Approaching a Cultural Understanding of Suicide and Complex Death Among Older Indigenous Adults: Perspectives of Indigenous Elders

摘要

Indigenous people across Canada are disproportionately affected by suicide. Yet, little research has been conducted that examines how older Indigenous adults are impacted. Additionally, cultural factors of suicide are often overlooked. This research aimed to center the voices of Indigenous Elders to contribute to nuanced conceptualizations of the meaning of suicide within Indigenous populations to include key cultural dimensions and the experiences of older Indigenous peoples. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were held with six Indigenous Elders. Narrative analysis revealed three main themes and several subthemes related to meanings of death, complex death, and suicide, and three main themes with several subthemes related to ecological contexts of suicide. Results indicate a need to rethink conventional definitions of suicide to include a deeper understanding of complex death and relational and spiritual dimensions. The findings also indicated a need to address systemic racism, structural violence, and economic marginalization of Indigenous populations.