Issue: Strategies for Aboriginal Healing and Wellness
Background:
The health of Canada’s Aboriginal population continues to fall far below that of the general population. Reasons behind poor health outcomes within this population are heavily rooted in the desperate reality that a history of colonialism has created. While colonization might be viewed as a historical event, its effects continue today and poor health status is proof of that fact.
Colonial and western approaches to healing fail to take into account the whole person, and tend to look at issues in isolation. For Aboriginal people, health and wellness is best understood in a much broader context. It is not simply the absence of illness, rather it is the inclusion of spiritual, cultural, community, mental, physical, emotional and environmental well-being. Promoting health in this sense means nurturing growth, self-determination, peace, and above all, balance. For the Ojibwe nation this delicate balance is referred to as BIMAADIZIWIN or “the good life.”
Fast Facts:
- Not only do Aboriginal people have a lower life expectancy, we also have higher rates of infant mortality and experience more years lost. Rates of chronic disease such as diabetes are much higher and we are more likely to suffer mental illness and addiction.
- Jurisdictional issues present the largest barrier to access to health care for Aboriginal people.
- From a western perspective bimaadiziwin is akin to the population health approach.
Recommendations:
- That all levels of government in partnership with ALL Aboriginal organizations take the necessary steps to address the jurisdictional issues that prevent Aboriginal people from achieving equitable health status. This includes the repeal of the Indian Act.
- That ALL Aboriginal organizations be provided with equitable funding capacity so that we can achieve our goal of achieving a “Good Life.” This capacity must be provided at the national, regional, and local levels.
- That ALL Aboriginal organizations work in partnership with all levels of government, mainstream organizations, and each other with a vision to achieving optimal health and wellness for ALL Aboriginal people, families, communities and nations.
- That Aboriginal organizations work in partnership with all levels of government, mainstream organizations, and each other to ensure that existing health services are adaptable to the needs of AL Aboriginal people, families, communities, and nations.
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For further information, please contact:
Al Fleming
Director
Public Affairs
613-747-6022 (office)
613-867-8696 (mobile)
al@abo-peoples.org
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