Article Review: Indigenous People in Canada
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Running head: ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
Article Review: Indigenous People in Canada
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:
Article Review: Indigenous People in Canada
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:
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1ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
Topic 1: Residential Schools
Sedehi, K. T. (2019). Witnessing the Unspoken Truth: On Residential School Survivors'
Testimonies in Canada. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 9(7), 755-761.
Summary
The residential system of school in Canada started in the year 1876 and continued till
1996 (Sedehi, 2019). The motto of operating the residential schools was to assimilate
children of the indigenous community into the mainstream European-Canadian culture. A
new law was established, known as Indian Act in the year 1876, which gave the government
the power to take the children of the indigenous community away from their homes and
parents and keep them in schools that taught them the methods and essence of the Euro-
Canadian culture. The kids taken to the residential schools had to face extraneous emotional,
mental, physical and sexual abuse while living there. Their education included learning about
European culture and their practices, its beliefs and norms while the kids were expressly
forbidden to talk about their culture (Sedehi, 2019). Their own culture was belittled, which
affected the aboriginal people of Canada for many generation that followed. The residential
schools committed large scale cultural genocide.
The purpose of the article is to provide awareness regarding the incidents that
happened in the residential schools in Canada and provide support and courage to the people
who survived the horrific era so that they can fight and exact their rights. The research
includes testimonies of residential school survivors, collected through YouTube. In one
incident, children were beaten, strapped to their beds or whipped for minor mistakes while
other testimonies recount stories of pedophilia which created large scale trauma (Sedehi,
2019). Most of the victims confirm that the residential school experience led to severe
depression, trauma and substance abuse among them as a mechanism to cope up. Many of the
Topic 1: Residential Schools
Sedehi, K. T. (2019). Witnessing the Unspoken Truth: On Residential School Survivors'
Testimonies in Canada. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 9(7), 755-761.
Summary
The residential system of school in Canada started in the year 1876 and continued till
1996 (Sedehi, 2019). The motto of operating the residential schools was to assimilate
children of the indigenous community into the mainstream European-Canadian culture. A
new law was established, known as Indian Act in the year 1876, which gave the government
the power to take the children of the indigenous community away from their homes and
parents and keep them in schools that taught them the methods and essence of the Euro-
Canadian culture. The kids taken to the residential schools had to face extraneous emotional,
mental, physical and sexual abuse while living there. Their education included learning about
European culture and their practices, its beliefs and norms while the kids were expressly
forbidden to talk about their culture (Sedehi, 2019). Their own culture was belittled, which
affected the aboriginal people of Canada for many generation that followed. The residential
schools committed large scale cultural genocide.
The purpose of the article is to provide awareness regarding the incidents that
happened in the residential schools in Canada and provide support and courage to the people
who survived the horrific era so that they can fight and exact their rights. The research
includes testimonies of residential school survivors, collected through YouTube. In one
incident, children were beaten, strapped to their beds or whipped for minor mistakes while
other testimonies recount stories of pedophilia which created large scale trauma (Sedehi,
2019). Most of the victims confirm that the residential school experience led to severe
depression, trauma and substance abuse among them as a mechanism to cope up. Many of the

2ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
survivors developed amnesia as a defense mechanism for forgetting about the horrific past.
They are also skeptic about the governmental approach to address the problems. The study
implores the government to give the aboriginal population the attention that they deserve and
create policies and programs that will truly support them.
Criticism
The article presents the observation and listening of the videos that accounted the
experience of the aboriginal people in Canada. The author realizes the limitations that
listeners have while listening to the accounts of the victims. They often feel too close to them
and relate to them for their own personal experience. They start recounting their own past
which leads them to relive that past that they had already come to terms with. This leads to
further issues. The victims too face the same problem while recounting their stories (Sedehi,
2019). The most critical issue here is that the aboriginal people have not completely come to
terms with their past. This makes them much more vulnerable to intergenerational trauma.
This has led to reduction of health conditions, mental health, lack of education, advancement
due to their lack of trust in government (Cowan, 2020).
