Week 8 Flashcards
What hardships have Indigenous people in North America faced due to European colonization?
Forced relocations, destruction of traditional medicine, new diseases, loss of land/resources, and neglect by government policies.
What diseases spread rapidly after Europeans arrived in North America?
Smallpox and influenza, causing millions of deaths due to lack of immunity.
What was the outcome of the 1763 Royal Proclamation for Indigenous peoples?
It recognized Indigenous people as sovereign nations but did not protect their land as promised.
What was the significance of the 1783 Treaty of Paris?
It gave land to the USA without consulting or including Indigenous peoples in the negotiations.
What happened during the Trail of Tears
Over 20,000 Cherokee were forced to move, and more than 4,000 died from exposure and disease.
What was the goal of the Indian Removal Act of 1830?
To force Indigenous people onto reservations and expand American territories.
What were some effects of residential schools on Indigenous children?
Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, malnutrition, high death rates, and the loss of language and culture.
What was the Indian Act of 1876 in Canada?
It made Indigenous people “wards of the state,” banned traditional ceremonies, and imposed European-style governance.
What was the purpose of residential schools in Canada?
To assimilate Indigenous children by taking them from their families, banning their culture, and subjecting them to abuse.
What actions did Indigenous activists take in response to health neglect?
The American Indian Movement (AIM) in the USA and the National Indian Brotherhood in Canada advocated for change.
What was the 2008 apology by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper?
Acknowledgment of the harm done by residential schools and the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Why is Indigenous health policy important?
It addresses health disparities, the long-term effects of historical policies, and systemic inequities while promoting Indigenous self-determination.
What is the root cause of Indigenous health disparities?
Colonialism
What is colonialism?
The practice of acquiring control over a territory, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically, leading to Indigenous genocide and repression.
What historical policies have impacted Indigenous health?
Constitution Act (1867) – Introduced the concept of “Indian title.”
Indian Act (1876) – Restricted cultural practices, created reserves, made Indigenous peoples wards of the state.
Residential Schools (1880s-1990s) – Forced assimilation and intergenerational trauma.
Treaties (1600s-Present) – Facilitated land dispossession.
How have historical policies contributed to Indigenous health disparities?
Intergenerational trauma
Limited access to social determinants of health (housing, education, income, food security)
Land dispossession disrupting traditional economies and subsistence
Breakdown of family and community structures
What are contemporary challenges in Indigenous health?
Underfunding of health programs
Jurisdictional disputes (federal vs. provincial)
Limited access to culturally appropriate care
High rates of chronic disease, mental health issues, and addiction
Geography/remoteness
Systemic racism
What are best practices for Indigenous-led health initiatives?
Wholistic, culturally grounded services (e.g., traditional healing + Western medicine)
Self-governance models
Community-led interventions (e.g., land-based healing, language revitalization)
What were Indian Hospitals in Canada?
Segregated healthcare facilities (1920s-1980s) for Indigenous peoples, characterized by neglect, mistreatment, and forced medical experimentation.
How do Indigenous people in Canada access healthcare?
Provincial/territorial healthcare systems
Indigenous-specific programs and urban Indigenous health centers
Federal services like Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and Indigenous Services Canada
Self-governance and community-directed initiatives
What is systemic racism in the Canadian healthcare system?
Stereotyping in triage, jurisdictional disputes, and active discrimination leading to neglect of Indigenous patients.
What is cultural safety in healthcare?
An outcome where Indigenous patients feel safe receiving care, defined by the patient, not the provider.
