Health and wellness are influenced by various complex factors beyond mere nutrition and exercise, and this reality significantly impacts Indigenous people. For Canada’s Aboriginal communities, their well-being is also shaped by social, cultural, and economic factors. Around 59% of First Nations People in Canada struggle with chronic conditions like obesity, allergies, and cardiovascular conditions. These ailments can be attributed to diet and physical activity, but other factors like low education and employment, income, and limited access to medical care also put them at a disadvantage.
Proper health habits are crucial for improving the well-being of Canada’s Indigenous communities to decrease the prevalence and risk of chronic conditions and allow for their groups to thrive.
Health among Canada’s Indigenous populations
Many First Nations People have struggled with health due to a change in traditional and cultural practices. Having to shift from a diet based on hunting, fishing, trapping, and berry picking to a market-oriented one was a player in increasing chronic illnesses. Many would like to eat more traditional food like moose and beaver but lack the time, resources, and manpower. Physical activity is also a challenge for these communities; around 71% of Indigenous people living in communities are sedentary or not very active. Many Aboriginal communities also struggle with high alcohol consumption and smoking rates, the latter of which may be due to smoking becoming a social norm, a stress reliever from social disparities, and a community activity.
Issues like obesity are also prominent in Indigenous communities, and structural inequities in health, education, social services, and other systems impact food security and wages, which prevents access to nutritious and high-quality food. Stress from social and systemic exclusion, as well as intergenerational trauma, may also discourage Indigenous people from maintaining healthy behaviors for weight loss. These issues may also cause them to be apprehensive about receiving health advice or medical care out of concern for discrimination and inequality.
For healthcare providers and organizations connected with Indigenous groups, it’s important to approach health habits with traditional perspectives and practices in mind. Many health or weight loss initiatives center on Western or Eurocentric approaches that may exclude them from the cultural health practices they are most familiar with and connected with. Considering the social disadvantages they experience can also help shape health interventions and programs.
Approaching and promoting health habits in Indigenous communities
Culturally appropriate education
Some modern health initiatives may not align with the values of First Nations People, which can prevent them from getting proper guidance in creating health habits. Integrate knowledge about traditional foods, physical activities, and medicinal plants into health education programs to better engage Indigenous communities and boost understanding of wellness management. Employing culturally relevant communication methods like storytelling, traditional art forms, and community radio can effectively deliver messages on well-being. Acknowledging the historical trauma and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities and how they impact health outcomes can help create more tailored and sensitive programs.
Community-driven support
Promoting healthy and sustainable weight loss initiatives can help improve well-being and reduce the risk of obesity-related chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Connecting to a weight loss community that offers judgment-free guidance and mutual support can help them develop healthy habits. Searching for “weight loss groups near me” can locate nearby workshops where experienced coaches and others within and outside Indigenous communities are also on a weight loss journey. Virtual classes can also work for those not near a workshop location, and valuable insights and support are still available. These groups can provide thoughtful and sensitive guidance beyond losing weight by approaching wellness holistically through diet, exercise, stress, sleep, and more.
Collaborating with Indigenous groups
Collaborating with Indigenous groups and leaders is vital for creating appropriate health initiatives connected to traditional values. Communicating with them can develop a better understanding of needs, preferences, and existing health practices that can be integrated into new programs. Indigenous older adults, in particular, are keepers of this essential knowledge and must be engaged when creating health promotion interventions that address intergenerational struggles and needs. Engaging Indigenous youth in activities reflecting their cultural norms can promote healthy habits more effectively than strategies outside their traditional paradigm.
By prioritizing proper health habits and connecting with Aboriginal groups, Canada can work towards achieving better health outcomes and promoting a brighter future for its Indigenous communities.