Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Health In Canada - Public Health Essay Example

The Aboriginal people of Canada comprise about 3.35 of the entire population. They reside both in the reserves in and urban areas. They comprise of the First Nations which are known as Amerindian, the Metis and the Inuit (Todd, Thornton & Collins, 2001). According to statistics, this indigenous community comprises of a young and fastest growing population whereby the mean age is 25.5 and 50% under the age of 15 years. This community is diversified regarding language groups, major ones being 11 and there are 58 local dialects. European colonization characterized by early missionary works that focused on religious conversions and consequently tried to out- rule the existing religious practices and beliefs was done through policies enacted in pursuit of being part of Euro-Canadian institutions. The cultural values were also not considered while participating in early trade and this was a clear indication of the cultural oppression. This interaction is the largest contributor to the past and current mental and health problems of the indigenous people of Canada (King, Smith & Gracey, 2009).

There are many problems faced by the Aboriginal people. Among these, as discussed include high incidences or mental health, tuberculosis, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension and long-term disabilities. Rates of suicide among the youths are at 5 times those of the entire population. Mortality cases result from poisonings and severe injuries (Kirmayer, Simpson & Cargo, 2003). There are also high rates of incarceration family violence, sexual abuse, and rape among the Aboriginals. All these problems are attributed to the social lifestyle among members of this community.

Indigenous Peoples Self Determination

Self-determination among the Aboriginals meant that they took the matter into their own hands by challenging the sovereignty of the state. This is because they were colonized and oppressed both politically and economically. Through attempts of assimilation, the non-indigenous people tried to take in the backwardness and inferiority of the indigenous people without necessarily protecting their primitive cultures (Iorns, 1992). Coulthard (2003), argues that self-determination among the Aboriginals have been termed as recognition of their distinctive cultures, right to land and self-government, benefiting from the development of resources and indigenous territories.

According to research conducted by Imai (2008), it showed that self-determination of the indigenous had been accepted both nationally and internationally. This was due to the long periods of suffering after government policies were set to destroy their culture and grab their lands. Self-determination is exercised through sovereignty and self-government whereby through this people will be autonomous in controlling their social, political and economic developments. Controlling of their local affairs service delivery through a larger framework is facilitated through self-management and self-administration. Before 1982, the Inuit and the Metis were not in any formal way recognized as existing rendering them an invisible people. It was only after the amendment of the constitution that their rights were provided for. Self-determination, as pointed out by the indigenous people, emphasized the fact that it was essential for the people's development and survival. The leaders stated that this right was to be sovereign, flexible and did no not, in essence, imply secession (Iorns, 1992).

However, the Canadian Supreme Court asserted that right to self-government of reserve land was too broad and needed to be more specific. The government failed to recognize the indigenous to practice the full right to self-determination. The reason for this is that the international law does not recognize this as it is only applicable to the colonized state in their quest to decolonization. The indigenous people, in this case, were not termed as being colonized. This is why they referred to them as a population and not people. Meanwhile, the federal government recognized this right to self-governance. Continued negotiations on land claims and self-government through policies were being made. Since mid-seventies, agreements have also been signed and settlement of minor land disputes (Imai, 2008).

Evolution of Self-Government over the Years

A new territory called Nunavut was created in northern Canada by the Inuit of the Eastern Arctic. They aimed at including in their territorial election process both the Inuit and non- Inuit by imitating a public government model. In the present day, they exercise power if control since they constitute the majority of the population. However, the federal government is the one that has delegated powers being exercised by the public government. The Nunavut act (1993) makes it clear that they will be bound by conventional institutional structures but will they are also free to enjoy services provided within their territory. Also, there has been set a legislative body for the indigenous people known as the House of First People included in the third chamber of parliament. It plays a role in legislation, initiating and giving advice to the House of Commons matters relating to the Aboriginals.

The self- government among the First Nations has reflected on how there can be jurisdiction and ability to control a full range of institutions. For an effective government, the First Nations can exercise power to control their research and information. They are also in possession of information as a resource which has enabled them in making policies, planning and prosperity. First Nations, as well as legitimacy, can get support in the government (Barsh, 1993).

