Cultural Resurgence and Positive Self-rated Mental Health among on-Reserve Cree Adults in Rural Saskatchewan

Positive mental health among Indigenous Peoples is increasingly recognized as a vital area of inquiry, particularly in relation to resilience, cultural identity and community connection. These interrelated dimensions are also reflected in the concept of cultural resurgence, an Indigenous-led initiative and a central component of decolonization. Indigenous cultural resurgence is defined as a process of revitalizing Indigenous languages, traditions, knowledge systems, and self-determination while maintaining collective well-being. Although several studies have examined the relationship between cultural resurgence and mental health in Indigenous communities, significant gaps remain in understanding this association, particularly in relation to positive mental health among on-reserve First Nation adults in Canada. Moreover, existing research often overlooks gender-specific experiences. This study adopted a strength-based approach to explore associations between cultural resurgence and positive self-rated mental health (SRMH) among on-reserve Cree adults in rural Saskatchewan, with attention to gender differences in these relationships. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey of 832 Cree adults (55% women), conducted during the initial phase of a multifaceted research project in collaboration with three Cree communities. Positive SRMH was assessed as by asking participants to rate their overall mental health. Four indicators of cultural resurgence were considered: involvement in cultural activities, connection to the land, sense of community belonging, and first language learned. Multivariable logistic regression was used as the primary analytical method. Results showed that men (36%) were more likely than women (23%) to report positive SRMH. More cultural involvement was associated with greater positive SRMH, with a stronger effect observed among men. Individuals who neither agreed nor disagreed with their connection to the land and its teachings had a significantly lower odds of reporting positive SRMH compared to those who agreed or strongly agreed (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.77, p = .01). Similarly, individuals who reported being neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their sense of community belonging had a significantly lower odds of positive SRMH compared to those who were satisfied or very satisfied (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34-0.98, p = .04). First language learned at home was not significantly associated with positive SRMH. Considering these associations, mental wellness programs and policies should be tailored based on the cultural factors influencing the mental health of on-reserve Indigenous adults while addressing the distinct experiences of women and men. Future research also should consider longitudinal and mixed methods approaches to better understand the pathways linking cultural resurgence and positive mental health.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Community and Population Health Science

Grantor

University of Saskatchewan

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Anjum, Humaira

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Janzen, Bonnie

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Abonyi, Sylvia
• Alhassan, Jacob
• Muhajarine, Nazeem

• Cultural Resurgence
• Positive Mental Health
• SRMH
• Cree Adults
• Indigenous Health
• Gender Differences
• Rural Saskatchewan

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10388/17741

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:harvest.usask.ca:10388/17741