This paper reviews some recent research on the mental health ofthe First Nations, Inuit, and Metis ofCanada. We
summarize evidencefor the social origins ofmental health problems and illustrate the ongoing responses ofindividuals
and communities to the legacy ofcolonization. Cultural discontinuity andoppression have been linked to high rates

Recent qualitative research conducted in metropolitan Perth and the Kimberley region of
Western Australia has highlighted major gaps in service delivery to Aboriginal clientele
suffering depression and suicidal ideation (Vicary, 2002). Seventy Aboriginal people were
interviewed about their beliefs and attitudes towards mental health, western psychology and