Indigenous people in Canada historically had strong and rich traditions of land-based health and wellness and experience, knowledge, and tools for healing. Oral history suggests the population was characterized by good health and longevity, enhanced by ceremonial and spiritual practices for well-being. Contact with European settlers and colonial policies and practices of systemic oppression of Indigenous culture, language and traditions, residential schools and the “60s scoop” resulted in intergenerational trauma and marginalization of Indigenous communities and continue to have major social, economic and health consequences today. Compared with the general population, Indigenous men are at greater risk of depression and suicide and suffer a disproportionate burden of other mental health issues. Further, men are generally less likely than women to seek help with health issues and they face many barriers when accessing appropriate mental health services. As a result, men suffer in silence far too often. Research indicates many benefits of men’s-only spaces for health engagement to help promote healthy lifestyles, connections and strong mental health among men.
Created in 2010 by men living in Vancouver Downtown Eastside, the DUDES Club Society is aimed at building solidarity and brotherhood between members and promoting men’s health through education, dialogue, and health screening clinics. Currently, the program operates men’s group sessions in more than 40 communities across British Columbia. Since 2019, the program has been delivering its services in several correctional facilities.
The purpose of the project is to conduct evaluation of the Men’s Wellness in Provincial Correctional Centres program implemented by DUDES Club Society. The evaluation was focused on the portion of the program activities contracted through Provincial Health Services Authority. The evaluation was started in March 2021 and completed in September 2021, and examines program activities implemented from January 30, 2019 to August 30, 2021 at three correctional facilities, including: Prince George Regional Correctional Centre (PGRCC) Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC) and Nanaimo Correctional Centre (NCC).