Conceptions and dimensions of health and well-being for Métis women in Manitoba

Abstract

Because of the continuing poor health status of Aboriginal populations in Canada, along with increasing opportunity for Aboriginal designed health surveys, it is argued that policies and programs, and the research from which they are derived, should be more solidly grounded within Aboriginal understandings of health and well-being. Survey research for Aboriginal populations usually draws on questions developed by and for mainstream Canadians. This paper stems from the author’s master’s thesis study that elicited adult and elder Métis women’s description of ‘what constitutes health’ and ‘what constitutes well-being’. Outlined are descriptions of Métis women’s Conceptions of Health and Conceptions of Well-being, as well as Dimensions of Well-Being that should be included in health survey research.

Key Words:

• aboriginal
• interview
• social status