Abstract
Background: When presenting Indigenous health issues, whether through research, clinical settings, or to the general population, it is usually through a deficit-based approach. This often results in portraying the Indigenous population as the problem without understanding the layers of context. Looking at health outcomes without understanding or appreciating the root causes of colonization and anti-Indigenous racism further stigmatizes the population and contributes to continuation of negative stereotypes. Unfortunately, negative Indigenous health statistics has dominated research and health data sets for decades. This is harmful as the constant focus on glaring health inequities has drawn attention away from the strengths and resilience of Indigenous communities. To address this and to change the narrative in how we present and look at Indigenous health, IPHCC has developed a series of resources that can be implemented in all sectors of the health care system. These include wellness focused, wholistic, and strength-based population health indicators, as well as strength-based mental health and wellness indicators that centre around the foundation of culture as healing. IPHCC strives to change the narrative on how Indigenous health is viewed and approached in mainstream healthcare; not only through incorporation of colonization and racism as deterrent factors to health, but also focusing on protectant factors such as connection to culture and self-determination. This includes discussing a different approach to measuring and presenting health outcomes.
Audience: Researchers, academics, students, policy makers, administrators, executive leadership, healthcare providers.
Approach: We strongly believe that learning is best achieved when attendees are active participants. Therefore, the instructional format of the workshop will be IPHCC discussing health outcomes and root causes for the Indigenous population in Canada, while exploring an alternative approach to presenting Indigenous health through strength-based indicators. Depending on the size of the group, this may include breakout into smaller groups to allow for more intimate discussions, as well as anonymous surveying through Menti-meter so everyone can feel comfortable and protected in participating. When discussing this alternative approach to viewing Indigenous health and wellness, attendees will lead discussions on what incorporation could look like in the clinical world, exploring potential implementation strategies.
Outcomes: By the end of the workshop, attendees will be able to...
1.Connect root causes as contributing factors to poorer health outcomes among the Indigenous population.
2.Describe the importance of protectant factors for wholistic health for Indigenous peoples.
3.Explore alternative approaches to collect Indigenous health data through strength-based indicators.