Indigenous Health Resources
Indigenous Canadians consist of three broad groups: First Nations, Inuit, and Metis. Each brings with them their own unique languages, history, traditions, and value systems. Due to historical colonialist decisions and systemic racism, Indigenous People tend to live in a lower socioeconomic status and have worse living conditions, leading to poorer health outcomes.
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Below are some resources on:
Medical Evacuations for Pregnant Inuit in Nunavut (see Blog Post)
Canadian Statistics and Resources
Historical Trauma and Indigenous Mental Health
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Medical Evacuations for Pregnant Inuit in Nunavut
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Evaluating medical needs and services accessed in Manitoba for the Kivalliq Inuit People.
Clark, W., Lavoie, J.G., McDonnell et al., (2022). Trends in Inuit Health Services Utilisation in Manitoba: Findings from the Qanuinngitsiarutiksait Study. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 81(1). doi: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2073069
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Historical background on the practice of medical evacuations and the unintended consequences.
Dreaddy, K. (2019). Indigenous Obstetric Evacuation: Harmful but Risky to Resist. Impact Ethics. https://impactethics.ca/2019/12/19/indigenous-obstetric-evacuation-harmful-but-risky-to-resist/
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Globe and Mail article highlighting the emotional and logistical impacts of medical evacuations and the needs of regional midwifery services.
Grant, K. (2021). In Nunavut, a Push to blend Traditional Inuit Birthing Practices with Modern Doula Care. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-keeping-the-spirit-of-traditional-inuit-birthing-practices-alive/
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Using the first comprehensive study on Inuit birthing evacuations, this provides a review of current practices, data, historical relevance, and economic impacts.
Lavoie, J.G., Clark, W., McDonnell, L. et al (2022). Kivalliq Inuit Women Travelling to Manitoba for Birthing: Findings from the Qanuinngitsiarutiksait Study. BCM Pregnancy and Childbirth, 22:870. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-022-05214-9
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A review of the pilot Kivalliq Inuit Centre which provides prenatal education classes and support for Inuit People who are evacuated to Winnipeg for birthing medical care.
Lawford, K.M & Giles, A.R. (2016). Kivalliq Inuit Centre Boarding Home and the Provision of Prenatal Education. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 9(75). doi: 10.3402/ijch.v75.32213
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A review focused on current pitfalls of medical evacuations and alternative practices for Inuit births.
Lee, E., Gudmundson, B., & Lavoie, J.G. (2022). Returning Childbirth to Inuit Communities in the Canadian Arctic. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 81(1). doi: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2071410
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CBC RadioOne article on the midwifery services in Nunavut
Moran, P. & McCue, D. (2023). Hands of a Midwife. CBC Radio One. Hands of a midwife (cbc.ca)
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Indigenous Health Statistics in Canada
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The CMA is dedicated to advocating for Indigenous -lead reconciliation efforts in healthcare
Canadian Medical Association (2023). Indigenous Health. https://www.cma.ca/our-focus/indigenous-health
Information by the Government of Canada on health and social services for Indigenous Canadians
Government of Canada (2022). Health Services and Social Programs for Indigenous Peoplehttps://www.canada.ca/en/services/indigenous-peoples/health-services-and-social-programs-indigenous-peoples.html
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Exploring the social determinants of health and discrepancies leading to a gender-gap health disparity among Indigenous Canadians
Hu, M., Hajizadeh, M. (2023). Mind the Gap: What Factors Determine the Worse Health Status of Indigenous Women Relative to Men Living Off-Reserve in Canada? Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 10:1138–1164. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-022-01301-x
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Education program through Island Health (British Columbia) on Indigenous healthcare practices and Indigenous health initiative plans (IHIP).
Island Health (2023). Indigenous Health Cultural Safety. BC Provincial Health Authority. https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/indigenous-health/indigenous-health-cultural-safety
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Education program through the University of Alberta on Indigenous Heritage and public sensitivity.
University of Alberta (2023). Indigenous Canada. Faculty of Native Studies. https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html
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Information and resources on Indigenous Canadians through the Canadian Nurses Association to improve Indigenous health
Canadian Nurses Association (2023). Indigenous Health. https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/policy-advocacy/advocacy-priorities/indigenous-health
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Resources on First Nations, Inuit, and Metis health statistics by Ottawa Public Health
Ottawa Public Health (2023). Resources for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Community Members. https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/resources-for-first-nations-inuit-and-m-tis-community-members.aspx
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Final Report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions of Canada with guidelines on improving Indigenous relations and affairs.
Truth and Reconciliation Commissions of Canada (2015). What We Have Learned: Principles of Truth and Reconciliation. https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Principles_English_Web.pdf
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Foundation which raises awareness and provides support to families who are victims of missing and murdered Indigenous women for Canada and the United States of America
Native Hope (2023). Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw
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Improving the reporting of missing and murdered Indigenous women using the WHO multicountry study survey methodology in Columbia
Navarro-Mantas, L., & Ozemela, L. M.-G. (2021). Violence Against the Indigenous Women: Methodological and Ethical Recommendations for Research. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36:13-14. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519825879
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Database for marginalized populations in Ontario
Public Health Ontario (2023). Ontario Marginalization Index (ON-MARG).
