scholarly journals Editorial

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Isaac-Mann ◽  
Evan Adams ◽  
Ted Mala
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Health Authority ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Respectful Care

Welcome to this two-part guest edition of the International Journal of Indigenous Health (IJIH), produced by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in the province of British Columbia (BC), Canada. As guest co-editors, we are pleased to present to you this collection of research, promising and wise practices, innovations, and Indigenous Knowledge on health and wellness. These papers constitute a substantive contribution to, as our call for submissions framed it, “Health Systems Innovation: Privileging Indigenous Knowledge, Ensuring Respectful Care, and Ending Racism toward Indigenous Peoples in Service Delivery.”

scholarly journals Editorial

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Isaac-Mann ◽  
Evan Adams ◽  
Ted Mala
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Health Authority ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Respectful Care

Welcome to this two-part guest edition of the International Journal of Indigenous Health (IJIH), produced by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in the province of British Columbia (BC), Canada. As guest co-editors, we are pleased to present to you this collection of research, promising and wise practices, innovations, and Indigenous Knowledge on health and wellness. These papers constitute a substantive contribution to, as our call for submissions framed it, “Health Systems Innovation: Privileging Indigenous Knowledge, Ensuring Respectful Care, and Ending Racism toward Indigenous Peoples in Service Delivery.”

scholarly journals Introduction

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Jock ◽  
Colleen Erickson
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Health Authority ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Respectful Care

On behalf of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in British Columbia (BC), and FNHA’s Board of Directors, we welcome you to this two-part guest edition of the International Journal of Indigenous Health (IJIH): “Health Systems Innovation: Privileging Indigenous Knowledge, Ensuring Respectful Care, and Ending Racism toward Indigenous Peoples in Service Delivery.” This guest edition encompasses two issues, “Honouring the Sacred Fire: Ending SystemicRacism toward Indigenous Peoples” and “Wisdom of the Elders: Honouring Spiritual Laws in Indigenous Knowledge,” which address significant determinants of Indigenous Peoples’ health, and issues in health systems here in Canada and globally.

scholarly journals Indigenous approaches to health and wellness leadership: A BC First Nations perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Health Authority ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Leadership Team ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Health Council ◽  
Made In

In 2011, British Columbia (BC) First Nations came together to speak with one voice and by consensus made the largest self-determining decision made in this country: to take control over their own health and wellness. Guided by First Nations perspectives, values, and principles, the First Nations Health Authority works alongside the First Nations Health Directors Association and the First Nations Health Council to advance a shared vision of “healthy, self-determining, and vibrant BC First Nations children, families, and communities.” Strong leadership, rooted in the knowledge and teachings that have sustained BC First Nations for thousands of years, is integral to achievement of the vision. This article reflects on Indigenous approaches to health and wellness leadership in the BC context, drawing from traditional teachings shared by BC First Nations Elders and knowledge keepers in four areas: upholding governance and self-determination, “change starts with me,” building a leadership team, and reconciliation and partnership.

scholarly journals “This is not about gambling, it’s about our lives”

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-165
Author(s):  
Darrel Manitowabi ◽  
Sheila Wahsquonaikezhik
Keyword(s):  
Harm Reduction ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Gambling Harm ◽  
Research Collaborations ◽  
Northwestern Ontario

In this interview, Darrel Manitowabi speaks to Sheila Wahsquonaikezhik, Director of Indige-Spheres to Empowerment, a non-profit organization addressing Indigenous health and wellness. This interview explores Sheila Wahsquonaikezhik’s Indigenous gambling experience including work in an Indigenous casino in Ontario, gambling harm reduction outreach in northwestern Ontario First Nations, and gambling research collaborations. An outcome of this interview is a revelation that the practice of Indigenous gambling is connected to the wider context of colonialism and Indigenous gambling research requires greater inclusion of Indigenous peoples.

scholarly journals Bringing Ethics Review Home to Cowichan: Indigenizing Ethics Review in British Columbia, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cowichan Tribes
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Research Ethics ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Preterm Births ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Ethics Review ◽  
Research Ethics Review ◽  
United Nations Declaration

