Indigenous Health & Well-Being

Type 2 diabetes is a health concern among Canada's First Nations and Inuit. First Nations on reserve have a rate of diabetes three to five times higher than that of other Canadians. Rates of diabetes among the Inuit are expected to rise significantly in the future given that risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating patterns are high.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus spreads through contact with blood. Over time and without treatment, HCV can damage the liver and cause liver cancer. HCV is curable.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. Early treatment and culturally safe care and support help people with HIV live longer and healthier lives.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada. HPV is a virus that spreads easily. It affects about 3 out of 4 sexually active Canadians, at least once in their lifetime. Teens are particularly at risk of contracting it once they are sexually active.

Because there is no one data source for obesity among all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada, this section provides a picture of obesity prevalence in Aboriginal populations by summarizing the findings from a number of relevant surveys. It begins by presenting recent estimates of obesity and research results for Aboriginal people including First Nations off-reserve, Inuit and Métis, and continues with separate group-specific data for First Nations (on and off-reserve), Inuit and Métis populations.

For most people in Canada, the risk of developing active TB is very low. However, the rates of active TB are higher among Indigenous peoples in Canada

Infectious diseases, like tuberculosis (TB), were introduced to Indigenous populations in Canada through colonization. By the mid-20th century, TB had reached epidemic proportions, especially in the Arctic, with devastating social and health impacts. Over the years, the federal government has implemented several strategies aimed at eliminating TB in Indigenous communities. Despite such efforts, rates of TB remain disproportionately high among Indigenous peoples, with the bulk of reported cases coming from isolated, remote, and northern First Nations and Inuit communities.

Rising rates of morbidity from diabetes, arthritis, mental disorders, and cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke, are reported across all populations. Rates of diabetes, ischemic heart disease, respiratory morbidity, and arthritis in the Metis population were significantly higher compared to the rest of the Manitoban population.

See Phase 3 Volume 1 Chapter 3
High rates of chronic health conditions do not occur in isolation, rather health inequalities are shaped by—and rooted in—the inseparable relationship between health and generations of racist colonial policies. The effects of colonization have resulted in a legacy of environmental dispossession, degradation of the land, substandard living conditions, inadequate access to health services, social exclusion and a dislocation from community, language, land and culture. These policies have been clearly linked to adverse health consequences for individuals and community.

It is clear from the knowledge and experience shared by communities, organizations and individuals in focus groups and interviews that a broad range of social determinants of Aboriginal health affect the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Factors such as colonialism, racism, social exclusion and self- determination have a profound effect on First Nations, Inuit and Métis health and are responsible for the socio-economic inequities that exist between First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and the general Ontario population. Socio-economic factors are a fundamental cause of health inequities and an important contributor to population health outcomes.

Historically, First Nations led physically active lifestyles and consumed traditional diets comprised of nutritionally rich foods harvested from the land. Over the past century and a half social, political, economic, and environmental factors forced changes upon traditional lifestyles and practices of First Nations individuals, families and communities. This has led to generally poorer health in comparison to non-Indigenous Canadians.