Grant: Project Grant

Indigenous peoples in Canada experience more health difficulties compared to non-Indigenous populations, such as increased rates of mental health concerns, higher prevalence of some diseases and chronic health conditions. These communities are also more likely to have poorer access to factors that may reduce the impact of these diseases, such as continuous health services in remote or rural settings. Further, Indigenous peoples in Canada have unique experiences of historical oppression and colonization, resulting in subsequent marginalization, discrimination, and loss of culture, still experienced by many today. Decades of research has identified that ten specific adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) across populations are associated with poor health outcomes and the presence of chronic diseases. These ACEs describe experiences such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction (such as having a parent incarcerated). Although many of these ACE relationships have been established within non-Indigenous populations, minimal research exists that has described similar outcomes for Indigenous populations. Research is required to document the prevalence rates of ACEs among Indigenous peoples. The proposed study seeks to examine the relationship between ACEs and health outcomes among an Indigenous treatment-seeking population. In particular, we seek to understand what risk (e.g., personality, executive functions, comorbid mental health difficulties) and protective factors (e.g., resilience, access to culture, social supports) influence the relationship between ACEs and health outcomes. Results can be used to tailor substance use treatment for Indigenous people to adequately address potential origins of substance use, in a trauma-informed and culturally relevant way.