Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence is pleased to release our report entitled Kiskâyitamawin Miyo-Mamitonecikan: Urban Aboriginal Women & Mental Health.

This community-based research project, which took place over 2009/2010, included focus group discussions and personal interviews with 46 Aboriginal women in Winnipeg and Saskatoon. The participants included women with lived mental health experiences, Elders, front-line workers and a member of the mental health research community. Each of the women made unique contributions to this project by speaking frankly to the following questions:

1. What are the key factors influencing Aboriginal women's mental health?
2. How do Aboriginal women define mental health and well-being?
3. Are there mental health resources available in the community and have these been used?
4. What are the barriers to seeking out mental health programs and services?
5. What are Aboriginal women's mental health needs?

Based on our conversations with the women, specific recommendations were drawn up for policy and program development which could lead to better meeting the mental health needs of Aboriginal women.