Active learning ideas
This topic examines the systemic inequalities that lead to health disparities for Indigenous populations in Canada. Students move beyond individual health choices to look at the 'social determinants of health,' such as housing quality, access to clean water, food security, and the legacy of the residential school system. The curriculum emphasizes that health is holistic, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Activity 01
Groups research why specific First Nations have had long-term boil water advisories and propose a multi-sector plan to resolve the systemic barriers to clean water.
What are the social determinants of health for Indigenous peoples?
Activity 02
Students move through stations focused on housing, education, income, and colonial history, identifying how each factor specifically impacts Indigenous health outcomes.
How do systemic inequalities contribute to health disparities?
Activity 03
Students use the Medicine Wheel as a framework to discuss with a partner what 'health' looks like beyond the absence of disease, then share one community-led initiative that supports this view.
What community-led initiatives are improving health outcomes?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Indigenous health issues are caused by individual choices.
Health outcomes are largely driven by systemic factors like poverty and lack of infrastructure. Using a 'root cause' mapping activity helps students move from blaming individuals to understanding systemic inequality.
The government provides 'free' and superior healthcare to all Indigenous people.
Jurisdictional disputes between federal and provincial governments often lead to delays or denials of care for Indigenous people. A case study on Jordan's Principle can help clarify these gaps.
Methods used in this brief
Indigenous Rights and Title
This topic examines the legal and political struggles for Indigenous rights and land title in Canada. Students analyze landmark Supreme Court cases and their implications for sovereignty.
8 methodologies
Environmental Justice and Resource Extraction
Students investigate the conflicts and negotiations between Indigenous communities, governments, and corporations regarding resource extraction on traditional territories. The focus is on environmental stewardship and economic development.
8 methodologies