningful and culturally and Western ways of knowing are equally
promote emotional, physical, spiritual, and appropriate justice practices for Indigenous valued and considered (Iwama et al., 2009).
mental healing. Despite valid criticisms of women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA individ- FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
these lodges, they are generally considered uals, both as victims and offenders, through PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 19MMIWG
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
& INTERVENTION IN THE ERA OF
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION,
AND THE NATIONAL INQUIRY
INTO MMIWG
JENNIFER H. CHALMERS
Psy.D., Registered Psychologist
& Practice in Clinical and Community Psychology,
Executive Director Tl’oondih Healing Society
20 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022MMIWG
I
n June of 2021, the horror of the of a person’s identity, including self- cultural identity, sex, gender identity
unmarked graves of residential school identification as Indigenous, sex, or expression, sexual orientation, ability,
children in Kamloops, BC was exposed gender identity or expression, sexual and geographical location.
to the public, and shared as a news orientation, ability, and geographical
story around the world. The National location-urban/rural, remote/isolated, 2. Work with colleagues and peers
Action Plan for the Missing and Murdered on-reserve/off-reserve, community or who do culturally-relevant psychological
Indigenous Women, Girls, and settlement? assessments, based on a narrative focus,
2SLGBTQQIA+ People was released that which honour the strength of Indigenous
same month (June 3, 2021), with a message How informed are we as psychologists Peoples, and respect the distinction-
that we all have a shared responsibility and about the systemic challenges, living based approach to their unique
accountability for ending violence against conditions, access to health and Indigenous Rights, interests and life
all women. education, and impacts of discrimination circumstances as First Nations, Métis
and socio-economic disadvantages and Inuit.
Both events provided me as a practicing experienced by Indigenous clients?
psychologist with sadness, frustration and 3. Seek resources from the Cultural
focus to continue the work I do in bringing Do you challenge those who perpetuate Formulation Interview or CFI as
Indigenous ways of knowing to the practice systemic racism or microaggressions published in the Handbook on the Cultural
of psychology, including assessment and with Indigenous specific slurs, Formulation Interview (2016) by the
intervention. In Canada, academic descriptions or practices, as outlined American Psychiatric Association or
programs in psychology include at length for one province in Canada other sources that guide clinical inter-
psychological assessment training in the with the 2020 report: In Plain Sight; views to assist in seeking information
diagnosis of mental disorders, strengths/ Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism on how culture shapes experiences.
challenges, and including individual and and Discrimination in BC Health Care.
diversity factors. Interventions are designed 4. Assess from a strength-based and
to address symptom management, and As psychologists, are we contributing affirming lens that supports self-
promote health and well-being of clients. to racist practices in the use of determination in health, and well-being
What is required by psychologists is to psychological assessment that may or within a holistic frame- physical, mental,
recognize that assessment and intervention may not address the social determinants emotional, and spiritual. Include in a
services are delivered to Indigenous of health or trauma? trauma-supported way, what and how
individuals, groups, and communities, who Indigenous Peoples have experienced
have inherent rights to self-determination, As a profession of researchers and through historical, multigenerational,
and unique interests and priorities as First practitioners of psychology, we are cultural, and gender-based trauma.
Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples. responsible to a code of ethics and the
regulatory standards of the respective juris- 5. Support peers doing work with
It is well documented in the Final Report diction(s) for reflection of the activities and Indigenous knowledge keepers, leaders,
of the National Inquiry into Missing and services we provide. With dissemination Elders, and Indigenous students and
Murdered Indigenous Women, and Girls of the Truth and Reconciliation Commis- youth; amplify their messages for
(2019) that Indigenous Women and Girls sion of Canada: 93 Calls to Action (2015), change.
are a vulnerable population. Indigenous Psychology’s Response to the Truth and
Peoples and communities have suffered Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 6. Advocate for changes to the practice
greatly, and continue to experience Report (2018), it is imperative that Canadian of psychological assessment and inter-
inequality in access and service delivery psychologists seek out the required vention with Indigenous Peoples, given
of health, education and the necessities of knowledge and skills at this critical point the unique and distinct identities of
life. Several questions come to mind for in Canada’s history. each, and their values and traditions
me, as a practicing psychologist trained in supporting health and well-being.
