Behind the Pandemic in Aboriginal Communities - Interagency ...

Card Key Issues Affecting Vulnerability Suggested Questions and ProbesFamilyJacques • Even though Jacques is highly motivated to attend post-secondary school, he facessignificant barriers to making his dream come true.• Educational attainment is a key determinant of one’s earning ability. Incomelevels significantly affect one’s health and well-being.• Students who are single parents often require additional support, such as qualityday care and clean and accessible housing in a safe neighbourhood.What are some of the barriers that Jacquesfaces in getting his degree?How does one’s education affect one’shealth?Jessica • Poverty affects where families can find housing. Poor families are often forced tolive in unsafe neighbourhoods in overcrowded and substandard housing.• Jessica’s aunt may be coping with her own history of trauma and may notunderstand the harm she is doing to her niece.• High prevalence of violence and substance misuse exists in the neighbourhood.• Adolescents have limited access to information about safer injecting and cleaninjecting equipment.What are some possible root causes thatwould cause an aunt to encourage her nieceto try drugs?JP (JeanPierre)• JP had many traumatic childhood experiences, including abuse and/or neglectin his family of origin, being taken into care, and being moved between fosterhomes.• Probable alienation from JP’s community and culture when adopted by a Whitefamily.• JP is confused about his identity and may not have someone who can supporthim to understand his Aboriginal identity and navigate racism.• Lack of understanding by adoptive parents of JP’s experiences of racialization.• Limited vocabulary for naming and discussing his experiences and emotions.• Overly authoritarian parenting style.• JP has been compelled to migrate. He may not have a support network in the cityand adequate financial resources.• The adoption has broken down.What is adoption breakdown and how doesit affect adoptees?What may face JP if he tries to becomeinvolved in the Native community/non-Native community?What may face JP if he tries to reunite withhis birth family?Mark • Unresolved trauma exists among residential school survivors.• This family conflict is really about the feelings arising as a result of the informationsession; people are not coping well with memories/feelings and are dealing withthese memories/feelings in a dysfunctional way.Why might the conversations aboutresidential school cause conflict in Mark’sfamily?How do family troubles contribute to youngpeople’s vulnerability to HIV?91