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Data-and-Analysis/Health-Equity/Ontario-Marginalization-Index
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Indigenous Food Source and Scarcity
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Improving food security through collaborative practices among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
Elliott, B., Jayatilaka, D., Brown, C., Varley, L., & Corbett, K. K. (2012). "We Are Not Being Heard": Aboriginal Perspectives on Traditional Foods Access and Food Security. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012(130945), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/130945
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Description of the Seventh Generation Principles and how it pertains to Indigenous beliefs and identify.
Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. (2020, May 30). What is the Seventh Generation Principle? Indigenous Awareness Indigenous Relations Traditional Knowledge Environment. Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/what-is-the-seventh-generation-principle
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Canada's National Observer article about the importance of providing culturally appropriate food options for hospital in-patients to promote wellness and improve health outcomes.
Logan, C. (2021, February 19). Why bringing traditional food into Haida Gwaii hospitals and schools matters. Canada’s National Observer. Why bringing traditional food into Haida Gwaii hospitals and schools matters | Canada's National Observer: News & Analysis
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Delving into the Anishinaabe educational philosophy and its application to identify, wellness, and promotion.
Morcom, L.A. (2017). Indigenous holistic education in philosophy and practice, with wampum as a case study. Foro de Educación, 15(23), 121. https://DOI:10.14516/fde.572
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Interpreting the Mi’kmaw Two-Eyed Seeing as blending Indigenous methodology and participatory action research in a relevant, reciprocal, and respectful framework.
Peltier, C. (2018). An Application of Two-Eyed Seeing: Indigenous Research Methods with Participatory Action Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406918812346
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Coloniasl actions have resulted in Indigenous People living in food wastelands. Reconciliation efforts need to promote a deep understanding of the integral relationship between Indigenous People and the land.
Penner, S., Kevany, K., & Longboat, S. (2019). Indigenous Food Sovereignty in Canada: Policy Paper 2019. Rural Policy Learning Commons. (PDF) Indigenous Food Sovereignty in Canada: Policy Paper 2019 (researchgate.net)
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The first review which explores the use and application of Two-Eyes seeing in data analysis.
Rankin, A., Baumann, A., Downey, B., Valaitis, R., Montour, A., Mandy, P., & Bourque Bearskin, D. (2023). Two-Eyed Seeing Application in Research Analysis: An Integrative Review. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231197342
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Youtube video providing excellent content on Indigenous food, healing, and pathway towards reconciliation.
UBC Learning Circle. (2022, February 18). Food is Our Medicine: Understanding Indigenous foodways to work towards healing and reconciliation [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVErRwh6LbI&t=2212s
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Historical Trauma and Indigenous Mental Health
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An incredibly in-depth paper exploring the economic development among Indigenous Canadians as individuals and in group settings.
Anderson, R. B. (2002). Entrepreneurship and Aboriginal Canadians: A case study in economic development. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, 7(1), 45.
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A powerful review on historical trauma related to Indigenous People's health including racism, discrimination, and microaggression.
Joo-Castro, L., & Emerson, A. (2021). Understanding Historical Trauma for the Holistic Care of Indigenous Populations: A Scoping Review. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 39(3), 285–305. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898010120979135
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Indigenous People have increased rates of substance abuse due to historical trauma and modern disparities in determinants of health. This paper advocates for multifacetted approach to substance use conversation in the context of historial influences.
Pride, T., Lam, A., Swansburg, J., Seno, M., Lowe, M. B., Bomfim, E., Toombs, E., Marsan, S., LoRusso, J., Roy, J., Gurr, E., LaFontaine, J., Paul, J., Burack, J. A., Mushquash, C., Stewart, S. H., & Wendt, D. C. (2021). Trauma-informed Approaches to Substance Use Interventions with Indigenous Peoples: A Scoping Review. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 53(5), 460–473. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2021.1992047
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Data analysis on the disproportionate rates of substance abuse among Indigenous Canadians, focusing on alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and related harms.
Firestone, M., Tyndall, M., & Fischer, B. (2015). Substance Use and Related Harms among Aboriginal People in Canada: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Health Care for the Poor & Underserved, 26(4), 1110–1131. doi
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Programs and services promoted through the Government of Canada to support mental health among Indigenous People.
Government of Canada (2022). Indigenous Mental Health. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1576088923626/1576088963494
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Suicide prevention and awareness programs sponsored through the Government of Canada.
Government of Canada (2022). Suicide Prevention in Indigenous Communities. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1576089685593/1576089741803
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Actions and strategies to address the rates of suicide among Inuit People.
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (2023). National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy. https://www.itk.ca/national-inuit-suicide-prevention-strategy/
McGuire, Michaela M. (2022). Let’s Talk about Indigenous Mental Health: Trauma, Suicide & Settler Colonialism. Yellowhead Institute. Let’s Talk about Indigenous Mental Health: Trauma, Suicide & Settler Colonialism - Yellowhead Institute
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A powerful testimonial to the historical traumas Indigenous People have faced in Canada and the measures needed to move towards reconciliation
Mental Health Commission of Canada (2023). First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/first-nations-inuit-and-metis/
Advocating for stronger mental health services, the Mental Health Commission of Canada has set forth an agenda which addresses accessibility and equitable psychological support systems.
Mental Health Commission of Canada (2020). Mental Health Commission of Canada Declaration of Reconciliation. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/wp-content/uploads/drupal/2021-06/Declaration_of_Reconciliation_2021_eng.pdf
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The non-profit Thunderbird Partnership supports First Nations with access to substance use and addition programs and cultural supportive initiatives.
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation (2022). First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework. https://thunderbirdpf.org/fnmwc/
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