Indigenous Health

In Canada, Indigenous People are at a higher risk for developing many health conditions, including frailty, due to multiple social and physical determinants of health. Approximately 1 in 2 First Nations People over the age of 65 are living with frailty in Canada – this is almost double the national average. The Canadian Frailty Network has identified Indigenous health as a research gap that we are working towards closing.

CFN has recently released funds to support Indigenous knowledge translation and real-world implementation projects that improve local health and social care, allowing older adults to remain in their homes and communities as they age, for as long as possible. The top initiatives were all co-created or co-designed in close partnership with Indigenous community members and the funded teams. CFN is proud to help close current gaps in research, and improve the quality of life for Indigenous elders, especially those living with frailty.

Below, you will find resources and supports for Indigenous elders, and their families.

COVID-19 Resources

• Women’s College Hospital: Maad’ookiing Mshkiki — Sharing Medicine Fireside Chats
  • First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Perspectives & Knowledge Sharing on COVID-19 Vaccines
• The Art for Aid Project
  • Indigenous Language Posters: “Wash your hands”
• Kitatipithitamak  Mithwayawin: Indigenous-Led Countermeasures to COVID-19 and other Pandemics Then, Now and Into the Future
  • Infographics
• COVID-19 Resources for the Northwest Territories

Online Resources

• Indigenous Cognition & Aging Awareness Research Exchange
  • Resources include:
    • Preventing Dementia in Indigenous Peoples by Aging Well: Advice from Older Indigenous Peoples
    • What to Expect After a Diagnosis of Dementia: An Indigenous Persons’ Guide

• Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
  • The SASH team supports Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Status and Non-Status) people aged 55 and older and aims to provide access to high quality, culturally safe health care services.
    
    • Resources include:
      • Supporting Aboriginal Seniors at Home (SASH)

• First Peoples Wellness Circle
  • FPWC is a non-profit run by Indigenous Leaders that aims to improve the lives of Canada’s First Peoples by addressing healing, wellness, and other mental health challenges
  • Resources include:
    • Mental Wellness during COVID-19 for Elders & Seniors