Indigenous Wellness Framework
The IWF is a foundational framework that was developed by Elders and Knowledge Keepers who shared their understanding of what wellness is from an Indigenous point of view.
Mental wellness is a balance of the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional. This balance is enriched as people have:
- HOPE for their future and those of their families that is grounded in a sense of identity, unique Indigenous values, and having a belief in spirit;
- a sense of BELONGING and connectedness within their families, to community, and to culture;
- MEANING and an understanding of how their lives and those of their families and communities are part of creation and a rich history
- and finally, a sense of PURPOSE in their daily lives whether it is through education, employment, care-giving activities, or cultural ways of being and doing;
If you’d like to read more about the IWF here’s a link to the IWF Reference Guide.