In many cases, the aboriginal people are accused of suffering for mental health issues
and substance abuse. In reality, the experience of abuse, suffering and torture that they had to
face in the residential schools, created a permanent scar in their memory that cannot be
removed (Kim, 2019). The assimilation that the earlier government planned, failed
spectacularly, along with it failed one of the most culturally diverse population’s confidence
and sense of identity. The residential system of school in Canada was a joint effort by the
government of Canada and the Catholic Church. The residential system had much effect in
the loss of culture and heritage that the aboriginal community faced. The present research has
certain limitations. The research is based on observation and listening which makes it
survivors developed amnesia as a defense mechanism for forgetting about the horrific past.
They are also skeptic about the governmental approach to address the problems. The study
implores the government to give the aboriginal population the attention that they deserve and
create policies and programs that will truly support them.
Criticism
The article presents the observation and listening of the videos that accounted the
experience of the aboriginal people in Canada. The author realizes the limitations that
listeners have while listening to the accounts of the victims. They often feel too close to them
and relate to them for their own personal experience. They start recounting their own past
which leads them to relive that past that they had already come to terms with. This leads to
further issues. The victims too face the same problem while recounting their stories (Sedehi,
2019). The most critical issue here is that the aboriginal people have not completely come to
terms with their past. This makes them much more vulnerable to intergenerational trauma.
This has led to reduction of health conditions, mental health, lack of education, advancement
due to their lack of trust in government (Cowan, 2020).
In many cases, the aboriginal people are accused of suffering for mental health issues
and substance abuse. In reality, the experience of abuse, suffering and torture that they had to
face in the residential schools, created a permanent scar in their memory that cannot be
removed (Kim, 2019). The assimilation that the earlier government planned, failed
spectacularly, along with it failed one of the most culturally diverse population’s confidence
and sense of identity. The residential system of school in Canada was a joint effort by the
government of Canada and the Catholic Church. The residential system had much effect in
the loss of culture and heritage that the aboriginal community faced. The present research has
certain limitations. The research is based on observation and listening which makes it

3ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
somewhat limited for the obvious reason that gestures and body language interpretation is
different across culture.
The study is significant for several reasons. The study provides a complete overview
of the experience that the Aboriginals in Canada faced during the time of colonization. The
decolonizing efforts from the governments were equally traumatic for them. Till now, the
aboriginal children do not receive aid or scholarship for their education, which limits their
capacity to pursue higher education. Moreover, the several mental and physical health issues
that emerged due to their years in the residential systems also need support from the
government (Bernards et al., 2019). The people that spend time in those schools are unable to
parent their child, maintain proper relationship with friends, family or spouse and are
unequipped to hold a job for long (Cowan, 2020). In this regard, the government organs that
creates the policies need to consider updating the current policies so that the aboriginal
people in Canada are not assimilated but are included in the nation of Canada.
somewhat limited for the obvious reason that gestures and body language interpretation is
different across culture.
The study is significant for several reasons. The study provides a complete overview
of the experience that the Aboriginals in Canada faced during the time of colonization. The
decolonizing efforts from the governments were equally traumatic for them. Till now, the
aboriginal children do not receive aid or scholarship for their education, which limits their
capacity to pursue higher education. Moreover, the several mental and physical health issues
that emerged due to their years in the residential systems also need support from the
government (Bernards et al., 2019). The people that spend time in those schools are unable to
parent their child, maintain proper relationship with friends, family or spouse and are
unequipped to hold a job for long (Cowan, 2020). In this regard, the government organs that
creates the policies need to consider updating the current policies so that the aboriginal
people in Canada are not assimilated but are included in the nation of Canada.
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4ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
References
Bernards, S., Wells, S., Morton-Ninomiya, M., Plain, S., George, T., Linklater, R., ... &
George, J. (2019). Buffering effects of social support for Indigenous males and
females living with historical trauma and loss in 2 First Nation
communities. International journal of circumpolar health, 78(2), 1542931.
