A Mind Spread Out on the Ground

“Interestingly, the Centre for Suicide Prevention has found lower rates of depression and suicide among communities that exhibit ‘cultural continuity.’ This includes self-government, land control, control over education and cultural activities, and command of police, fire and health services. In other words, the less Canada maintains its historical role as the abusive father, micromanaging and undermining First Nations at every turn, the better off the people are.” 

In this quote from the first and eponymous essay of A Mind Spread Out On The Ground, Elliott examines the scientific and historical evidence behind the issues that First Nations people are facing in Canada, especially mental illness such as the author’s depression. By zooming out and providing a wide-angle view of the effects of Indigenous oppression by the nation-state on mental health, Elliott clearly walks the reader through the ways intergenerational trauma is continued and disregarded by the Canadian government and society. Additionally, this quote is an example of how the author partners information on Indigenous peoples and issues with ideas of healing, including potential solutions for the reader to consider as she reveals the violence and harm perpetuated against Indigenous peoples.

“There is nothing in the book about the importance of culture, nothing about intergenerational trauma, racism, sexism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia. As if depression doesn’t ‘see’ petty things like race or gender or sexual orientation. ‘We’re all just people, man,’ melancholia mutters, pushing its white-boy dreads aside as it passes me a joint.” 

This quote from the first essay, “A Mind Spread Out On The Ground,” refers to a book that the author checked out from the library to learn more about her depression. In particular, she laments the challenge of understanding depression as a member of a marginalized community, living with the impact of intergenerational trauma passed down through her Indigenous ancestors. She points out that modern psychology and mental health resources tend to offer explanations and support without encapsulating those cultural trappings that burden marginalized populations.