Chapter 9: Contemporary Indigenous Challenges

Chapter Overview

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and individuals face many challenges today that are the result of events that began with colonization. The introduction of diseases, the taking of land, actions that resulted in food insecurity, family and community separation, and so much more have led to current issues seen in contemporary society. These issues include the over representation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system, poor physical and mental health outcomes, socioeconomic disparity, education inequity, over-incarceration in the prison system, and systemic racism. In this chapter, a brief overview is provided of some of these key issues. The Elder Teaching about decolonizing and being of One Mind offers a way forward in creating opportunities for healing and partnership. Reflective questions and activities based on the four quadrants of the Medicine Wheel are provided, along with further recommended material for viewing, listening, and reading.