Context
Before solutions can be created, problems and inhibitory forces need to be identified. The simple truth of the matter is, that the Aboriginal people of this planet suffer from higher risk factors, lower well being statistics, and much higher illness and morbidity/mortality rates when compared to the mainstream (mostly colonist or post-colonist) populations. The forces that have led to this iniexcusable context for health and well-being have been mentioned in the previous section: notably colonization itself, and the resultant culturecide, genocide, isolation to reservation lands, residential schools, and the attempt to assimilate all surviving indigenous people into the colonizing culture. Canada's history is stained from such atrocities, and continues to share the shameful plight of its First Peoples with the rest of the world's colonized countries.
One of the most important facts to remember is that before colonization, First Nations people in Canada were basically very healthy. "Aboriginal people in Canada were in good health upon the arrival of Europeans, as confirmed in various historical documents. A "special" relationship was established between Aboriginal peoples and the Crown concerning the provision of health care. The effects of colonization and other policies, like the residential school and Indian Act, have, over the years, eroded the traditional way of life for many Aboriginal persons. This erosion has had a negative impact on the health and well-being of individuals, their families and communities." (1. Health Council of Canada, 2005, p. 3) .
The mere arrival of colonist peoples influenced the health of the First Peoples. Strange diseases caused massive deaths, particularly infectious diseases such as polio, influenza, measles, smallpox, diptheria, and tuberculosis. According to anthropologists, precolonial First Nations people did not have contact with any of these diseases prior to colonization. They rarely exhibited cancer, virtually no skin tumors, no foot problems such as fallen arches, very few mental disorders, remarkably healthy bones and teeth, and very strong constitutions.
Determinants of Health
Health determinants are considered important indicators of health for all individuals. First Nations people have the lowest levels of health determinant fulfillment in Canada, and in most countries across the globe.
- Income and Social Status - aboriginal people are the poorest of all minority groups in Canada.
- Social Support Networks - many residential school survivors have major relationship problems that stem from the removal from their family as children, and the enforced culturecide tactics used within the schools. This often affects their own children as well. Also urban living often acts as an isolating force from positive culturaly sensitive support systems.
- Education - completion of secondary and postsecondary school rates are still very low in most First Nations communities. Culturally appropriate educational systems are beginning to emerge, but are still rare across Canada. Education improves health status since it provides greater opportunities for income, security, and a sense of control in one's life. Culturally sensitive education can help to support self governance initiatives as well.
- Employment/working conditions - a disproportionate amount of First Nations people are unemployed, or employed in menial, low-paying, high-stress, unsafe, and depressing, repetitive jobs that obviously influence their health and mental well-being. People who work in jobs that they enjoy, are paid well, and work in safe pleasant conditions are more likely to be healthier.
- Physical Environment - it is astonishing that traditional peoples who had a true strong connection to the land and environment around them are often now living in over crowded homes on land that does not support their traditional ways of living. Air and water quality are poor, houses are often of poor construction and prone to mold and decay.
- Personal Health - there is very little support in most communities to promote health lifestyles and choices, including poor infrastructure, e.g. lack of culturally sensitive healing programs and poor proximity to fitness centres or sports lessons.
- Healthy child development - aboriginal children are less advantaged than other children, are more likely to be born into poverty and to live in unhealthy and over crowded homes. Single parent statistics are higher in the aborgiinal population, with less available prenatal care and early childhood support. Low birth weights and small for gestational age child development statistics are more alarming for aboriginal children as well.
- Biology and Genetic Endowment - historically, this trait would be one of the strongest - the genetic makeup inherited in aboriginal lineages tended to be strong and vital. Data is scarce on this health determinant, but it is safe to say, that if health conditions do not improve over the next decade or two, genetic makeup could rapidly deteroriate and influence future generations.
- Health Services - there is a dangerous lack of health care service providers in Canada in general, but the lack is even more critical in Aboriginal communities. This is especially so in remote regions. There is a serious lack of culturally sensitive and/or traditional healers available to almost all of Canada's First Nations people.
- Gender - aboriginal women are at a distinct disadvantage: they tend to be poorer than aboriginal men, and are more prone to family violence, diabetes, substance abuse, being lured into prostitution, and to suffer from mental health issues than other Canadians.
- Culture - aboriginal people in general have been the victims of marginalization, stigmatization, racism, discrimination, loss of language and culture, and continue to lack access to culturally appropriate health care and social services.
- Geography - The location of a community is related to overall health outcomes. Many First Nations communities are located in rural and/or remote areas, where the cost for health care is much higher and less available.
It is evident, that all of these factors considered as a whole weave a dismal picture of the health of First Nations people. Of course, there are exceptions. There are communities who have leaders who are devoted to improving the health and well-being of their community members, and who embrace the concept of self governance in earnest. They realize that they need to provide education and health support, beginning with early childhood that fuels the sense of self and recognition of the beauty and strength of their traditional ways to encourage powerful growth and development in their young ones. These initiatives will be further addressed on the next page on Self Governance
1. Health Council of Canada (January, 2005). The health status of Canada's First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. A background paper to accompany Health Care Renewal in Canada: Accelerating Change. Ottawa: Author.
Supportive Organizations
National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO)
An Aboriginal-designed and -controlled body committed to influencing and advancing the health and well-being of Aboriginal Peoples by carrying out knowledge-based strategies.
Indigenous Health Research Development Program (IHRDP)
The portal for accessing the documentaries and outcomes of the International Indigenous Elders Summit. The IHRDP and the National Aboriginal Health Organization, along with the Amazon Conservation Team, have signed a letter of intent to explore possible collaborations and exchanges between Indigenous Elders and healers from North and South America.
Indigenous Cooperative on the Environment (ICE)
A network of Indigenous organizations working in the environmental arena. Site includes information and resources on traditional practices and Indigenous knowledge.
Many Hands, One Dream
This initiative is directed by a group of 11 national organizations concerned with the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and youth: including the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, the Metis National Council, Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, National Aboriginal Health Organization, National Association of Friendship Centres, and so on.
Relevant Facts and Research
The Journal of Aboriginal Health
Published by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO), the Journal of Aboriginal Health was established with the intention of fostering a dynamic community of people concerned with issues of Aboriginal health.
BC First Nations Health Guide
Health issues affecting First Nations people in
British Columbia are unique.The culture, language, history, determinants of health, and health issues within First Nations communities all contribute to this uniqueness.The purpose of this document is to begin to address the health crisis of First Nations, acknowledge the unique health status of First Nations and share resources to aid the process of self-determination with respect to health.
Assembly of First Nations
AFN is the national representative organization of the First Nations in Canada. There are over 630 First Nation's communities in Canada. The AFN Secretariat, is designed to present the views of the various First Nations through their leaders in areas such as: Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, Economic Development, Education, Languages and Literacy, Health, Housing, Social Development, Justice, Taxation, Land Claims, Environment, and a whole array of issues that are of common concern which arise from time to time.