The Importance Of Aboriginal Health

Over the course of history, a question of one’s health has always been of concern. Although, as the years go by, generally the health of individuals in many countries have improved. People live longer and are better educated, especially when considering first world countries like Canada and the United States. Unfortunately, this is not the case for all individuals. Even groups of people living in first world nations suffer from heath related issues due to poor resources and neglect. Distribution and funding of resources has always been an issue, especially when considering who gets these resources and how much of it. The aboriginal people of North America are no exception from this neglect and over the years have been mistreated and unfairly
taken for granted. As a result of current conditions of living and education, aboriginal people suffer from various health related problems and have a considerably lower heath compared to others that live in the country.
Aboriginal people and health has been a concern in both the U.S. and Canada for many years. Unfortunately, it is a concern that has been poorly handled and one that does not seem to be improving regardless of current efforts. Many factors including employment rates, over crowding, accessibility to health facilities, infectious diseases, diabetes, substance abuse, mental health, depression, and higher rates of suicide all contribute to aboriginals and a lack of overall better health (Loppie, 2009). Basic necessities such as food security, adequate housing and access to health care facilities are problems that aboriginal communities continue to face. Aboriginal people living on reserves in more rural areas are not able to access resources easily. This leaves simple visits to medical clinics for checkups uncommon and with that comes a decrease in general health. Although, some aboriginal reserves are located within range of health care facilities, the maintenance and even quality of care provide is lower than that of clinics of non-aboriginals (Loppie, 2009). Malnourishment is also a problem within the community as food supplies are not always available in the way people need them to be. General and grocery stores are not always easy to access due to transport and distance, resulting in infrequent trips to the market for food (Douglas, 2013). Food security is a basic human need and when a group of individuals is not given the same accessibilities as others, it dramatically separates these individuals and their quality of life (Healey, 1998). Adequate shelter for individuals in a community is also essential for healthy living. Unfortunately, the housing provided on reserves is often subpar, leaving aboriginals to live with poor condition and over crowding. Problems with over crowding result from diseases that spreads much easier when living with many people in close quarters, especially when the housing themselves are in need of repair from damage and mold (NCCAH, 2016). The distribution and lack of resources provided to remote communities has allowed for a general decrease in health among aboriginal peoples and is a concern that continues today.
Issues on aboriginal health have been around for many years.
Over the course of these years, many organizations locally and on a global scale were formed to ensure that a change would be made when considering aboriginals and health. Locally, there are many different agencies’ which promote and support aboriginal health. One of these agency’s is called the “Centre for Aboriginal Student Services” and is located right here on campus at York University. While visiting this agency, questions regarding their initiative were asked to see how the problem of aboriginal health was being addressed locally. Firstly, the mission of this agency is explained as an effort to improve the health and well being of aboriginals. This is accomplished by improving healing of emotion, spirit, mind and body by the use of traditional methods. A multi disciplinary model is said to be used, as this incorporates traditional as well as western healing to try and provide the best possible needed care. Another question asked was regarding the agency and the services provided as well as the services related to natural remedies. The agency responded by presenting the many initiatives put into effect to best help aboriginal peoples. Some of these initiatives include, mental health and addiction services, diabetes education and management, psychiatric services as well as spiritual, trauma and herbal treatments. Lastly, questions regarding aboriginals and their choice to use western medication or traditional
remedies were asked. The agency responded by explaining that both types of treatments are favoured by aboriginals and that mostly it would depend on the people or the community itself. However, the agency promotes the use of both types of treatments as to provide the patients with the best possible care that they are comfortable with. Globally, there are also many initiatives determined to bring awareness and aid to aboriginal communities. The “Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health” is an initiative formed to work with many countries around the world to address the problems faced by aboriginal peoples on a global scale. The goal of the initiative is to improve the health of aboriginal communities around the world through multiple disciplinary, institutional, and sectoral collaboration. Many research projects have been conducted to better understand the sources of the issues that aboriginal people deal with and how best to address them. Also, projects are funded to promote the teaching and education necessary for aboriginals to protect themselves from various issues, one including protection and education on HIV/AIDS (Healthy Canadians in a Healthy World, 2016). The similarities of initiatives globally and locally are that both seem to have the same overall goal, the improvement of aboriginal health and care. However, the difference would be the approach. Locally, the agencies are very included in the improvement of aboriginal health and seem to be more directly associated with treatment and services. Globally, the agencies are more focused on the bigger picture and focus more on research and planning of how to tackle the problems that are occurring and how to stop them in their entirety.
The people involved in the betterment of aboriginals and health are caring and sincere individuals who want only to help other live their life better.
One of these individuals is James Castello who works with the, “Centre for Aboriginal Student Services” here at York University. James is a change agent determined to help better the lives of aboriginals in the local community and someone who finds pride and love in what he does. When asked his role in the community and how he best serves it, James responded by explaining the many things he continues to do in ensuring that people in need get the help they deserve. Some of the many things James continues to do for the community is, coordinate traditional services, facilitating programs, building foundations of programs and traditional culture as well as ensuring easy access to services and recruiting healers, nurses and practitioner determined to help. James perfectly fits the role of a change agent in his efforts to better the community. He shows selflessness in his determination and efforts to improve the betterment of aboriginals in the community not only by promoting initiatives but by also being apart of them and ensuring that programs and care are available and received by any individual in need. He is determined to make a change in the world in any way he can and that’s why what he does is an essential aspect of being an agent of
change.
All in all, the health and well being of all individuals including aboriginal peoples is a concern that needs to be addressed and continue to be promoted. Through research and visits to local initiatives dedicated to helping aboriginal peoples, the concerns of aboriginals and health are ones that not only need awareness but actual solutions and aid. Local and global agencies are determined to help aboriginal people and the many issues they deal with and continue in the betterment of aboriginal health. However, these changes cannot be made without the dedication and determination of the many individuals who promote and help with the care of aboriginal people. These change agents whether local or on a global scale are the reason that many people receive the help and care they need and without them millions would be left without resources or information to better their lives and their health.