Questions and Answers:
Q:
With the increase in pan-Canadian and international collaborations on virtual events and lectures, I was wondering how we may approach land acknowledgments. Previously, since the audience and the presenters were in the same location, we used that location.
A:
This question may be answered in two parts. Firstly presenters should acknowledge the land where they are while adding a message to the audience to remember that we’re on Indigenous land wherever we are. If working with smaller groups, each participant can be asked to recognize the individual land where they are.
However, beyond this is it important to be aware that a land acknowledgment is not just a box to tick or an empty statement. It is important to be reflexive about why we acknowledge the land, what it means for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, and what we are doing in terms of action to work towards repair and reconciliation. Calvin Jacobs, our Elder in Residence, speaks of the Kanien’keháka concept of Skennen (peace), where visitors to the land are brought in, accepted, and greeted in peace. The importance of native land in Indigenous culture and spirituality should be kept in mind as we think about land acknowledgments.
Q:
Do you feel that there is a strong enough leadership in the Indigenous community to make a change in the reality that they are living?
A:
The short answer is yes, absolutely. Indigenous communities are characterized by a great deal of strength and resilience in the face of generations of active oppression. Just looking at the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada we can see how communities have come back from the brink of extinction to positions of leadership even with the restrictions still placed upon their sovereignty by the Indian act. Many Indigenous leaders have worked together to bring about great changes within their own communities and Canada at large. It is a struggle to find good leadership in all circumstances but this is not limited to Indigenous peoples. It is important not to generalize the failure of some to a failure of Indigenous leadership as a whole. Different communities have different hurdles and often the ability of Indigenous leaders to move things forward is limited and tightly controlled by non-native laws and governance.
Q:
Which are the model communities?
A:
In Quebec, many nations are making significant strides in regaining control over their own affairs. The Cree Nation and the Inuit have taken control over their own health and education services. The Mohawk Nations of Kahnawake, Kanesatake, and Akwesasne have taken similar steps. Other nations in and beyond Quebec are also doing well. In British Columbia, the First Nations Healthy Authority (www.fnha.ca) has taken over control of many health services previously run by the federal government.
Q:
What would you say the one thing that we should do in our practice as healthcare workers tomorrow to make a change?
A:
It is very difficult to recommend one change. We are talking about trying to undo damage that has been done for several centuries. Here are a few thoughts. One change could be to organize some form of training for all staff members on the health of Indigenous peoples. This could focus on cultural safety and include discussion on anti-Indigenous racism, addressing stereotypes, etc. Another option would be to make a decision to learn more about a certain topic. For instance, many First Nations adults have type 2 diabetes. Perhaps you and colleagues could do a journal club about the social determinants of health that can explain why this happens. Lastly, explore the resources on our website (https://www.mcgill.ca/indig-health/files/indig-health/resources_for_mcgi...) and consider exploring one of these once per month (ex: the San’yas Cultural training (https://www.sanyas.ca/) is a good place to start).
Q:
In terms of self-managed health care for Indigenous populations, what can we (in Quebec) learn from the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia and how having a First Nations health authority can impact care.
A:
This is hard to say as it is still a relatively new endeavor. It is clear thus far that First nations people are able to run their organization as well if not better than federal organizations. Beyond that, it is hard to say.
Q:
It seems like Mark Miller, the Canadian Minister of Indigenous Services, is very sensitive to all these issues, but he also seems paralyzed. Is the general spirit in the government still negative?
A:
We are hopeful that this government will make lasting changes. If they proceed with the proposed “Joyce’s Principle” this will be a major step forward.
Q:
Do you have a book/website to recommend to learn more?
A:
Please check our website for a complete list of resources (https://www.mcgill.ca/indig-health/files/indig-health/resources_for_mcgill_educators.pdf). Watching the series “8th Fire” (available online) is highly recommended. “Clearing the Plains” by James Waldram is an eye-opener. Also recommended are the works of Alanis Obomsawin, an internationally acclaimed Abenaki director who has created over 50 films that tell the stories of Indigenous peoples in this country and beyond. Some of her works include the documentaries “Incident at Restigouche” (1984) and “Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance” (1993). Both of these films and more can be viewed for free on the National Film Board of Canada’s website. Other resources include “Braiding Sweetgrass”, “Medicine Unbundled” and “Healing Histories: Stories from Canada’s Indian Hospitals”.
Q:
If we wanted to learn a few words in the languages of the people we are most likely to see, what resources would you suggest?
A:
Google and YouTube are common resources. Consider language courses at Native Montreal (http://www.nativemontreal.com/en/home.html?lang=EN)
Q:
Are there any formal links between the reserves councils and the health institutions?
A:
As far as we know there are no formal links between First Nations reserves and health institutions other than their own institutions. Several nations have take control over their own health care including the Cree, Inuit, and Mohawk. Other nations may also have more control but these are the ones we are most familiar with.
Q:
Will these types of sessions become mandatory in healthcare professions programs and continuing education?
A:
IHPP believes we are headed in this direction. The Attikamekw Nation has asked for the adoption of Joyce’s Principle which calls for increased training of all health care staff on the realities of Indigenous peoples. We are working hard at McGill to add training on Indigenous health at all schools in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Please also see the IHPP website for a list of position statements and policies on the subject (https://www.mcgill.ca/indig-health/files/indig-health/position_statements_and_policies.pdf).
Presentation
The slides presented during the webinar may be found below. Please note that this presentation is meant to be used only as an educational tool for those who have attended the sessions. Please keep in mind that this is by no means an exhaustive resource on Indigenous Health and does not replace bringing in Indigenous educators to engage with the intricacies of Indigenous Health in greater depth.
indig_fac_dev_webinar_nov_2_2020.pdf
