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What Is Wellbeing, and What Is Important for Wellbeing? Indigenous Voices from across Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Stephen R. J. Tsuji

    (Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
    School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada)

  • Aleksandra M. Zuk

    (Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
    School of Nursing, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada)

  • Andrew Solomon

    (Fort Albany First Nation, Fort Albany, ON P0L 1H0, Canada)

  • Ruby Edwards-Wheesk

    (Fort Albany First Nation, Fort Albany, ON P0L 1H0, Canada)

  • Fatima Ahmed

    (Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada)

  • Leonard J. S. Tsuji

    (Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
    Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada)

Abstract

Indigenous peoples’ perceptions of wellbeing differ from non-Indigenous constructs. Thus, it is imperative to recognize that Indigenous peoples will conceptualize wellbeing from their perspectives and set their own wellbeing priorities. In keeping with this viewpoint, the aims of the present study were to conceptualize wellbeing and determine what was (and is) important for wellbeing from Canadian Indigenous peoples’ perspectives. In this paper, we take a partnership approach based on the elements of respect, equity, and empowerment. One primary data source and two existing data sources were examined and analyzed thematically utilizing a combination approach of deductive and inductive coding. Indigenous leadership and organizations viewed wellbeing holistically and conceptualized wellbeing multidimensionally. From across Canada, wellbeing was communicated as physical, economic, political, social, and cultural. The scaling of wellbeing represented a collectivist perspective, and land was the connecting thread between all types of wellbeing, being a place to practice cultural traditions, reassert one’s Indigenous identity, find solace, and pass on Indigenous knowledge and languages. Although wellbeing was discussed in the context of the individual, family, community, and nation, wellbeing was most often discussed at the cultural level by regional and national Indigenous leadership and organizations. Even in acknowledging the great cultural diversity among Canadian Indigenous nations, four concordant themes were identified regionally and nationally, with respect to what was important for cultural wellbeing: land and water, sustainability, and inherent obligations; being on the land, and indigenous languages and knowledge systems; sustainable development; and meaningful involvement in decision-making, and free, prior, and informed consent. Taking into account these themes is foundational for any interaction with Indigenous peoples, especially in the context of land, culture, and development. There needs to be a new beginning on the journey to reconciliation with land and cultural wellbeing at the forefront.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen R. J. Tsuji & Aleksandra M. Zuk & Andrew Solomon & Ruby Edwards-Wheesk & Fatima Ahmed & Leonard J. S. Tsuji, 2023. "What Is Wellbeing, and What Is Important for Wellbeing? Indigenous Voices from across Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-35, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:17:p:6656-:d:1225901
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Stephen R. J. Tsuji & Dan D. P. McCarthy & Stephen Quilley, 2021. "Green Energy—Green for Whom? A Case Study of the Kabinakagami River Waterpower Project in Northern Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-32, August.
    2. Alana Gall & Kate Anderson & Kirsten Howard & Abbey Diaz & Alexandra King & Esther Willing & Michele Connolly & Daniel Lindsay & Gail Garvey, 2021. "Wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and the United States: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-31, May.
    3. Leonard J. S. Tsuji & Stephen R. J. Tsuji & Aleksandra M. Zuk & Roger Davey & Eric N. Liberda, 2020. "Harvest Programs in First Nations of Subarctic Canada: The Benefits Go Beyond Addressing Food Security and Environmental Sustainability Issues," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-24, November.
    4. Leonor Mercedes Ward & Mary Janet Hill & Nikashant Antane & Samia Chreim & Anita Olsen Harper & Samantha Wells, 2021. "“The Land Nurtures Our Spirit”: Understanding the Role of the Land in Labrador Innu Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-13, May.
    5. Gail Garvey & Kate Anderson & Alana Gall & Tamara L. Butler & Joan Cunningham & Lisa J. Whop & Michelle Dickson & Julie Ratcliffe & Alan Cass & Allison Tong & Brian Arley & Kirsten Howard, 2021. "What Matters 2 Adults (WM2Adults): Understanding the Foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-21, June.
    6. John Taylor, 2008. "Indigenous Peoples and Indicators of Well-being: Australian Perspectives on United Nations Global Frameworks," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 87(1), pages 111-126, May.
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