Brief History

Before the colonization of Canada, first nations had little health issues due to their active lifestyle (Douglas 65). When individuals did fall ill, it was often due to the taxing nature of the work done at the time; they treated illness with the help of plants and spiritual practices. Moreover, the health of indigenous communities pre-colonization, is documented as being quite good, mot individuals died of old age and on the whole had a consistent diet that was high in protein and low in fat. (Douglas 63) However, the arrival of Europeans caused an increase in illness and death amongst indigenous communities in the 16th century (Douglas 65-66). 

The early colonial period did not only bring disease but also more advanced technologies to the indigenous peoples. The firearm and other weapons were introduced through barter and this caused an increase in conflict on a much more lethal scale than what was previously known to them. (Douglas 65) 

In addition, once the English settled in North America, indigenous peoples were somewhat forced into designated areas, called Reserves. (Douglas 77) This not only disrupted some communities' nomadic life style but also meant that the English took the most fertile lands for themselves to establish their colony. (Douglas 77) Furthermore, Reserves were not titled to indigenous communities like typical land ownership, they were considered entities of The Crown further restricting the powers of indigenous people.  (Douglas 77-78) 

One of the darkest chapters of Canadian and indigenous history is residential schools, where generations of indigenous children were forcibly removed from families and stripped of their culture. Enacted in 1876, residential schools were implemented through the Indian Act (Douglas 80). These schools were crowded and abusive, which contributed to the spreading of diseases and infections (Douglas 91). In addition, sick children were sent home to recover which resulted in further spreading illness to indigenous communities (Douglas 91).

(See our instagram page for more details and a video on the topic of residential schools)

The Constitution Act of 1982 allowed Indigenous peoples to be more autonomous and started the movement of first nations rights (Douglas 91-92). However, health care became a provincial responsibility, but indigenous affairs were still a federal responsibility (Douglas 92-93). This lack of clarity in jurisdiction left a gaping hole for indigenous people to fall through in the Canadian health care system. passing the buck of responsibility for indigenous healthcare between, local, provincial, and federal governments, has occurred for decades and is the root cause of an issue still present to this day; in which indigenous communities often do not have proper healthcare (Douglas 94). 

In summation, the complex history and circumstances that surround indigenous peoples of Canada form the context that is required to understand the multifaceted issue of indigenous healthcare. (Douglas 96) Moreover, despite years of reparations and acknowledgement, indigenous communities still do not receive adequate health care (Douglas 96).