Confronting Racism within the Canadian Healthcare System: Systemic Exclusion of First Nations from Quality and...

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health Research
• Sociology of Healthcare
• Health Equity Studies

Background:

• Racism against First Nation peoples is a significant issue within the Canadian healthcare system.
• Existing healthcare structures may perpetuate systemic discrimination and inequities.
• Understanding the historical and ongoing impacts of racism is crucial for health reform.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the root causes of racism experienced by First Nation peoples in healthcare.
• To explore factors that sustain racism within the healthcare system.
• To determine the health consequences of this racism and outline strategies for an equitable system.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed to develop theory from data.
• Participant research principles ensured community involvement and voice.
• Indigenous (decolonizing) research approaches guided the study ethically and epistemologically.

Main Results:

• Racism stems from systemic biases and historical power imbalances.
• Factors perpetuating racism include discriminatory policies and cultural insensitivity.
• Racism negatively impacts First Nation health outcomes, leading to disparities.

Conclusions:

• Eradicating racism requires systemic change and decolonization of healthcare.
• An equitable system must center the needs, interests, and values of First Nation peoples.
• Transformative action is necessary to achieve health equity for Indigenous populations.