in non-indigenous ways of knowing, Beginning Action Steps for Psychological
delivering psychology services, but with Assessment and intervention with
lived experience in First Nations, Métis Indigenous Peoples in 2022: “When we are kind
and Inuit communities, where inequality
continues today. 1. Read Reclaiming Power and Place: The
We remember
Final Report of the National Inquiry into We are all related ”
Questions for Psychology: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Monique Gray Smith, 2020)
and Girls (2019), and respect the
What has psychology done to help or intersectional and diverse perspectives
hinder Indigenous Rights to self- of Indigenous people seeking
determination, dignity of person, and psychological services, including FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
respecting the interconnecting aspects interconnecting aspects of a person’s PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 21MMIWG
COMMENTS
ON RECLAIMING
POWER AND
PLACE:
The Final Report of the
National Inquiry into
Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Women
and Girls (MMIWG)
K.R. COHEN
Ph.D., CEO, CPA
22 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022MMIWG
The following is based on remarks ited, lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, resiliency and healing courses. One, in
offered by Dr. Cohen on the SWAP queer, questioning, intersex, and development with the University of
Panel on the MMIWG report, convened asexual (2SLGBTQQIA) people Saskatchewan, and due in large measure
at the CPA convention in May 2021. to the leadership of Dr. Stryker Calvez, is
A
Again, wearing my CPA advocacy hat, geared specifically to the needs of
t the CPA 2021 convention, I I am struck by the insight of the third psychology practitioners.
was pleased to join the SWAP pathway – that institutions do best maintain-
Panel on Canada’s inquiry into ing the status quo. I believe this happens Calls 7 and 8 in Section 7 call for support
missing and murdered because messages are not heard, and change and incentive for Indigenous people to work
Indigenous Women and Girls. As the CEO is difficult; either because in the field of health and wellness. In 2020,
of CPA, I spoke to those of the report’s CPA approved a scholarship for Indigenous
messages and calls for justice to which the � what is needed for change is poorly students as well as a convention fee waiver
CPA could best respond. understood, for CPA members and affiliates who
identify as Indigenous. There is more that
When I reviewed the 2019 report � because effective change requires a CPA can and must do, through its Education
Reclaiming Power and Place, one of the complex series of sustained actions or Pillar, to reach and engage Indigenous
sentences that most resonated with me was students and support their interest and
among its first – that this inquiry is not the � because institutions that must change participation in research and practice in
first time that Indigenous people have are made up of people who do not psychological health and wellness.
spoken about missing and murdered readily recognize what part they can
women and girls, but it has taken until 2019 play in it. Finally, Section 18 of the report calls for
for Canada to listen. As someone who has justice within specific populations. They
built a career supporting and promoting For professional psychology, change is a speak to the educational role, particularly
psychological research, education, and measure of its success. It has been my around inter-sectionality, that CPA can play
practice in the service of society, it is has experience, however, that change comes as in raising the literacy among its mem-
been my experience that messages, even hard to the profession and its members, as bership about becoming an effective
critically important messages, need to be it does to anyone else. Change requires research and practice ally for two spirited,
repeated again and again before they are courage, commitment and starting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
heard, and even then, unfortunately, somewhere – even when problems and questioning, intersex, and asexual persons
sometimes they are not. their solutions are complex. (2SLGBTQQIA). While CPA has
successfully advocated for effective policy
It was critical, that the inquiry, and the In Chapter 6 of the report, when in the service of gender equality, there is
Truth Gathering Process it employed, relied discussing the right to health, it stated: more we can do to advance awareness and
on the testimony of a range of voices. Most “Several witnesses shared responses to address the impacts of intersectionality
important were those Indigenous women violence by mental health service providers among people and the communities of
and girls who have survived violence and which further contributed to violence which they are part.
the families of those who experienced it. through inaction or inappropriate action.”
The report itself noted that one of its The recent death of Joyce Echaquan in 2020 In my remarks, worth repeating here, I
important successes was just how many makes painfully clear that health care systems shouted out to Dr. David Danto, whose
people came forward, publicly and in and providers can fall far short of listening leadership is responsible in large measure
camera, to tell their stories. Communication and fall far short in the provision of care. for the CPA’s response to Canada’s Truth
is key to any change process, and effective and Reconciliation report and, more
communication, is one that listens before The experience expressed in this importantly, for helping ensure that the
it speaks. statement points to significant opportunity commitments in CPA’s response have a
for change articulated in many of the calls voice in our Strategic Plan and, ultimately,
The report’s recommendations, or calls for justice in Sections 3 and 7 of the report see the light of day in our actions.
for justice, revolve around 4 pathways – the ingredients necessary for accessible,
preventative, holistic and culturally centered It is critical that the messages shared in
1. historical, multi and intergenerational and responsive health services. This this issue of Psynopsis are heard by the
trauma, includes contributing to the education of CPA’s membership and Board. It is equally
psychologist’ allies in the history of important that these messages are heard by
2. social and economic marginalization, colonialism, bias and racism, local language departments and organizations of
and culture and healing practices. psychology in which scientists, educators
3. maintaining the status quo and and practitioners of psychology participate
institutional lack of will and Since 2019, CPA has made strides in – change within psychology demands
helping to fill these knowledge gaps among collective responsibility and requires
4. ignoring the agency and expertise of its membership by offering several collective action on the part of individuals
Indigenous women, girls and two spir- Indigenous Awareness and intercultural and the groups of which we are all part.
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 1 ● 2022 23You can also read
