The mental health of Indigenous Peoples during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

Abstract

Indigenous Peoples face significant disparities related to mental health and well-being due to colonization and its ongoing impacts, further impacted by COVID-19. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage framework and Bartlett’s Indigenous Two-Eyed Seeing approach, a reflexive review of the literature about Indigenous mental health during the pandemic was undertaken. Consultant interviews were also completed, and thematically organized, with Indigenous People from three Indigenous-serving mental health organizations in Ontario. Key themes included: highlighting Indigenous voices, historical context, challenges and strengths in culturally based services, virtual transition, financial support for Indigenous services, health service delivery and well-being, and culture and community connection. The themes bridge gaps in service provision, the mental health impacts of loss of connection with community due to pandemic restrictions, how mental health supports can be improved, and which services provided during the pandemic should continue. This review provides service providers clear recommendations based on the findings to help improve Indigenous mental health and service provision.