Centering Indigenous knowledge in suicide prevention: a critical scoping review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Indigenous Studies
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Indigenous populations in Canada, US, Australia, and New Zealand face high suicide rates due to colonization trauma and marginalization.
• Conventional Western suicide prevention strategies, focused on individual behavior change, have been culturally misaligned and largely ineffective.
• There is a growing shift towards culturally and community-based suicide prevention initiatives led by Indigenous communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review and summarize the integration of Indigenous approaches in suicide prevention targeting Indigenous populations.
• To provide a foundation for future research and inform effective prevention efforts.
• To understand how cultural and community-based strategies are being implemented.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of academic and grey literature was conducted using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach.
• Hand-searching of reference lists and screening of articles ensured comprehensive inclusion.
• Data extraction and thematic analysis, guided by Métis knowledge and practices, were employed to synthesize findings.

Main Results:

• Analysis of 72 articles revealed four key thematic areas: engaging culture and strengthening connectedness, integrating Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous self-determination, and employing decolonial approaches.
• These themes highlight the importance of cultural relevance and community control in suicide prevention.
• Findings indicate a convergence of academic and grey literature on these critical elements.

Conclusions:

• Centering Indigenous knowledge and approaches in suicide prevention significantly improves suicide-related outcomes.
• Community-led initiatives incorporating Indigenous culture, knowledge, and decolonizing methods demonstrate substantial positive impacts.
• Indigenous suicide prevention strategies are diverse, tailored to local cultures, knowledge systems, needs, and priorities.