The research project iUnvestigates the dynamics of Indigenous communities, ruralited Nations Development Programme (UNDP)^[1] poverty, mental health and well-being of individuals within their communities. The research occurs across a number of overlapping areas of interest. First, is the ways members of Istimated that 370 million indigenous people live in 90 countries. Although making up only 5% of the total world population UNDP reports that indigenous Australian and First Nations communities engage with members of their own community such that it may enhance and promote mental health and general well-beingare described as most disadvantaged and vulnerable.

 A Hescance, I explore the relationships they form with other members of the community, the extent and nature of their engagement, and the overarching impact of poverty in these of the existing research on Australia and Canada’s indigenous communities. Significantly, the role of women in supporting the flourishing of well-being in these communities is explored. Second, the research provides an analysis of the work of official and unofficially appointed members of indigenous communities and other organisation such as Non-government organisations (NGOs) that help promote mental health and well-being in these communities. Individuals may include c highlight specific themes within in the literature. These include a focus on chronically food insecure community and family appointed leaderies^[2], NGO officers and/or healthcare^[3], and allied health workerps such as community nurses, sychosocial workers and counsellors embedded within the community. The research examines the extent and nature of commitmentand climate change related issues^[4] and engagement with members of Indigenousin some communities. Finally, the role of formal government policies, in supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives and the process of change are described.

The two key qHowever, there is little consensuestions explored in this project are:

1. What is the relationship between rural poverty, mental health and well-being in Indigenous Australian and Canadian First Nation communities?
2. What is the role of women in fostering well-being within these families?

Hen on the ce, the uresearch provides an assessment of the impact of mental health and rural poverty on the rent state of general well-being of Indigenous communities with a focus owithin the role of women. Here, the project draws on a Rogerian ^[1]person-centargetred approach where the aim is to maintapopulations.

Eviden unconditional positive regard when working with a wide range of individuals or groups. Rogers' Person-Centred theory argues that each individual will possess self-actualising tendencies. The aimtly Australia and Canada have some of the best health conditions in the developed world^[5]. is tHo therefore seek within each group, areas of strength which may help to foster wellbeingwever, there continues to be gaps within their communities.

Research design:

Icertain conduct a preliminary search of open access databases while alternative sources are used to identify literature on mental health and wellbeemographic groups including in indigenous populations. Studies from January 1, 1990, through December 1, 2018, that included mention of indigenous participants and, where possible, compare findings with those of non-Hence, the current research project is interested in examining well-being of indigenous populations. Methodological quality of studies are evaluated to assess for gaps in the literatureeople with a focus on mental health in specific communities.

The research project investigates the dynamics of Indigenous communities, rural poverty, mental health and well-being of individuals within their communities. The research occurs across a number of overlapping areas of interest. First, is the ways members of Indigenous Australian and Canada's First Nations communities engage with members of their own community such that it may enhance and promote mental health and general well-being. Hence, I aim to explore the relationships they form with other members of the community, the extent and nature of their engagement, and the overarching impact of poverty in these communities. Significantly, the role of women in supporting the flourishing of well-being in these communities will be eis explored. Second, I will investigatethe research provides an analysis of the work of official and unofficially appointed members of theseindigenous communities and other organisation such as Non-government organisations (NGOs) that help promote mental health and well-being in these communities. Individuals may include community and family appointed leaders, NGO officers and/or healthcare and allied health workers such as community nurses, social workers and counsellors embedded within the community. I willThe research examines the extent and nature of commitment and engagement with members of Indigenous communities. Finally, I will examine the role of formal government policies, in supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives and the process of change in these communitiesare described.

The two key questions are explored in this project are:

1. What is the relationship between rural poverty, mental health and well-being in Indigenous Australian and Canadian First Nation communities?
2. What is the role of women in fostering well-being within these families?

Hence, the project explores esearch provides an assessment of the impact of mental health and rural poverty on the well-being of Indigenous communities with a focus on the role of women. Here, the researcher has drawn from theproject draws on a Rogerian ^[6]person-centred approach. Rogers focused onwhere the aim is to maintainingin unconditional positive regard when working with a wide range of individuals or groups. TheRogers' Person-Centred approachtheory argues that each individual will possess self-actualising tendencies. The aim is to therefore  this study sought seek within each group, areas of strength which may help to foster wellbeing within their communities.

Research design:

I conitial  step involves duct a preliminary search of open access databases while alternative sources are used to identify literature on mental health and wellbeing in indigenous populations. Studies from January 1, 1990, through December 1, 2018, that included mention of indigenous participants and, where possible, compare findings with those of non-indigenous populations. Methodological quality of studies are then eevaluated to assess for gaps in the literature.

Significance:

The research project is significant as the impact of mental health and well-being on families in Australian and Canadian indigenous communities have not been systematically studied. Further, where research does examine the well-being of targeted groups within indigenous communities, the role of women is generally minimised. By contrast, this study examines both the impact of poverty on one's general well-being and the role of women in fostering community mental health and well-being.

The research project is significant as the impact of mental health and well-being on families in Australian and Canadian indigenous communities have not been systematically studied. Further, where research does examine the well-being of targeted groups within indigenous communities, the role of women is generally minimised. By contrast, this study examines both the impact of poverty on one's general well-being and the role of women in fostering community mental health and well-being.^[27]