Canada First Nations Strengths in Community-Based Primary Healthcare

Grace Kyoon Achan, Rachel Eni (), Wanda Phillips-Beck, Josée G. Lavoie, Kathi Avery Kinew and Alan Katz
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Grace Kyoon Achan: Education Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
Rachel Eni: Independent Researcher, Victoria, BC V9C 0M1, Canada
Wanda Phillips-Beck: Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, First Nation Health and Social Secretariat Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B3, Canada
Josée G. Lavoie: Department Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
Kathi Avery Kinew: First Nation Health and Social Secretariat Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B3, Canada
Alan Katz: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B3, Canada

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-17

Abstract: Introduction: First Nation (FN) peoples and communities in Canada are still grappling with the effects of colonization. Health and social inequities result in higher disease burden and significant disparities in healthcare access and responsiveness. For resilience, survival, and self-determination, FN are looking inwards for strengths. This paper reports on the cultural, community, and family strengths that have supported FN communities in developing community-based primary healthcare (CBPHC) strategies to support health and wellbeing. Methods: The study was a partnership between university-based researchers; The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba; and eight First Nation communities in Manitoba. Community-based participatory research methods were used to engage the participating communities. One hundred and eighty-three in-depth, semi-structured key informant interviews were completed between 2014 and 2016 with key members of the First Nation communities, i.e., community-based health providers and users of primary healthcare services, representing all age and genders. Data-collection and analysis were conducted following iterative grounded theory analysis. Results: Community-based healthcare models based on local strengths support easier access and shorter wait times for care and compassionate care delivery. Resources such as homecare and medical transportation are helpful. Community cooperation, youth power, responsive leadership, and economic development as well as a strong cultural and spiritual base are key strengths supporting health and social wellbeing. Conclusions: Locally led, self-determined care adds strength in FN communities, and is poised to create long-lasting primary healthcare transformation.

Keywords: First Nations; community-based primary healthcare; strengths; self-determination (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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