Longitudinal Research Project

Assessment of impact of seven AHWS projects over a 6-10 year period:

• Four Aboriginal Health Access Centres
• A Healing Lodge
• A Maternal and Child Centre
• A Family Shelter

The people using their programs and services were asked to talk about their services and share some of their own changes in health and well-being.

Findings from Phase 1: Longitudinal Study

Based on the findings, researchers found that the Strategy has supported the emergence of a remarkable approach to healing and wellness, one that goes beyond conventional service delivery.

The "Strengthening the Journey" model of service delivery has strong components of mutual care-giving, spirituality and community empowerment.

It is apparent that for individuals using the centres, this approach appears to be having very favourable outcomes in terms of healing and better health.

Aboriginal Circle of Care

• Supportive Environment
• Sense of Safety and Trust
• Inclusivity and Accessibility
• Staff as Role Models, Mentors and Friends
• Ongoing Relationships

Finding Balance

• Cultural teachings and spiritual development
• Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Balance
• Identity

Integrated Interventions

• Interventions from two worlds
• Ethic of Choice and Non-Interference
• Self-Responsibility

Community Development and Empowerment

• Community Resource
• Strengthening Networks of Care

Second Round of Analysis Findings

• The focus of the second round of analysis was the healing journey, a process of change that has been part of Aboriginal holistic health traditions since time immemorial. The AHWS centres set in motion and/or support this change.
   
• The research further explored how the lives of individuals change as a result of their experiences at the centre.
   
• The findings indicate that the AHWS centres facilitate a process of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social change that is part of an ongoing process of personal transformation.
   
• The study emphasized that the healing and wellness journey is an ongoing process.
   
• An important finding is that the journey should be understood in relative terms, that is, there is a movement towards better health and well-being rather than towards some end point of perfect health and healing
   
• The AHWS centres facilitate change, by creating an environment that enables individuals to reconnect with their identities as members of their Nations. The path of the individual and that of the Nation are inseparable.
   
• Phase 2 of the Longitudinal Study will build upon the understanding of the healing and wellness journey in order to articulate the impact programs are having on improving health and reducing family violence.
   

Longitudinal Study Phase 2

• Phase 2 of the Longitudinal Study will continue to examine the long-term impact of the Strategy on Improving Aboriginal Health and Reducing Family Violence.
   
• The focus of Phase 2 is to identify and collect quantitative data that captures appropriate indicators reflecting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of Aboriginal People.
   
• Phase 2 will conduct research and provide the context for a blended model approach to evaluating the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy.
   

IN THE SPIRIT OF HEALING AND WELLNESS Vol. 1 No. 3 JULY 1996

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