Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Conditions in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood, where many Indigenous peoples live with poverty, addictions and mental health issues, are well documented. A model of addictions planning for Indigenous peoples is urgently needed that takes into account multiple streams such as mental health, poverty, homelessness, and histories of trauma and abuse, especially the Indian residential school experience. There is a need for a continuum of care that is community-driven and includes multiple agencies and service providers. My doctoral research will analyze existing systems of health care planning as they relate to addictions and mental health and identify possible goals and objectives for future planning. I will interview administrators, front-line workers and clients to explore "ideal models" while grounding the research in what it would take to actually implement them in Metro Vancouver. Addictions and mental health issues have wide-ranging impacts beyond the health and justice systems. This project will bring together those who have an interest in improving and harmonizing health services in addictions and mental health and are willing to imagine a new direction forward.