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Letter: AI could transform mental health support in Yukon’s remote First Nations communities

Technology can help screen and treat mental health issues in remote communities, writer says
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In Yukon’s remote First Nations communities, mental health challenges like depression, anxiety and substance abuse are common. Geographic isolation makes these issues even harder to address. With limited access to mental health services, many people must travel long distances at great personal cost just to receive basic care. While these communities have strong cultural ties, the lack of consistent mental health services remains a significant barrier to overall wellness.

A new initiative is seeking to address these challenges by using artificial intelligence (AI) to provide accessible, culturally sensitive mental health support. This project, centred on an AI-driven mental wellness index, promises to provide real-time insights into mental health trends in Indigenous communities. What makes this initiative particularly unique is its focus on First Nations’ autonomy and data sovereignty. Indigenous leaders are directly involved in deciding how their community’s data is gathered, analyzed and used, closely following and going beyond the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access and possession. By working with anonymized data and ensuring First Nation control over the project, this initiative empowers local communities to take charge of their mental health support systems, creating sustainable futures.

In these isolated communities, the lack of access to health services is compounded by the emotional toll of their geographic isolation. Most of these areas are located far from urban centres, where mental health care is typically concentrated. The burden of travel, both financial and emotional, prevents many people from accessing the care they need.

But geography is only part of the issue. Historical trauma continues to have a profound impact on First Nation mental health. The ignominy of colonial practices, such as residential schools and the forced suppression of Indigenous cultures, has directly caused intergenerational trauma. This trauma, combined with systemic discrimination and forced disconnection from traditional lands, has created a mental health crisis that mainstream services have often failed to address adequately.

AI technology can help bridge some of these gaps. AI-powered tools provide local First Nations health workers with predictive insights, helping them detect early signs of mental health issues. These tools can identify patterns that may signal a need for intervention, such as changes in behaviour, social engagement, or activity levels. Importantly, the data collected is completely anonymized and under the control of the First Nation communities themselves. This ensures that the data is used in ways that align with their values and priorities. By taking this approach, the AI system serves as a tool to empower communities, rather than as an external force making decisions on their behalf.

The AI system helps communities by identifying mental wellness patterns, allowing health workers to catch emerging issues before they escalate. When changes in behaviour are detected, Indigenous health workers can intervene with culturally relevant responses that respect traditional practices. For example, if the AI system detects signs of distress or social withdrawal, the community may respond by offering land-based healing activities, traditional storytelling or organizing community gatherings. Those solutions are aligned with cultural practices and values. This approach ensures that technology works in partnership with culture, rather than imposing external solutions that may not resonate with the community.

While the project has been widely praised, some concerns remain about the limitations of AI in understanding the full complexity of mental wellness in First Nation communities. Mental health is often deeply intertwined with cultural and spiritual practices, which AI-driven data might not fully capture. For example, while AI can detect behavioural changes, it may not fully grasp the significance of connection to land, community and tradition, all of which are integral to mental wellness in culture. AI may also neglect to recognize the importance and context of stories belonging to a person, community or nation. 

The AI-driven wellness index also represents a potential model for other Indigenous communities across Canada and beyond. Many remote and underserved populations face similar challenges when it comes to accessing mental health services. This initiative shows that technology, when designed in collaboration with First Nation communities, can play a significant role in addressing these disparities. The project strikes a balance between leveraging modern technology and respecting traditional knowledge systems and ways of knowing, offering a new approach to supporting mental wellness in these communities.

Looking ahead, the project is hoping to expand to include more First Nations communities across the Yukon and potentially other regions. As the initiative grows, it will continue to refine the wellness index, ensuring that it remains rooted in First Nation ways of knowing and is responsive to the unique needs of each community. The ongoing collaboration between technology developers and First Nation leaders is essential to this process, ensuring that the project remains flexible and culturally relevant.

By combining the strengths of AI with traditional cultural practices, this initiative is paving the way for a new approach to mental health care in remote communities. It offers a powerful example of how technology and tradition can work together to promote mental wellness, while also ensuring that communities retain control over their health-care decisions.

Taryn Ellens, psychiatry PhD candidate and founder of Alnome, a tech startup focused on mental wellness in remote communities

Whitehorse