Cowichan Tribes’ territory, located in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, is experiencing an alarmingly high rate of preterm births compared to the national average of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In response, and in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Cowichan Tribes is in the first year of a 3-year study to investigate causes. Cowichan Tribes’ Elders and community members are guiding the study to ensure it follows Cowichan Tribes’ research processes and to support self- determination in research. Furthermore, as a way to enhance reconciliation, Elders and community members guided an on-site ethics review on Cowichan Tribes territory. This article outlines the collaborative, in-person research ethics review process that Cowichan Tribes, Island Health, and FNHA completed on August 21, 2019. The purpose of this article is to provide suggestions other First Nations could use when conducting a research ethics review, and to explain how this process aligns with the principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP®), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and above all, the Cowichan snuw’uy’ulh (teachings from Elders).

“This Is Going to Affect Our Lives”: Exploring Huu-ay-aht First Nations, the Government of Canada and British Columbia’s New Relationship Through the Implementation of the Maa-nulth Treaty

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Sloan Morgan ◽  
Heather Castleden ◽  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
150Th Anniversary ◽  
Canadian Provinces ◽  
The Government ◽  
Government Of Canada

AbstractCanada celebrated its 150th anniversary since Confederation in 2017. At the same time, Canada is also entering an era of reconciliation that emphasizes mutually respectful and just relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown. British Columbia (BC) is uniquely situated socially, politically, and economically as compared to other Canadian provinces, with few historic treaties signed. As a result, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments are attempting to define ‘new relationships’ through modern treaties. What new relationships look like under treaties remains unclear though. Drawing from a comprehensive case study, we explore Huu-ay-aht First Nations—a signatory of the Maa-nulth Treaty, implemented in 2011—BC and Canada’s new relationship by analysing 26 interviews with treaty negotiators and Indigenous leaders. A disconnect between obligations outlined in the treaty and how Indigenous signatories experience changing relations is revealed, pointing to an asymmetrical dynamic remaining in the first years of implementation despite new relationships of modern treaty.

A retrospective on reconciliation by design

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alika T. Lafontaine ◽  
Christopher J. Lafontaine
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Transformational Change ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Stakeholder Alignment ◽  
The Government ◽  
Government Of Canada ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Thinking Tools

It is well-established that Indigenous Peoples continue to experience a lower level of health than non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada. For many health leaders, finding practical strategies to close the gap in health disparities remains elusive. In this retrospective study, we will illustrate our own experience of transformational change using design and systems thinking tools toward a primary outcome of multi-stakeholder alignment. Using this approach enabled three Indigenous Provincial/Territorial Organizations (IPTOs) representing more than 150 First Nations communities from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario to establish the largest community-led, collaborative approach to health transformation in Canada at the time. These IPTOs have gone on to pursue some of the most ambitious health transformation initiatives in Canada and in September 2018, were granted $68 million in funding support by the Government of Canada. If health leaders are looking at an alternative approach to closing the gap in Indigenous health, alignment thinking has shown promising results.

Transforming First Nations’ health governance in British Columbia

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
John O’Neil ◽  
Joe Gallagher ◽  
Lloy Wylie ◽  
Brittany Bingham ◽  
Josee Lavoie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Health System ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Cultural Safety ◽  
Health Governance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Process ◽  
First Nations People

