Borderlands and spatial identity: A narrative inquiry into the mental and emotional experiences of rural first nations' women in Canada

The central focus of this study is the examination of individual First Nations’ women’s lives in a highly politicized context. These issues of social structure where biology, history and politics intersect, play a particular role in how mental health is practiced, expressed and considered in Canada and therefore can effect how First Nations’ women construct their individual and social identity. Women who reside on reserve land, live, love and experience life within the boundaries of their rural, and First Nations’ identities. This study will challenge the political ideals that have created these social and cultural borderlands and will attempt to offer insights into First Nation’s women’s two-world and multifaceted construction of self by exploring the First Nation’s women’s stories of health and illness, and how these experiences affect their understanding and construction of identity when living within the context of rurality. Narrative Inquiry will be used to portray the experiences of 5 women over a ten month period through individual interviews and focus groups. This process is a suitable and meaningful method that utilizes traditional possibilities that are common and familiar to First Nation’s people.  

Key words: Aboriginal, First Nations, Women, Rural, Mental Health, Identity, Narrative Inquiry, Indian Reserve, Canada