Indigenous populations are affected by all social determinants of health, as well as a complex history of colonialism, racism and residential schools. In this video Indigenous health in Canada, learn about common issues experienced by Indigenous individuals in Canada, in particular, the problems they face regarding access to healthcare.
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Read about 8 Key Issues for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. These concerns are complex and inexorably intertwined – so much so that government, researchers, policymakers and Indigenous leaders seem hamstrung by the enormity. The roots of these issues lie in the Indian Act and colonialism.
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The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health created a fact sheet with a focus on the lived and structural forms of racism. Indigenous Experience with Racism and its Impacts includes a discussion of how the dominant racialized group expresses racism in historic and current contexts and how it impacts the wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.
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Racism is increasingly recognized as a factor that plays a role in mental health as well as disparities in mental health care. This article looks at the Mental Health Effects of Racism on Indigenous Communities.
Read MoreSocial conditions, including health, income, education, employment and community, contribute to the well-being of all people. Social Conditions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is an entry in the Canadian Encyclopedia that looks at how for Indigenous people social conditions have been impacted by the dispossession of cultural traditions, social inequities, prejudice and discrimination.
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Hear from Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Piikani Blackfoot Nation Elder in Calgary, and Johnny Caisse, a young volunteer with the Diamond Willow Youth Lodge, in this video telling a poignant and personal story of what it means to experience intergenerational trauma.
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The trauma experienced by residential school survivors didn’t only impact the mental and physical health of one generation, it was passed on to their children, grandchildren and future generations. Learn more in this CBC video.
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What is intergenerational trauma and how do you heal from it? This United Way blog post looks at how breaking the cycle of trauma has Indigenous peoples in Canada working through more than 150 years of hurt
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Government assimilation tactics have created intergenerational effects learn about these effects and how the trauma passes in this blog post, How intergenerational trauma affects Indigenous communities.
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Follow Sage Against the Machine – a Facebook page sharing videos with stories of Indigenous resilience, powwow dancing and success stories
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The Talking Stick App is an anonymous chat platform connecting First Nations with First Nations peers who provide cultural based support and confidential conversations, one on one.
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Dr. Stabley Vollant is the first Innu surgeon in Quebec. In 2010 he walked 6,000 km from Labrador through Quebec and Ontario speaking at schools and bringing elders together. From this he founded Puamun Meshkenu (path of thousand dreams) in 2016 to inspire and support Indigenous individuals to develop their full mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional potential.
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The Centre for Suicide Prevention created a toolkit, Indigenous people, trauma, and suicide prevention that looks at how to prevent suicides and promote life.
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Understanding intergenerational trauma is important to address well-being in Indigenous communities. This paper, Aboriginal Peoples and Historic Trauma: The process of intergenerational transmission, by the National Collaboration Centre for Aboriginal Health introduces Trauma Theory and how it is transmitted through generations.
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In Plain Sight is the report of the Addressing Racism Review that is set to address Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in the British Columbia Health Care system.
Read the Summary Report or the Full Report
Read MoreWatch, the Call for Equitable Indigenous Healthcare in Canada: Nation to Nation Collaboration. The film includes interviews with Indigenous traditional Knowledge Keeper Rose Richardson and her husband, healthcare patient Mayor Ric Richardson, as well as Director of Surgical Oncology at the University of Saskatchewan Dr. Gary Groot.
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Douglas Bird clothing represents strength in overcoming trauma. A powerful placement of images and words placed on garments that can be worn with pride and giving the people who wear these garments an uplifting sense of freedom.
Created by Niall Schofield empowers people whose lives have been affected by FASD. His story is one of triumph over life’s struggles through faith and determination. He knows first-hand what it takes to change your life.
Read MoreThe History of Food in Canada Is the History of Colonialism
An article in Walrus magazine looks at the destruction of Indigenous food systems and asks what would it take to restore them.
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Learn about the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) by visiting this website that is specific to the process of the inquiry. Or dive into this important new title addressing issues around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: Keetsahnak: Our Murdered and Missing Indigenous Sisters reveals “the tension between personal, political, and public action. . .as the contributors look at the roots of violence and how it diminishes life for all. Together, they create a model for anti-violence work from an Indigenous perspective.”
Read MoreThe online magazine alive offers an article on “Aboriginal Medicine: Four Canadian plants with the power to heal” by Cara McKenna.
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This CBC News article includes a short video and looks at a program at Wanuskewin Heritage Park —a walking tour of medicinal plants used by Indigenous peoples. Or read Braiding Sweet: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. “As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers.” A delicious read.
Read MoreThe Nicola Valley Institute of Technology created this video, which highlights the impacts of gaps in Indigenous Education and the opportunities to improve the quality of life for all Canadians.
Read MoreThis video by the First Nations Health Authority looks at how the social determinants of health affect Indigenous communities.
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Friendship Centres provide services to urban Indigenous communities. Friendship Centres were first established in the 1950s, and there are now more than 100 Centres across Canada. Find your local Friendship Centre through the National Association of Friendship Centres or visit:
Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centres
Two Spirits, One Voice is a community-based initiative that seeks to bolster supports for persons that identify both as LGBTQ and Indigenous: Two Spirit people. Start by watching their 16 minute video!
Read MoreHeartspeak is about sharing stories that inspire and providing inspirational educational media to support well-being and success. In this segment, Senator Murray Sinclair (Chair, Truth & Reconciliation Commission) provides background on the history of residential schools and the work of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. He highlights the need to teach the history and intergenerational impact of residential schools and our shared responsibility to forge a new relationship of mutual respect and trust.
Read MoreMeet Dr. Nadine Caron, Canadas first female First Nations Surgeon on CBC Radio, The Current. Hear Dr. Caron talk about how traditional Indigenous healing practices and Western medicine can co-exist.
Read More<Aboriginal Relationship and Cultural Competency Courses>
Cancer Care Ontario invites health care professionals to earn certified credits and enhance knowledge and cultural competency of First Nations Inuit and Métis people by completing online courses.
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Everyone, at some point in their journey of Reconciliation, needs to read the 94 Calls to Action recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to “redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.” Or connect here to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Final Report to read other sections and excerpts.
We have included this action in every category and every path on this website as a reminder of how important it is for us to understand the history and path of Reconciliation in our country.
Read MoreFirst Nation Protocol on Traditional Territory
Create safe space in your communication by acknowledging traditional territories in the signature of your emails or correspondence. Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. provides excellent background and information around acknowledging traditional territories.
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Spirit Magazine focuses on sharing BC First Nations inspirational journey of health through wellness. The magazine shares success stories, new ideas, and offers helpful tools and tips for staying well.
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First Peoples, Second Class Treatment
First Peoples, Second Class Treatment explores the role of racism in the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This extensive study was published by The Wellesley Institute and the entire study can be downloaded here.
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Sign up for Women Warriors newsletter. Women Warriors helps women and children live healthy, active lifestyles. Subscribe to receive their newsletters, which engage with current issues around health and wellness.
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Things to know about Traditional Medicine
Traditional foods in British Columbia
Understanding Indigenous health and wellness is often connected to food and medicine. The First Nations Health Authority provides insight into the traditional foods and medicines of particular Indigenous communities.
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Learn About Indigenous Medicinal Plants
“Medicine is all around us. For centuries, Indigenous peoples found all of the medicine they needed on the land, using plants to treat a variety of ailments and conditions.” Learn more from the guides at Wanuskewin.
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