From Bureaucratic Barriers to
Indigenous-Led Partnerships

Indigenous Peoples of Canada continue to experience significant health inequities deeply rooted in the history and ongoing legacy of colonialism. This legacy has embedded a profound mistrust of western institutions in the collective memory of Indigenous Peoples, a complex known as Indigenous Historical Trauma (IHT).

 

As a form of institutional violence, IHT can be triggered when Indigenous patients attempt to navigate the bureaucratic complexity of health care system. At times, such violence overtly expressed in the form of Indigenous-racialized racism that directly limits access to treatment. Often, it is less visible. For instance, Indigenous patients must travel long distances to unfamiliar urban centres to receive treatment. They must interact with medical professionals, interpret new terms, and navigate unfamiliar organizational procedures. All of these events create barriers to treatment. When a patient is unable to reach an appointment due to misunderstood instructions or missed connections, additional costs are imposed on the healthcare system and on the patient, their families, and their communities.

 

Despite the severity of these challenges, there is still little understanding of the true scope, frequency, and impact of these barriers. Therefore, our mission is to address this gap by working with Indigenous-led partners to document these barriers, understand their consequences, and evaluate solutions rooted in Indigenous governance, cultural safety, and community priorities.