Men and sexual health

Aboriginal Nurse, The, 2002

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Men are not apt to talk about sex, whereas women are more apt to talk about it ... We are scared to deal with our own issues. You know, as a man you want to be the "tough guy."

Introduction

When our societies were land. based, the division of labour was gendered [different form, and women]. Men worked outside the community as hunters and warriors and women within, in the areas of childcare, agriculture, food preparation, and housing. These divisions accommodated the work required for a land-based lifestyle ... It was men who procured the necessary items whi were then turned into food, shelter or clothing.1

Much has changed since all Aboriginal people lived off the land and the water. Some still do live a traditional lifestyle, but most families and communities are no longer completely self-supporting and only a few nations govern themselves. Overall, Aboriginal men adapted well to the changing economy of the Europeans, becoming traders, guides and trappers, in spite of many barriers. The 21 st century is an exciting time to be a Metis, Inuit or First Nations man we are reclaiming many of our traditional lands and starting successful businesses, beginning or continuing our healing journeys, and forming stronger connections to our partners, children, families and communities. It is also a time of struggle as we begin to understand the full effects of the changes we have survived.

For all people, sexual health is closely connected to our personal identity, our roles in society and our feelings of self-worth. Colonization took away men's roles as providers and protectors, and racism often prevented us from getting jobs or developing businesses that would allow us to be selfsupporting providers for our families. For some, addictions and violence have resulted - too many men and boys live with a poor ability to have healthy relationships, to protect our sexual health from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, and to be free from sexual and physical violence.

As Metis, Inuit and First Nations men, we are beginning to examine how our roles have changed and to look at our own sexual health. Feeling good about ourselves, and the people we love, is important to good health and healthy sexuality. Good sexual health contributes to overall personal wellbeing, and in turn helps build stronger families and communities.

Metis men are not apt to talk about sex, whereas women are more apt to talk about it ... We are scared to deal with our own issues. You know, as a man you want to be the "tough guy." You know? And that is a real big barrier we have to learn how to get through, especially as

younger men. I guess when you get older as a man you become more open and willing to discuss these things. But when you are younger you don't want to deal with it - you are still invincible.

Metis man from northern Alberta

Sexual Health Issues of Concern to Aboriginal Men

Below are some key issues to address and ways that health care providers and others can support Aboriginal men to improve their sexual health.

Begin to Talk About Ourselves

The most important thing that men can do right now is to begin to talk openly and honestly about ourselves. We need to talk to each other, to our partners, our children, our parents, and to health care providers and Aboriginal leaders. We need to talk about our changing roles, our hopes and fears for our communities and our nations, our past experiences and our needs for the future.

Renewed Involvement with Our Children

In land-based economies, parents and children spend a great deal of time together, teaching and learning, playing and working. Now, as a result of the need to work away from the family, and social and personal problems, many Aboriginal men are more distant from their families. Closeness to our children has been lost, and the whole family, as well as communities, are feeling this loss. Men are important role models for their sons and daughters, as well as important teachers of traditions and values.

In traditional societies, both women and men were instructed, from early ages, about their bodies and about the differences between men and women. Women were well respected in their communities because they were the givers and carriers of life. Boys and men were taught how to respect women by male and female Elders. They were taught the traditional value of respecting children based on Medicine Wheel teachings ...2

Service providers can assist Aboriginal men in remaining connected, and in reconnecting with their families, by actively including them in programs from prenatal support to parenting programs and sexuality education sessions. Also, they can encourage young men to question stereotyped gender roles of mothers and fathers, and involve men in the planning and delivery of education and awareness programs.

Pilot coordinator Lerinda says:

Honour and integrity are taken from men when their children are taken away. We should continue to identify men as warriors in the sense of being the protectors of land, women and children. That's their place in society. Let men know that their power lies in their role as a protector.