Elder abuse within Indigenous communities is a grave but often hidden issue. Many elderly Indigenous individuals feel afraid or ashamed to report abuse, particularly when family members are the perpetrators. This abuse takes many forms, including spiritual, emotional, physical, sexual, and financial exploitation, all of which compound their vulnerability. 

The causes of elder abuse in Indigenous communities are dee

ply rooted in a combination of historical trauma and contemporary inequalities. The legacy of colonization, residential schools, and the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) have all played significant roles in fostering conditions that leave Indigenous elders exposed to harm. A lack of respect for oneself and for others is another factor contributing to these abuses, highlighting the erosion of traditional values and family structures over generations.

The Aftermath of Residential Schools

Residential schools were government-funded institutions that operated in Canada from the late 19th to the late 20th century. Their purpose was to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture, forcibly removing them from their families and communities. These institutions erased Indigenous languages, cultures, and identities, often replacing them with feelings of shame and loss.

The disruption caused by residential schools had far-reaching consequences. Many survivors were left without the parenting and emotional skills necessary to maintain healthy family relationships. This has perpetuated cycles of abuse and relationship struggles across generations, leaving many Indigenous families fractured and hurting.

For elderly Indigenous survivors of residential schools, the scars of abuse, neglect, and cultural loss remain ever-present. Many carry deep feelings of guilt, believing they are to blame for their suffering, which only perpetuates the cycle of trauma. The intergenerational effects of these schools have led to heightened poverty, mental health challenges, and substance abuse in Indigenous communities, further compounding the issues faced by elders.

Additionally, the profound legacy of mistrust fostered by these institutions complicates efforts to provide support systems and elder protection for Indigenous individuals. Survivors and their families may hesitate to engage with institutions or authorities, fearing further harm or neglect.

The Crisis: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)

Another harsh reality facing Indigenous communities is the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). This epidemic highlights the disproportionate rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls, driven by systemic racism, colonialism, and social inequalities. The crisis has left families and communities devastated, with its impact reverberating across generations.

For elderly Indigenous individuals, the grief and loss of daughters, granddaughters, and other loved ones profoundly affect their mental health and emotional well-being. The loss of caregivers disrupts family structures and caregiving systems, leaving elders without essential care and support. Women often play central roles as primary caregivers and cultural anchors in Indigenous families; their absence leaves a void that is deeply felt by.

The ongoing crisis profoundly fuels intergenerational trauma, amplifying emotional and psychological challenges for elders. As knowledge keepers and cultural pillars, they carry the weight of these losses, often facing isolation and severe mental health struggles. The widespread violence epidemic further disrupts community network structures that elders traditionally rely on for vital support systems.

Adding to their hardship are significant economic challenges, where the loss of younger family caregivers heightens financial strain. Already burdened by systemic inequities, these setbacks jeopardize the financial security and well-being of elderly Indigenous individuals, deepening their vulnerability.

Mistrust in institutions, fueled by systemic neglect and racism, leaves elders hesitant to seek help or report mistreatment. This mistrust makes it even harder to address the challenges faced by elderly Indigenous individuals, who may already feel marginalized and unsupported.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence and Financial Abuse

Domestic violence and financial abuse are also significant issues for Indigenous elders in Canada. Studies show that they are disproportionately affected by violence and exploitation within their homes and communities. Dependency on caregivers, limited access to resources, and societal stigma often exacerbate their vulnerability.

Financial exploitation, in particular, is a growing concern. Perpetrators, often family members or trusted individuals, may exploit elders’ financial resources, leaving them impoverished and dependent. This exploitation not only strips elders of their financial security but also their dignity and autonomy, leaving them feeling powerless.

The combination of these factors creates an environment where many Indigenous elders suffer in silence, unable or unwilling to seek help due to shame, fear, or mistrust in systems that have historically failed them.

Addressing the Challenges

Efforts to address elder abuse in Indigenous communities must be multifaceted and culturally sensitive, acknowledging the historical and cultural contexts that shape these issues. Effective interventions should include:

• Community-Based Approaches: Empowering Indigenous communities to develop their own solutions is essential. Traditional practices and values must be incorporated into support systems, ensuring they are culturally relevant and respectful.
• Raising Awareness: Public and community awareness campaigns can help highlight the signs of elder abuse and promote reporting mechanisms. This education can empower elders and their families to recognize and address abuse.
• Culturally Appropriate Services: Indigenous-led organizations and individuals who understand the nuances of historical trauma and cultural practices are best suited to provide support systems. These services must be accessible, inclusive, and tailored to meet the unique needs of vulnerable elders.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Working in partnership with Indigenous leaders, organizations, and communities ensures that approaches to elder abuse are relevant and effective. Collaboration builds trust and fosters long-term solutions.

The Path Forward

Ensuring the safety and well-being of elderly Indigenous people in Canada is a complex journey. It requires addressing both historical trauma and ongoing social inequities that compound their vulnerability. Public education, culturally appropriate support systems, and collaboration with Indigenous communities are critical steps forward.

Listening to the voices of Indigenous elders is essential. Their resilience, wisdom, and experiences provide invaluable guidance in creating solutions that honor their histories and traditions. Indigenous elders are cultural anchors and pillars of strength for future generations.

Through collective action and a commitment to justice, equity, and elder protection, we can address the impacts of residential schools, the crisis of MMIWG, and the broader issue of elder abuse. Together, we can foster a society that values, respects, and protects its most vulnerable members.

References:

https://afn.ca/rights-justice/murdered-missing-indigenous-women-girls/?form=MG0AV3

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-girls-in-canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs/news/2024/06/government-of-canada-makes-progress-in-addressing-the-calls-for-justice-to-end-national-crisis-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-girls-two-s.html

https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/canada/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum/social-isolation-indigenous/social-isolation-indigenous-seniors-EN.pdf

https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/residential-schools-their-lasting-impacts

https://iasquared.org/2023/05/30/hidden-elder-abuse-in-aboriginal-communities/

https://nwac.ca/assets-knowledge-centre/Fact_Sheet_Root_Causes_of_Violence_Against_Aboriginal_Women-1.pdf