Experiences of land-based treatment program for Indigenous people: a mixed-methods study of Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

Land-based treatment programs for mental health and addictions challenges may counteract the negative effects of colonization on Indigenous peoples by centring First Nations cultures and approaches to healing that are tied to the land. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to describe the experiences of participants in the Gwekwaadziwin Miikan land-based mental health and addictions treatment program.

This mixed-methods study was co-designed with treatment program participants and based on input from the United Chiefs of Mnidoo Mnising and the Elder Council and Knowledge Keepers. Semi-structured in-person one-on-one interviews were conducted during the 90-day land-based treatment program and 6 months after the end of the land-based treatment.

We completed 39 in-person interviews during treatment and 20 6-month follow-up interviews by telephone in addition to attending circles and other group activities. Four overarching themes were identified: connection with Indigeneity, connection with the land, trauma, and peer relationships. All 20 participants completing the follow-up interview reported not using substances at 6 months. Five (25%) reported relapses at some point after leaving the program but had since stopped using.

The Gwekwaadziwin Miikan land-based treatment program provided connection with Indigeneity and with the land that might counteract processes that dispossess Indigenous people of their land. These findings can help support the wider implementation of land-based treatment programs and similar programs that centre Indigenous learnings and healing practices.