Some of the long-term recommendations within the report call for :
• The creation of programs to promote and preserve culture ;
• Partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations , with training provided to enhance the cultural safety of programs ;
• The development of culturally appropriate assessment tools and supportive programs for Indigenous Peoples with NDDs ;
• Examination of the experience of Indigenous Peoples with NDDs within the criminal justice system , youth populations , child welfare system and those impacted by environmental issues ; and
• Evaluation of the impact of incorporating traditional teachings and medicines within educational , social and healthrelated programs .
JJ ’ s story
Among those in attendance was JJ Thunder Bear Man , an Anishinaabe man who travelled almost 2,000 kilometres from Dryden to Toronto to share his story at the gathering .
Born in the early 1980s in a community in northern Ontario , JJ was put into the foster-care system at age five as his parents faced the realities of their experiences at residential schools .
Adolescence came with its own challenges , with JJ getting involved in a gang and struggling with addiction . His journey toward healing and recovery began when he joined Community Living in Dryden at the age of 18 . His support team helped him to connect to his culture and to community .
The revelation of his spirit helper , the bear , and his spirit name , Thunder Bear Man , offered a powerful lens into JJ ’ s path to healing and connection to culture .
His heartfelt desire to reconnect with his family ’ s language , lost over time , also added a poignant layer to his story . He recalls having to ask his sister what his mother was saying when they finally got to visit years later , as she didn ’ t speak English , and he couldn ’ t speak Ojibwe .
JJ ’ s story , not unlike other young Indigenous Peoples living with NDDs and mental health challenges , highlights the dire need for preserving language and tradition .
Beautiful differences
JJ ’ s story is one that contains experiences familiar to many Indigenous Peoples with neurodevelopmental differences and mental health challenges .
During the event , JJ issued a plea for kindness , understanding and companionship for neurodiverse video
At the 2023 Gathering on Indigeneity , Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Mental Health at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto , people with lived experience , traditional Knowledge Keepers , clinicians and researchers from across Canada shared knowledge and expertise . individuals within Indigenous communities , reflecting on the impact acknowledgement and support can have .
The importance of a supportive “ strength-based ” approach was a theme that emerged again and again at the gathering , stressing the need to recognize individuals ’ unique contributions , accomplishments and abilities . Many participants used the term “ neurodevelopmental difference ” rather than disability or disorder .
This report is intended to mark only the start of a broader discussion , new and strengthened relationships and a collective commitment across the country to take action to improve the lives of Indigenous Peoples with beautiful differences .
We would like to acknowledge JJ Thunder Bear Man for bravely sharing his moving story with us , and his helper , Lesley Barreira of Surrey Place , for supporting him in doing so .
First published in The Conversation . Read the original article here .
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