Sexual and gender diversity in a Métis community: challenging stigma and celebrating resilience

Shining Mountains Living Community Services in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, provides a range of social services for Indigenous Peoples in the area, particularly Métis (an Indigenous people of Canada), who are struggling with sexual health vulnerabilities. Under the direction of a Métis Wellness Advisory Council at Shining Mountains, this study sought to understand how stigma and discrimination affect sexually diverse and gender-diverse Métis community members. Grounded in qualitative interviews and Métis methods including sharing circles and visual arts, this study looked at experiences of stigma, resilience, and healing for Key Informants including sexual or gender-diverse Métis Peoples. This article details findings from eight Key Informant interviews and discusses major themes related to Layers of Stigma, Métis Identity and Teachings, and Resilience and Healing. Conclusions offer directions for mental health service development and community healing.