Implication in the Field of Indigenous Health Policy

A state of well-being by the indigenous is defined as living a strong and healthy life physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Poor health among them was caused by poor income, education, poor employment status, social support and access to health services. Furthermore, other factors include racism, loss of language, loss of connection to their territory, spiritual, mental and emotional disconnection and environmental deprivation. Due to changes in their culture, exclusion, and assimilation causing them not to have self-governance, they are bound to be affected by depression, suicide, violence, and abuse of many kinds (Kirmayer, Simpson & Cargo, 2003).The state policies that focused on the assimilation of the aboriginals have led to experiences of trauma, loss, and violence in collectiveness. Treatment, therefore, has to focus on family, engage and empower the community in general to facilitate faster restoration of the mental health problem.

The federal government has reserved $100 million from the years 2005-2010 to create an Aboriginal Health Human Resource Initiative (AHHRI). This is to enhance a programme that is aimed at the long-term creation of supportive working environments for Aboriginal health workers. This programme was called the Indian and Inuit Health Careers Programme (IIHCP). Since 1996 through 2006, there was a net gain of 11,965 as the number of professional significantly increased. It is important to note that this happened before the AHHRI initiative was implemented (Boyer, Lavoie, Kornelson & Reading, 2016).

Barriers to Self-Determination and Self-Governance

The concept of sovereignty

Sovereignty forms a fundamental aspect of independence of the state and freedom of action. External sovereignty or independence is when a state can freely enjoy its rights without controlling those of a different state. A state can also make its constitutions, make laws and force them on the citizens, and make its decisions without interference from another state. This makes the concept of sovereignty a barrier to achieve self-determination as described by the international law that a state cannot have absolute power, all states are equal, even if not equal in the real sense.

The international law of self-determination

The notion of self-determination that enabled one through democracy, to choose their form of government and not to be ruled in any way by another nation or be liberated from it was used in First World War. This concept was restricted at the end of the war as Europe was redrawing its boundaries. The reason was that there was in existence of many different minorities. It showed that even if demarcations were made, there had to group living amongst people of varying ethnicity, language, and religion (Kunz, 1954).

Health Impact Assessment: The Invisible Nation

The Algonquin people are indigenous people of Canada. The socioeconomic characteristics of this indigenous community included hunting and fishing. Some practiced agriculture and horticulture. The federal government had introduced commercial harvesting or rice, but they protested against the same because they used to harvest by hand. It was only after facing the hostility from the police that the government decided to reverse this permit. Currently, they live in a culture of poverty, and their human is rights are abused.

The Problem on Housing

Inadequate housing conditions

They have inadequate housing conditions and poor water supply. However, in 2011, people were able to receive water through piping and truck services as well as individual wells. It was only 1.5 % that did not receive water services. On wastewater system, reserve homes had piped wastewater, while some had truck-hauled sewages and the rest had septic or individual sewage and wastewater systems.

Water contamination

It is important to note that is a challenge among many communities, therefore, water safety becomes an integral policy issue (Sawchuck, 2011). A case in Ontario reported mercury content from Wabigoon-English River system being consumed by a particular population. The province was put on the press and cleaned up the site. Regardless of this, on February 2017, the river system was still shown to be contaminated by a chemical known as Dryden.

Land for reserves

During the 19th century, they petitioned the government to set aside land for reserves. Into the 20th century, residential schools were established and his threatened their way of life. Among this, culture and generational dislocation and grabbing of traditional land have left many communities poor and homeless.

Overcrowding

Overcrowding is also a problem since it results to wear and tear. Although improvements have been done, on-reserves were highly overcrowded by the year 2006. A report by the Toronto Star indicated that one household comprises more than one family, some holding up to 13 people.

Shortage of housing

Shortage of housing is also a major problem caused by high population growth rate in reserve areas. This community of First Nations people is therefore forced to the off-reserve housing. Electricity is available and serves about 90%. Nevertheless, central heating systems, sewage, water and fire protections are still problematic.

Repair of the existing houses in reserves

The federal government also provides for repair of the existing houses in reserves with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Cooperation (CMHC), giving a hand to this initiative. Also, the government offers housing subsidies. The homes that did not adhere to the national building code which had a lifespan of fewer than 20 years were supposed to be eliminated.

Conclusion

In the overall perspective, the health problem continues to lag behind. The health expectancy has been improving since 1983 through 2009. The health reports show the leading causes of mortality to be associated with suicide, accidents, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, mental health problems, and tuberculosis. Infant mortality...