Nato' we ho win: A Model of Recovery for Indigenous Women to heal from Intimate Partner Violence

We evaluated the effects experienced by Indigenous women in Saskatchewan who participated in Nato' we ho win using a longitudinal research study employing quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative outcomes of the study, examined the self-reported quality of life, personal agency, interpersonal agency, resilience, connectedness, post-traumatic growth, depression, and anxiety of the participants before and after participation, and again one year later.

The Indigenous mixed-methods study described in this article was used to co-create a culturally responsive model of care for Indigenous women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). We developed a community-level adaptable model that incorporates equity of access, promotes integrated care, ensures realistic resource utilization, and provides a vision for the future. The results demonstrate that culture-based therapies used to aid Indigenous women in recovering from IPV help enhance mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. This study describes a recovery model for Indigenous women who experienced intimate partner violence and participated in the Nato’we ho win (Cree, “the art of self-healing”) program. Peer advocacy is a culturally sensitive, evidence-based approach to Indigenous health and well-being support. Shifting policies and attitudes toward those routinely targeted for violence is critical to improving relationships between Indigenous women and those who can protect them.

We utilized the Cultural Responsiveness Framework (CRF) (Sasakmoose et al., 2017) to highlight Indigenous-centered research and performance metrics that respect cultural restoration and acknowledge that traditions, ceremonial practices, and sacred roles are inextricably linked to Indigenous health and well-being.

We employed a Learning Health System Framework as a model of change. As a community-led program, the recovery model was designed to meet the needs of clients holistically. The recovery model functions through 1) referral from the domestic violence program, 2) screening and intake, 3) 13-week holistic and cultural group therapy intervention, 4) Peer health advocacy 5) one-year follow-up and knowledge translation. We created an adaptive model at the community level that combines access equity, encourages integrated care, assures realistic resource usage, and builds community-level capacity.

Evidence supports the applicability of the Nato’ we ho win recovery model as a healing strategy for Indigenous women who have experienced intimate partner violence. Journal papers, community reports, and presentations on knowledge translation provide in-depth examinations of findings and analyses. Additionally, the peer-based model has been modified to work with Indigenous HIV/HCV patients, Elders, pregnant women, and people with diabetes.

The results have been disseminated through peer-reviewed journal articles, community reports, and a community-based manual. The community-based reports are accessible on the website https://pathssk.org/natowehowin/

In some ways, it made us actually connect to ourselves creatively. Need to Weijuan is really proof that our culture is something that brings us together and makes us embrace each other strengths and weaknesses, or helps us through our weaknesses and just embrace each other - Ana Ka-Naskomot

In our culture, if you know some of the traditional teachings and our ways if you're raised with those teachings, as a woman and you're already proud of being a woman because you understand your power. You understand your connection. You understand your abilities and the power that you hold and many of our girls don't even know that anymore - Ana Ka-Naskomot

Counselling Psychology, Social Work, Indigenous health and wellbeing, Indigenous research