Skip to Main Content
Guides

Indigenous Health & Well-Being

This guide is to assist you in researching topics related to Indigenous health. Here you will find links to books, ebooks, journals, databases, websites, and more.

Health Care Access - Introduction

Health Care Access

Access to quality and culturally relevant health care that serves an individual’s many health needs is a pillar of well-being. Health-care workers are not only important for the early diagnosis and treatment of chronic and acute medical conditions, but they are an important point-of-contact for many First Nations community members. Unfortunately, the legacy of colonialism has meant that First Nations communities have long experienced a lack of adequate, culturally appropriate health-care services.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action includes seven health-related recommendations which seek to improve the quality of care available in First Nations communities but are not limited to:

  • Recognition and implementation of the health-care rights of Indigenous peoples,
  • Establishment of measurable goals to close the gaps in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities,
  • Recognition of the distinct health-care needs of Indigenous peoples,
  • Provision of sustainable funding for healing centres,
  • Recognition of the value of Indigenous healing practices,
  • Increased number of Indigenous health-care professionals, and,
  • Cultural competency training for those in the health-care field.

Websites and Documents

Library Resources

Provide Feedback

Do you have a title to recommend for our collection? Use the Suggest a Purchase form to suggest a book, video or journal.

Are you an RRC Polytech staff or student with suggestions or feedback that can help improve this guide? Please contact this guide's author on the "Getting Started" page.