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First Nation/State Relationships and First Nation Health
Hutchinson, Peter James
Hutchinson, Peter James
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n1711833243.pdf
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This research is an exploratory analysis of relationships developed between First Nations and the Canadian governments and First Nation health status. Health transfer, the British Columbia Treaty Commission (BCTC) and First Nation organizations and services identified in the Guide to First Nation Organizations and Services (2002) are utilized as indicators of First Nation relationships with the Canadian governments. This study incorporates a holistic concept of health with the methods and theory used in population health. The research adds to the current dialogue in First Nation health by directly addressing the interactions between First Nation communities, services and organizations and the state.1 Current dialogues on First Nation/state relationships are based in legal discourse, exploring the constitutionality and precedence of First Nation rights and title. Current discussions on relationships developing resources are limited to individual interactions within and between communities (Mignone 2003). This research project is not meant to imply that it is necessary to have a relationship with the state to improve well-being of the First Nation population. But, in cases where it is unavoidable, evaluating relationships and First Nation health status together may explain variations in health status between different First Nation populations. First Nation populations strive to increase their active engagement in determining their own social systems as a matter of self-determination/self-governance. Populations with active engagement in their social setting have better health than those with little or no involvement (Wilkinson 1996, Kawachi et al. 1997). Since active engagement extends beyond individual interactions, it must include the groups we belong to. We must compare relationships that First Nation groups participate in with their health status to understand the influence of active engagement. Further case study investigations will provide a guide for best practices or culturally appropriate relationships between First Nations and the Canadian governments. This paper’s focus is on health status variations between First Nations, and current explanations for these variations. It suggests that the relationships developed in health transfer — the BCTC and First Nation communities, groups, services, and organizations and the state — may account for variations in health status between First Nations within different health regions of British Columbia. It is assumed that these relationships increase First Nation participation in the development and maintenance of social services. Health The state includes the federal and provincial governments and their representatives. transfer and the BCTC process are relationships/interactions between First Nations and Canadian governments that are meant to increase First Nation control, authority, and active involvement in their communities.
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2006
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With permission of the license/copyright holder