A call to develop integrated wellness plans was initiated by the need for programs and services that are relevant to the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
The Syilx Okanagan Nation’s Mental Wellbeing Policy and Planning is guided by community-driven, culturally grounded frameworks. Managed by the Wellness Department, the strategy integrates traditional Syilx law, worldview, and healing practices with mainstream health services to support the holistic wellness of children, youth, and families.
Historical and present day traumas perpetuated by colonialism have contributed to a “soul wound” for our people, but still most services continue to be delivered by the mainstream system. Issues include confusion about service provider roles, long wait-lists, ineffective tansitions to and from services, and services that continue to fall short of meeting the mental health needs of Syilx individuals, families and communities.
Planning
The ONA has developed a Mental Wellbeing Plan grounded in Syilx knowledge and ways of being, covering the lifespan from infancy to elder-hood. This plan is a component of the Syilx-centered Wellness Framework, builds on work undertaken through the Syilx Traditional Wellness Strategy (2012), and is informed by previous and ongoing community engagement.
Vision
The Mental Wellbeing Plan builds on Syilx traditions, ideas, skills and abilities to serve our people. The vision is providing appropriate services in a manner that respects Syilx values, spirituality and traditional knowledge. The plan defines wellbeing from Syilx perspectives and experiences. It focuses on understanding mental health issues through a cultural lens, an approach that is more holistic and inclusive. The intent is to work toward integration and expansion of local programs, and implementing new services, while also working with mainstream mental health and substance use services to provide supplementary resources including specialized care such as psychiatry and other disciplines.
Syilx Mental Wellbeing Plan
The Syilx Mental Wellbeing Plan has four components and a Business Proposal in place to ensure sustainable funding of programs.
- Community wellbeing: Prevention & promotion
- Access and support to active healing services
- Collaboration and partnerships
- Healthy thriving organizations
For More Information, Contact:
Menno Salverda, Nation Planner Health
NationPlanner.Health@syilx.org or 250-869-5364