First Nations people in Canada are disproportionately affected by HIV and viral hepatitis. Although our community makes up only 5% of Canada's total population, they account for 18.2% of new HIV cases and are two to five times more likely to contract hepatitis C than non-Indigenous populations.
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Now is the time to address these inequities by providing our communities with the support they need. We recognize that there are many ways our brothers and sisters have come to experience these health challenges, and their journey toward healing requires an approach rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and acting.
The first step is to recognize the unique challenges facing Indigenous peoples and prioritize culturally adapted programs that truly address their needs. If government, industry, and advocates can work together with Indigenous leaders, we can achieve meaningful solutions that promote health equity and help communities thrive.
When evaluating ways to address health disparities, working with Indigenous communities in ways that connect them with their cultures, languages, and teachings is critical for a number of reasons:
- Respect indigenous traditions: Indigenous communities have unique cultures, traditions and governance structures that deserve recognition and respect. Working in a culturally compatible way recognizes and maintains Indigenous sovereignty.
- Historical Trauma and Systemic Oppression: Indigenous peoples have faced centuries of colonization, cultural genocide, and institutional oppression, leading to deep-rooted trauma and distrust of institutions. As we work together for solutions centered on Indigenous teachings, we prioritize healing and empowerment that fosters trust.
- Cultural relevance and effectiveness: First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities have traditional knowledge and practices that are essential to their health and well-being. Culturally tailored interventions are more likely to resonate with community members, resulting in greater participation and outcomes.
- Addressing health disparities: Systemic barriers continue to prevent individuals from accessing traditional medicine and clinical care. Indigenous-led approaches take into account social, cultural and environmental determinants of health, leading to more tailored and holistic interventions.
- Building sustainable partnerships: Culturally connected engagement fosters long-term relationships based on trust, reciprocity, and mutual respect. This paves the way for sustainable partnerships that prioritize Indigenous leadership and self-determination.
Earlier this year, CAAN Communities, Alliances & Networks partnered with Gilead Sciences Canada to provide funding to nine Indigenous community organizations across the country through the GLOWS Indigenous Health Grant. Through grantee initiatives, GLOWS grants aim to advance health equity for HIV and viral hepatitis by breaking down structural barriers to care and empowering Indigenous peoples to autonomously shape their healing pathways.