Self and System Transformation: Leadership Competencies for Advancing Indigenous Health

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health
• Health Equity
• Leadership Studies

Background:

• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 2015 Calls to Action include seven health-related directives.
• Progress on these health Calls to Action has been notably slow and variable.
• There is a critical need to address systemic barriers in Indigenous health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose novel leadership competencies specifically designed for Indigenous health.
• To support Indigenous health workers and emerging Indigenous leaders.
• To advance antiracism and decolonization strategies within Indigenous health.

Main Methods:

• Drawing upon the collective expertise of Indigenous health leaders.
• Conceptualizing and defining essential leadership competencies.
• Framing competencies within the context of decolonization and antiracism.

Main Results:

• Identification of key leadership competencies crucial for Indigenous health advancement.
• A framework for developing and implementing these competencies.
• Emphasis on the unique requirements for effective Indigenous health leadership.

Conclusions:

• Proposed leadership competencies are essential for driving significant change in Indigenous health.
• These competencies are vital for achieving meaningful improvements in health and workforce outcomes.
• Implementing these strategies will accelerate progress beyond interim measures towards true reconciliation in health.