Indigenous Approaches to FASD Prevention

This booklet is intended as a starting place for individuals, organizations, and communities who are interested in learning how they can be involved in supporting FASD prevention in Indigenous communities in ways that are respectful of history, culturally aligned and supportive of Indigenous self-determination and cultural resurgence. [...] Central to wellness is belief in one’s connection to language, land, beings of creation, and ancestry, supported by a caring family and environment.”1 LEARN MORE Indigenous Wellness Framework Holistic approaches based on promoting individual and community wellness have guided FASD prevention activities in many Indigenous communities. [...] Land can provide a sense of belonging, provide the environment in which to practice cultural traditions, and provides the physical context for housing and home.3 Indigenous women have also drawn clear connections between the health of their bodies and the health of land, food, water, and climate. [...] Reproductive health and environmental health activists have shown how promoting mental wellness requires a holistic approach to issues such as sexual violence, reproductive health, and alcohol and substance use.4-6 In some Indigenous communities, discussions about preventing FASD have included topics such as access to contraception and ensuring that Indigenous women’s choices are not limited by pe [...] Movements towards reproductive health and justice have included bringing together Indigenous and Western knowledge and practices about sexuality and health and the development of culturally safe reproductive health services.