INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE(S) AND PUBLIC HEALTH
AN OVERVIEW OF FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, AND MÉTIS HEALTH IN CANADA First Nations peoples, Inuit, and Métis peoples, collectively referred to in Canada as Indigenous Peoples, 1 share distinct perspectives on health and wellness that are grounded in “place-based ancestral teachings and knowledge” (Stelkia et al., 2023, p. 2). At the same time, Indigenous Peoples generally share a holistic view of health that entails a balance between interconnected spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical dimensions. This balance has been disrupted by the adverse effects of colonization and ongoing colonialism, such as racism, discrimination, and loss of language, culture, identity, and land-based connections (Loppie & Wien, 2022). As a result, Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately represented in health statistics. The factors
underlying these health disparities are multi-faceted and difficult to address, but strengths‑based approaches grounded in self‑determination, resiliency, capacity building, supportive environments, and culturebased practices are increasingly recognized as promising ways to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples (Bryant et al., 2021; Kennedy et al., 2022; Paraschak, 2013). This fact sheet provides a general introduction to Indigenous Peoples’ health in Canada and the broad context in which Indigenous communities, health practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seek to improve the health and well‑being of First Nations peoples, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The fact sheet provides an update to an earlier publication, An overview
of Aboriginal health in Canada (National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health, 2013). 2 The following sections include: • an overview of data limitations in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis public health; • demographic characteristics and health status of Indigenous Peoples; • the appropriateness of population health measurement frameworks for use with Indigenous populations; • and the jurisdictional context for Indigenous health policies and programs.
The term “Indigenous Peoples” is used throughout this fact sheet to describe First Nations peoples, Inuit, and Métis peoples collectively, and is capitalized as a sign of respect for the distinct First Nations, Inuit, and Métis societies. Wherever relevant, the terms “First Nations,” “Inuit,” and “Métis” will be used when referring to specific Indigenous populations. 2 The National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) changed its name to National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) in 2019. 1
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