Indigenous Health: The Intersectionality of History, Social Justice, and Equity

Recent events such as the Red Dress Project, and Every Child Matters Movement have shed light on the unsettling realities faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada, and horrified many Canadians. As we seek to better understand these realities Canadians may ask themselves how such egregious and discriminatory acts could be legally facilitated against Indigenous peoples. In this book, we shall explore interdisciplinary perspectives ranging from legislation, environmental, healthcare, intergenerational trauma, allyship, and education that surrounds the indigenous communities. Environmental racism experienced by numerous Indigenous communities across Canada need to be adequately addressed through the recognition of social and health concerns caused by increased exposure to environmental injustices and revising policy frameworks by collaborating with Indigenous communities. There are also healthcare barriers that indigenous communities often face and various unique factors that impact mental health as well. On top of this, there is legislation and policies that directly affected Indigenous Canadians and their direct descendants. Some of these include The Indian Act, residential schools, and the Sixties Scoop. In some indigenous communities, their way of lives and environment that they live in were also impacted. These include animals, plants, and livestock that surround their culture and tradition. Although indigenous communities impacted a vast amount of members, it was often more difficult for women and girls who faced structural factors such as legislation that made it more difficult for them. Lastly to combat this, we explore the topic of allyship and how we could address these issues that are present within our foster care system and educational system.