Our Health Counts - WNHAC

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PROJECT OVERVIEW & DEMOGRAPHICS, INDIGENOUS ADULTS

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, INDIGENOUS ADULTS

There is a critical gap in high quality, comprehensive, and inclusive data for urban Indigenous populations in Canada. This gap is rooted in systemic barriers and generations of racist, colonial policies. While many Indigenous people and communities are thriving despite colonial interventions, Indigenous peoples continue to face an unequal burden of chronic health conditions, related risk factors, and barriers to safe, adequate healthcare compared to the mainstream
population.

Lack of access to a regular health care provider, and experiences of discrimination when accessing services, are key barriers that contribute to inequities in health service access for Indigenous people.

RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION, INDIGENOUS ADULTS

MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE, INDIGENOUS ADULTS

Experiences of racism and discrimination are an important determinant of health and well-being for Indigenous people. Yet experiences of discrimination tend to be under-studied and under-reported(1,2). As a result, the information presented in this report may under-estimate the true level of racism and discrimination experienced by Indigenous adults in Kenora and related homelands.

While many Indigenous peoples are thriving, the effects of colonialism and a long history of racist government policies continue to impact health and wellbeing. These conditions and experiences have disrupted families and community support systems; caused dislocation from traditional lands and food systems; undermined language and culture; created an unequal burden of poverty; and restricted access to health care services, traditional medicines and healing practices.