A fourth forum on Indigenous determinants of health
Social Determinants of Health
Emerging through international discussions dating back to 1986, determinants of health have evolved over time to encompass the broader social forces that impact upon health. Poverty, employment, working conditions, education and literacy, social status, social support networks, housing, physical environments, geographic location, access to health services, food security, early child development, gender, culture, and language are some of the complex and inter-related social determinants of health. By way of example, higher educational attainment is intrinsically linked to other social determinants of health including greater employment opportunities, higher income, secure housing, more nutritional options and ultimately better health outcomes.
The NCCIH recognizes that colonization and colonialism cross-cut and influence all other social determinants of health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities. We also know that the health disparities and inequities experienced by Indigenous peoples are rooted in racism and marginalization, dislocation, and social exclusion. While our centre brings forth a strong focus on the social determinants of health, we aim to move beyond health as conceived as a matter of illness due to bio-medical cause and effect, or lifestyle choices. We take the approach that Indigenous ways of knowing and being, including concepts of spirituality, connectedness and reciprocity to the land and all life, self-reliance, and self- determination advance health equality and outcomes.
“Nakistowinan (Stop In) – Pimicisok (Stock Up) – Kapesik (Stay Over)”
The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) held the Fourth National Forum on Indigenous Determinants of Health: “Nakistowinan (Stop In) – Pimicisok (Stock Up) – Kapesik (Stay Over)” on November 28-29, 2017 in Ottawa.
This was the culmination of a series of four forums focused on the intersections of determinants that underlie disparities in First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples’ health. The first three national forums include: Circles of health: Sharing our gifts (Ottawa, 2008), From Visions to actions: Second forum on social determinants of Aboriginal peoples’ health (Vancouver, 2009), and Transforming Our Realities: The determinants of health and Indigenous Peoples (December 2-3, 2015, Ottawa).
Framed within the national dialogue of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action towards reconciliation and international strides to advance Indigenous rights, the main goals of the forum were to:
- discuss and share practical examples of the structural, systemic and community level applications of a determinants of health approach to the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples;
- share successes and identify lessons learned from efforts to implement practical actions and collaborative approaches at the international, national, regional and community levels;
- explore perspectives and implications arising from the Calls of Actions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and
- vision ongoing relationships of mutual respect and commitment to the optimal health and well-being of Indigenous peoples.
The forum brought together representatives from diverse national and provincial Indigenous organizations, federal and provincial/territorial governments, Indigenous and non-Indigenous health organizations, practitioners and researchers. Through speakers, panel presentations, networking, and sharing experiences with one another in smaller table discussions, participants were able to enhance their understandings of the national and international contexts on the determinants of Indigenous peoples’ health and well-being.
The proceedings report is accompanied by a digital video compilation of the forum. This digital video, which you can watch on-line, showcases footage from the keynotes and panel discussions.