Social Determinants
What are three social determinants of health that create access barriers to healthcare for Indigenous communities and children?
Housing, Income, Food Insecurity, etc.
Can you name one strength of the current Canadian healthcare system?
Publicly funded care.
This system forcibly removed First Nations children from their families to assimilate them into the dominant Canadian culture.
Indian Residential School System
In Canada, which two levels of government share responsibility for delivering services to first nations children?
The federal and provincial/territorial governments
What is the difference between inequity vs. inequality in health?
Inequity = unfair differences in health, Inequality = differences in health
This determinant relates to living conditions. How could poor housing conditions contribute to health inequities in Indigenous communities?
Poor housing conditions, such as overcrowding or lack of clean water, can increase spread of illness, stress, etc.
Canada has a universal healthcare system, yet many Indigenous children still face barriers to accessing care. What does this show about healthcare access in Canada?
Universal healthcare does not guarantee equal access of outcomes for all populations.
What aspect/role of the implementation of Jordan's Principle is at risk of recreating colonial power dynamics?
Focal point: They are officials who are key to accessing resources and successfully navigating complex administrative processes.
Under Jordan's Principle, what must happen when governments disagree about who should pay for a service?
The government first contacted must fund the service immediately and resolve the dispute afterward
What community is Jordan River Anderson from?
Norway House Cree Nation
How does a disrupted education system affect an individual’s capacity to navigate and make informed decisions regarding their health?
Health literacy
Canada’s healthcare system is often described as universal, but not equitable. How does the idea of substantive equity highlight the difference?
Universal healthcare means everyone can access care. Substantive equity focuses on fair outcomes and meeting diverse needs.
This institution was created to quarantine and isolate Indigenous patients due to fears of spreading Tuberculosis?
Indian Hospitals
What 1984 public federal law set the framework for publicly funded healthcare in Canada?
Canada Health Act
How can unequal access to mental health support during childhood deepen long-term health inequities?
Untreated mental health needs can affect education, social stability, and physical health across the lifespan
Can you explain how employment inequities contribute to long-term health disparities amongst Indigenous communities?
Financial instability, stress, inability to afford medication, limited job opportunities, etc.
Systemic racism and lack of culturally sensitive care can discourage Indigenous families from wanting to seek healthcare. How might this impact children’s health outcomes?
Mistrust on healthcare system, fear of discrimination and suboptimal care.
How does trauma-informed care help address the impacts of historical and ongoing colonialism in healthcare?
Recognizes intergenerational trauma, creates safe and respectful care, builds trust
How can the current governments address jurisdictional disputes to improve access to healthcare for Indigenous communities?
Open-ended discussion
Explain one structural limitation of the Canada Health Act in achieving health equity?
Open-ended discussion
How might food insecurity affect a child’s health, and why might policies like Jordan’s Principle be important in addressing this?
Food insecurity can impact a child’s growth/mental health. Jordan’s Principle helps ensure timely access to supports like nutritional services.
If Canada's healthcare system is designed to provide care for all, why might policies like Jordan’s Principle still be necessary?
Universal healthcare doesn’t always mean equitable access, and Jordan’s Principle helps ensure children receive care without delays.
What does the need for Jordan’s Principle reveal about the lasting impact of colonialism on Canada’s healthcare system?
Systemic racism still exists today, system has gaps, ongoing impacts of colonialism
How does Jordan’s Principle reflect a shift from a system focused on jurisdiction and responsibility, to one focused on substantive equity in healthcare?
JP shifts focus away from determining which level of government is responsible, ensuring First Nations Children receive the care they need without delay.
How might a policy like Jordan’s Principle change the way success is measured in healthcare, from equal access to equitable outcomes?
Shifts success from equal access to ensuring fair outcomes by addressing systemic barriers