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a study of the transformation of First Nations’ health governance, describing the development of partnerships between First Nations and provincial and federal governments for co-creating solutions to address First Nations’ health inequities in British Columbia (BC). The paper frames this transformation in the context of a Canada-wide reconciliation initiative stimulated by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative case study was a joint initiative between Simon Fraser University and the BC First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), involving interviews with senior leaders within the BC health system, FNHA and First Nations communities. In addition, a policy roundtable was held in February 2015 which gathered 60 participants for further dialogue on the process. Findings Key themes included: partnership and relationships, governance and reciprocal accountability, First Nations perspectives on health and wellness, and quality and cultural safety. Findings indicate that significant transformational changes have happened in the relationship between First Nations and the mainstream health system. The creation of the FNHA has led to more representation for First Nations people at all levels of governance and health service planning, which will ultimately lead to more culturally safe health services that incorporate a First Nations perspective of wellness. Social implications The transformation of First Nations health governance in BC can serve as an example in other indigenous health settings both within Canada and internationally. Originality/value This paper describes a transformative health governance process in First Nations communities that is an historical first in Canada.

scholarly journals Towards attainment of Indigenous health through empowerment: resetting health systems, services and provider approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. e004052
Author(s):  
Cheryl Barnabe
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Indigenous Rights ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Financial Investments ◽  
Dominant Society ◽  
Significant Health

Colonial policies and practices have introduced significant health challenges for Indigenous populations in commonwealth countries. Health systems and models of care were shaped for dominant society, and were not contextualised for Indigenous communities nor with provision of Indigenous cultural approaches to maintain health and wellness. Shifts to support Indigenous health outcomes have been challenged by debate on identifying which system and service components are to be included, implementation approaches, the lack of contextualised evaluation of implemented models to justify financial investments, but most importantly lack of effort in ensuring equity and participation by affected communities to uphold Indigenous rights to health. Prioritising the involvement, collaboration and empowerment of Indigenous communities and leadership are critical to successful transformation of healthcare in Indigenous communities. Locally determined priorities and solutions can be enacted to meet community and individual needs, and advance health attainment. In this paper, existing successful and sustainable models that demonstrate the empowerment of Indigenous peoples and communities in advocating for, designing, delivering and leading health and wellness supports are shared.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned From Canada in Working Together to Support Indigenous Health and Wellness

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 132s-132s
Author(s):  
C. Politis ◽  
D. Keen
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Culturally Relevant ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Truth And Reconciliation ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Mental Wellness

Background and context: First Nations, Inuit and Métis bear a disproportionate burden of cancer in Canada. In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, and to have the greatest impact, it is important for nonindigenous and indigenous partners to work together, and reflect on lessons learned in collaborating, to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis health and wellness. Aim: In response to the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer committed to understanding how collaborative projects funded through the Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP) initiative were successful in bringing together diverse groups - both indigenous and nonindigenous - to create and apply culturally-relevant cancer prevention approaches. Strategy/Tactics: Seven projects funded through the CLASP initiative, from 2009 to 2016, brought together over 275 First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities, schools, and organizations with government, nongovernment, and academic partners in collaborative coalitions. The projects addressed cancer prevention issues prioritized by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (e.g., unhealthy eating and physical inactivity) through approaches that were holistic and culturally-relevant, such as utilizing intergenerational knowledge sharing, incorporating mental wellness, and supporting existing capacity within communities. Program/Policy process: Over 30 knowledge products developed by the projects were reviewed to identify preliminary lessons learned about partner collaboration. Preliminary lessons learned were verified and expanded upon through nine key informant interviews with CLASP partners. Key informant interviews were informed by four advisors representing indigenous and nonindigenous leaders and partners. The refined set of lessons learned were finalized through qualitative analysis and validated through a conference session and one-day workshop with CLASP partners and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community leaders. Outcomes: Twenty-seven lessons learned that describe how nonindigenous and First Nations, Inuit and Métis CLASP partners worked together to develop and put into practice culturally-appropriate cancer prevention approaches were identified. The lessons learned were grouped into six themes: 1. respectful relationships; 2. engagement with indigenous communities; 3. addressing accountability requirements, decision-making, and governance; 4. community direction; 5. supports and resources; 6. communication and knowledge exchange. What was learned: The actionable lessons learned are intended to guide future relationship building and engagement between nonindigenous partners and First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners. It is intended that these lessons will be beneficial to collaborative cancer prevention efforts around the world and inform broader system change leading to a reduction in indigenous cancer burden disparities.

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