Aboriginal Elder Abuse in Canada

Aboriginal Elders are the most vulnerable, and voiceless group of members in our society. But Aboriginal Elders have been a source of knowledge in First Nation’s communities for as long as we can remember. They are a source of knowledge in terms of us being aware of our roots. The Elders in First Nations communities carry with them knowledge, wisdom, and strength that is passed down to younger generations. They are highly valued in First Nation communities. This blog entry will briefly discuss the topic of Aboriginal Elder abuse in Canada.  There is a lack of information regarding Aboriginal Elder abuse in Canada, and throughout the world.  But it is a problem and issue that cannot be overlooked. As I did some research I found that information related to the topic was sparse. So I will only briefly discuss and highlight the issue. A brief definition of Elder abuse in Canada can be looked at or analyzed into three basic categories. According to McDonald (2011), these categories include, “a) abuse of the older adult in the community; b) institutional abuse; and c) neglect” (p. 439). McDonald further goes on to explain that, “Most would agree on the major types of abuse – physical, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse” (2011, p. 439). This can applied to Aboriginal Elder abuse in Canada as well. They face abuse in the community, in institutions, and many suffer from neglect. Furthermore, most would concur that many have faced physical, psychological, sexual, and even financial abuse as a result of the Residential School system. We must not forget emotional and spiritual abuse as well. Spiritual abuse can be viewed in terms of loss of language, culture, and traditions as a result of the colonization process. Financial abuse can be seen as a loss of resources, as a result of specific family situations or societal factors. In trying to research statistical data numbers regarding Aboriginal Elder abuse in Canada, the information is sparse as already noted.  But I have personally seen firsthand Elder abuse occur in both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, which is extremely disturbing and heartbreaking.

Many elderly Aboriginal people struggle to survive in our modern world. They face many barriers, such as racism, access to proper health care services, and are faced with disturbing social-economic conditions. These conditions include issues such as; lack of education, housing, employment, and lack of culturally specific health and social service programs. Furthermore, Aboriginal Elders are prone to being victimized for a variety of reasons. One example is that Elders in our communities have lost respect both within the community and the family, as a result of the colonization process, particularly the Residential School system.  I’m sure we are all aware by now that the Residential School system destroyed the function of the Aboriginal family. The current state of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples is directly linked to the colonization process. One example concerning Elder abuse can be seen with Aboriginal women Elders. According to Dumont-Smith (2002), “Aboriginal women are abused due to financial reasons, lack of respect, loss of traditional roles, loss of traditional life-style, lower levels of education, drug and alcohol problems of abusers… this is a non-issue for community leaders, managers, and police; and there is a lack of programs and services for Aboriginal female Elders who are victims of abuse in rural and isolated communities” (p. 9). This is especially evident concerning access to health programs, especially for Elders who are situated in the north who are isolated.  More resources and services need to be provided, in terms of culturally-specific healing programs geared towards Aboriginal Elders.

Although there is little information and/or research to suggest the absolute scientific certainty of Aboriginal Elders being abused in Canada, there are indicators which suggest that violence against Aboriginal Elders is higher than the rest of Canada. There is no doubt that violence in First Nation communities occurs rather extensively. I have heard stories in the news very recently from my own community and even in Winnipeg’s Aboriginal community of violent acts taking place. It seems that is occurring weekly, or perhaps even daily. Dumont-Smith (2002) explains that, “those who lack power in society are the most likely victims of violence; they are vulnerable because they lack the means to resist violence, to escape from dangerous situations and to gain protection from society. Those who lack power may in turn lash out at those even less able to resist, and a cycle of violence is created” (p. 8). We can see this with Aboriginal Elders and the institution of the family. Those who lack power in society, access to adequate resources, and those who are most are vulnerable as a result of the colonization process, may inhibit violence against others, in this case Aboriginal elders.  

More research is needed to address the issue of Aboriginal Elder abuse in Canada, and the factors that lead to Elder abuse. Hopefully more attention, research, and knowledge into the area will bring the issue to the forefront. There is no question that Aboriginal Elder abuse does occur in Canada, in both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. I have seen it occur. For example; some youth, not saying all, are not taught certain values by their parents.  As a result, they may show disrespect towards an Elder. This may not be seen as abuse, but merely disrespect or perhaps even ignorance. I myself feel it is both disrespect and ignorance. Their actions may stem from the fact they were not taught by their parents certain values or even proper ‘protocol’ when in the presence of an Elder. This may because of both the colonization process and the values learned within the Residential school system. Furthermore, I have seen Aboriginal Elder abuse occur in Winnipeg streets, while at work, and even in my very own neighborhood.  The abuse I seen was in the form physical and emotional, and was really disturbing and heartbreaking to see. Aboriginal elders are highly valued in Aboriginal society, but many are experiencing different forms of abuse. I know there is extensive research out there with regards to non-Aboriginal Elder abuse, but research is lacking in the more specific area of Aboriginal Elder abuse. This needs to change, but I feel and am very positive it likely will sooner or later.  

- Dara

                                                           References

Dumont – Smith, C. (2002). Aboriginal Elder Abuse in Canada. Aboriginal Healing Foundation – Research Series. Retrieved online from http://www.ahf.ca/downloads/ahfresearchelderabuse_eng.pdf

McDonald, L. (2011). Elder Abuse and Neglect in Canada: The Glass is Still Half Full. Canadian Journal on Aging, 30 (3), 437-465. doi: 10.1017/S0714980811000286