Aboriginal Health and Wellness

Local Health Integration Networks are mandated to work with Aboriginal communities for improved health and wellness. The HNHB LHIN has a responsibility to learn about and respect Aboriginal communities’ approach to health and wellness and how this approach guides the identification of health needs and solutions. Respect for and inclusion of Aboriginal traditional practices with non traditional health providers is essential for health solutions aligned with cultural identity, wholistic health and community values.

Did you know? 

• The Aboriginal population has lower incomes, lower life expectancy and higher rates of illness, compared to the average Canadian. 
• There are two reserves in the HNHB LHIN: Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. 
• Approximately half of the Aboriginal population residing in the LHIN live on-reserve. 
• As of August 2006, the total registered Aboriginal population living on or off-reserve in the HNHB LHIN was 24,263, or 1.7% of the total LHIN population. 
• Population data for non-status, Metis, and Inuit aboriginal populations are not precise; people are mobile, homelessness is high and some Aboriginal persons choose not to self identify. 

Aboriginal Health and Wellness 

Aboriginal health and wellness is guided by the relationships among three concepts: the Aboriginal life cycle, wholistic health, and healing continuum.

• The Aboriginal life cycle explains life through the passage of stages which are celebrated and correspond to the four directions, seasons, elements and gifts.  It reflects the reciprocal relationships of individuals, families, nations, communities and the environment. 
• Wholistic health embraces the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual attributes of the individual, family and community.
• The continuum of care, or healing continuum, includes health promotion, prevention, treatment and curative programs and services, and rehabilitation.

Collaboration for a Path to Wellness 

• 2006-2007 
  Shared dialogue and relationship building among interested First Nations, Métis, and urban Aboriginal health and social service providers began as Health Opportunities for Aboriginal People (HOAP) 
• February 2008
  HOAP hosted a three day participatory conference, Soaring Vision, that linked Aboriginal communities’ lived experience with hopes for the future health and wellness of Aboriginal people.  The eagle, with its forthright thinking, wisdom and keen far-reaching vision, symbolized the vision and path to wellness developed during the conference 
• September 2008
  HOAP celebrated their work and the opportunities possible, and developed an action plan
• Spring 2009
  HOAP evolves into the Aboriginal Health Network committed to inclusion, healthy collaboration, partnerships and informed LHIN decision making for Aboriginal health improvement
• Spring 2009
  Aboriginal providers attract Federal Aboriginal Health Transition Funds for health improvement

Projects in the Works 

• Getting to the right care
  Aboriginal community support programs are relatively unknown or non existent for First Nations people. This means that First Nations people do not have access to programs and services that support optimal recovery following a hospital stay. Culturally appropriate care and support contributes to healing, recovery and good health.
  Improve Aboriginal persons’ continuity of care and health experience as they move from hospital care to recovery at home. The goal is culturally appropriate care and supports for health recovery
• Healthy Families and Children
  Aboriginal children and families at risk for family breakdown and mental health issues are entitled to prevention and recovery initiatives that are culturally appropriate. The goal in Aboriginal communities is to have appropriate support for families whose children are in the child welfare system, to ensure least intrusive approaches and speedy repatriation to supports close to home.
  Improve links among traditional and non-traditional health services for Aboriginal children and their families who are at-risk for family breakdown and mental health issues or who are involved with child welfare services.  The goal is to have healthy families and children through culturally appropriate early identification and intervention