Abstract

Research specifically examining the health and social service priorities of Indigenous men remains limited, particularly in rural and remote First Nations communities. This exploratory qualitative study examined the health and social service needs and care priorities of Anicinapek men living in Lac Simon and Kitcisakik, Quebec. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 men between September and November 2023 and analyzed thematically. This is an exploratory study; thematic saturation was not reached, and comparative analysis between the two communities is not supported. Participants described interconnected needs related to the management of chronic health conditions, psychosocial and mental health support, family and caregiving responsibilities, and access to adequately resourced services. They also emphasized the need for more male health and social service practitioners and for services that provide privacy, relational continuity, and culturally meaningful forms of support. Community-based services were generally preferred because of their proximity, familiarity, and capacity to incorporate cultural activities, collective values, and local relationships. Participants nevertheless identified limitations in available infrastructure, emergency care, specialized services, and workforce stability. Their accounts also highlighted men’s active engagement in managing their health, supporting their families, transmitting cultural values, and strengthening mutual aid within their communities. These exploratory findings demonstrate the importance of developing flexible, culturally grounded, and community-informed services that build on Anicinapek men’s knowledge, caregiving roles, and existing networks of community support.t.

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