Due to a complex history of racism, colonialism and residential schools, access to public health services for Indigenous individuals has become a prevalent issue. Prior to European contact, the Indigenous people of Canada had their own practices of medicine that were fully functional. After colonization, diseases devastated their traditional knowledge of health. Although health for Indigenous people has improved, they continue to have lower health outcomes than non-Indigenous people. The Indian Health Policy of 1979 was established, with the overall goal being to achieve an increasing level of health in Indigenous communities, generated and maintained by the Indian communities themselves. This still serves as a problem though as many rural communities often don't have access to the health services they need, when they need them, serving as one of the top reasons Indigenous communities across Canada are in such desperate need of lifesaving medical services. Ensuring the accessibility of primary health care services for Indigenous people requires more than just services within easy reach, it is complex due to barriers including racism and discrimination. Canada is working towards breaking down the barriers that have been prevalent for far too long, but there is still much work to be done. Change starts with you. Be the change today, for a better tomorrow.
