Indigenous Health and Well-Being

Indigenous people have experienced and continue to face disproportionate health inequities and poor health outcomes on average compared to non-Indigenous Canadians. This reality results from many social determinants, including systemic discrimination, inter-generational trauma, income, education levels, and housing conditions. Financial investment and country-wide social change to address systemic racism and the disadvantage many Indigenous peoples face are crucial to reducing these inequities. At the same time, it is essential to recognize that Indigenous people and communities have never been, nor do they remain passive, when it comes to supporting Indigenous health and well-being. Indigenous people across the country draw on their diverse culture and practices to promote healing at the individual level and within their communities.

In this section, various Indigenous traditional healing practices will be explored. Indigenous traditional healing practices is a broad phrase that encompasses the many distinct healing traditions found within Indigenous belief systems practiced for thousands of years. It can include health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs incorporating Indigenous healing and wellness.

Outline:

• Lesson One: Healing Circles
• Lesson Two: Sweat Lodges
• Lesson Three: Four Sacred Medicines & Smudging
• Lesson Four: Powwow
• Lesson Five: Family

*Disclaimer* The information presented in this module is a small subset of the numerous and extensive Indigenous healing practices today. It may vary from community to community and from one geographic region to another.