Indigenous people and health in Canada

An Anishnaaabe two-spirit woman from Chippewas of Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation has filed a human rights complaint against the London Health Sciences Centre, alleging systemic discrimination at southwestern Ontario's largest hospital. Dubinski, K. (2021, November 25). Indigenous two-spirit woman files human rights complaint against London Health Sciences Centre. CBC News. Retrieved July 11, 2022, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/indigenous-two-spirit-woman-1.6259799

A Scoping Review looking at Indigenous determinants of health (IDH) and the needs of older adults who have multiple chronic conditions. Results suggest areas of need that include; accessible health services; building community capacity; improved social support networks; preservation of cultural values in health care; and wellness-based approaches. The authors highlight the need for local Indigenous knowledge and perspectives to improve outcomes and accessibility of services. Webkamigad, S., Rowe, R., Peltier, S., Froehlich Chow, A., McGilton, K. S., & Walker, J. D. (2020). Identifying and understanding the health and social care needs of Indigenous older adults with multiple chronic conditions and their caregivers: a scoping review. BMC geriatrics, 20(1), 145. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01552-5

A study out of British Columbia exploring a traditional based approach towards healthcare delivery for Indigenous peoples. Results suggest that traditional approaches can increase self-determination and improve outcomes. Auger, M., Howell, T., & Gomes, T. (2016). Moving toward holistic wellness, empowerment and self-determination for Indigenous peoples in Canada: Can traditional Indigenous health care practices increase ownership over health and health care decisions?. Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique, 107(4-5), e393–e398. https://doi.org/10.17269/cjph.107.5366

Website; Government of Canada website providing information on programs and services in place to support the health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples. Contains information on Jordan's Principle as well as resources on housing, reconciliation and government grants and funding options. Government of Canada. (2022, June 7). Indigenous Services Canada - Canada.ca. Retrieved July 10, 2022, from https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada.html

Website; The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) is a national Indigenous organization housed by the University of Northern BC (UNBC) and was established in 2005 by the Government of Canada and funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The centre supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations with public health renewal and health equity through knowledge translation and exchange. Officer, N. L. C. C. (n.d.). National Collaborative Centre for Indigenous Health. NCCIH. Retrieved July 10, 2022, from https://www.nccih.ca/en/

In this video, Anderson-DeCoteau, a Cree-Saulteaux physician, discusses differences and inequities of Indigenous health care in Canada and strategies to close the gap. Dr. Anderson DeCoteau discusses "Manito Ikwe Kagiikwe", a Winnepeg based program that offers suppport for pregnancy woman or young parents with substance use concerns. Anderson-DeCoteau, M. [TedX talks]. (2016, April 13). Indigenous Knowledge to Close Gaps in Indigenous Health | Marcia Anderson-DeCoteau | TEDxUManitoba [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpKjtujtEYI