Indian Reserves: Canada's Developing Nations

Indian reserves are the most visible reminder of the separation of aboriginal people from the rest of Canada and other Canadians. Illness patterns and social conditions in Native communities closely parallel those in developing nations. While they continue to have a large burden of infectious diseases, these groups also have an increased incidence of chronic and lifestyle diseases as well as environment-related conditions. Similarities can be seen in urban areas between immigrants from abroad and people from reserves. Barriers impede full access to and benefit from the Canadian health care system. The author reviews the evidence behind these comparisons and lists some resources that can help physicians meet the challenge of cross-cultural care to aboriginal Canadians.