Introduction: The lifespan of Mi’kmaq First Nations men continues to be eight years
less than that of other Canadian men. Therefore, this study examined the intersecting
relationships between the social determinants of gender, health practices and other factors
on the health of Mi’kmaq boys and men living in Elsipogtog First Nation.
Goal: To promote the health of Mi’kmaq men living in Elsipogtog First Nation and to
decrease the health disparities among Mi’kmaq men and other Canadian men.
Objectives: (a) To explore how Mi’kmaq men construct their masculinities across the
lifespan within Mi’kmaq culture; (b) To examine Mi’kmaq men’s perceptions of health
and health practices and how their practices of masculinity influence these practices; (c)
To explore how the experiences of illness and health influence Mi’kmaq men’s
perceptions of their masculinity and the configuration of its practices; (d) To contribute to
the scholarship of masculinities, health, culture, race, and inequity; (f) To build research
capacity among members of the community of Elsipogtog; and (e) To identify strategies
or programs that will support the health of Mi’kmaq men and their ability to care for their
own health.
Method: A community based participatory action research study based on an Indigenist
critical social theoretical approach was used to gather and analyze the data. A research
team of four Mi’kmaq people worked with me to analyze the data from an Indigenous
perspective. A community advisory committee advised the research team regarding
recruitment issues and the findings of the study. Thirty Mi’kmaq men and seven women
were interviewed.
Findings: The masculinities practices of Mi’kmaq men were: (a) respecting women, (b)
fathering their children, (c) providing for their families, (d) caring for the environment,
(e) respecting self and others, and (f) respecting sexually diverse family friends and self.
During their lifetimes, many participants dealt with multiple losses, addiction, racism,
sexual abuse, suicide attempts, and poverty. Their masculinity practices, culture, and
spiritual health practices served as resiliency factors that contributed to their health status
and practices
Conclusions: The masculinity practices of Mi’kmaq men were strengths in their health.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:NSHD.ca#10222/36267 |
| Date | 08 August 2013 |
| Creators | Getty, Gracie A.M. |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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