Cowan, K. (2020). How Residential Schools led to Intergenerational Trauma in the Canadian
Indigenous Population to Influence Parenting Styles and Family Structures over
Generations. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth/Le Journal Canadien de Famille
et de la Jeunesse, 12(2), 26-35.
Kim, P. J. (2019). Social Determinants of Health Inequities in Indigenous Canadians Through
a Life Course Approach to Colonialism and the Residential School System. Health
equity, 3(1), 378-381.
Sedehi, K. T. (2019). Witnessing the Unspoken Truth: On Residential School Survivors'
Testimonies in Canada. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 9(7), 755-761.
References
Bernards, S., Wells, S., Morton-Ninomiya, M., Plain, S., George, T., Linklater, R., ... &
George, J. (2019). Buffering effects of social support for Indigenous males and
females living with historical trauma and loss in 2 First Nation
communities. International journal of circumpolar health, 78(2), 1542931.
Cowan, K. (2020). How Residential Schools led to Intergenerational Trauma in the Canadian
Indigenous Population to Influence Parenting Styles and Family Structures over
Generations. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth/Le Journal Canadien de Famille
et de la Jeunesse, 12(2), 26-35.
Kim, P. J. (2019). Social Determinants of Health Inequities in Indigenous Canadians Through
a Life Course Approach to Colonialism and the Residential School System. Health
equity, 3(1), 378-381.
Sedehi, K. T. (2019). Witnessing the Unspoken Truth: On Residential School Survivors'
Testimonies in Canada. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 9(7), 755-761.

5ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
Topic 2: Mental Health
Nelson, S. E., & Wilson, K. (2017). The mental health of Indigenous peoples in Canada:
A critical review of research. Social Science & Medicine, 176, 93-112.
Summary
Mental illness among the indigenous people are quite well known. People belonging
to the indigenous communities all over the world are suffering from chronic mental illness in
countries like Australia, Canada and USA (Nelson & Wilson, 2017). The main reason that
mental illness is so common among the indigenous population is because of the
intergenerational trauma, residential schools, depression, discrimination, stereotyping,
prejudice, poverty and lack of medical care. There has been extensive research about the
inequalities that lie in the healthcare of the aboriginal people in Canada, while mental health
issues among this population has not been investigated much. The research shows that most
of the literature are focused on the colonial impact, intergenerational trauma and causes of
mental illness (Nelson & Wilson, 2017). The research also shows that the issues such as
suicide and substance use are more thoroughly researched rather than the effects of colonial
past and historical trauma. It is also evident, that many of the indigenous groups are
underrepresented in the research.
The present research finds researches have mostly concerned with the social
determinants of mental health such as colonial past, child welfare policies, residential
schooling and social policies that focus on their inclusion. Moreover, literature around the
world strongly indicates that drawing conclusions of prevalent mental conditions without first
considering their historical traumatic experiences and colonialism into consideration. The
experiences regarding colonialism is not the sole cause but the institutions that the indigenous
population had to go through, the cultural and linguistic loss, uprootment from their natural
Topic 2: Mental Health
Nelson, S. E., & Wilson, K. (2017). The mental health of Indigenous peoples in Canada:
A critical review of research. Social Science & Medicine, 176, 93-112.
Summary
Mental illness among the indigenous people are quite well known. People belonging
to the indigenous communities all over the world are suffering from chronic mental illness in
countries like Australia, Canada and USA (Nelson & Wilson, 2017). The main reason that
mental illness is so common among the indigenous population is because of the
intergenerational trauma, residential schools, depression, discrimination, stereotyping,
prejudice, poverty and lack of medical care. There has been extensive research about the
inequalities that lie in the healthcare of the aboriginal people in Canada, while mental health
issues among this population has not been investigated much. The research shows that most
of the literature are focused on the colonial impact, intergenerational trauma and causes of
mental illness (Nelson & Wilson, 2017). The research also shows that the issues such as
suicide and substance use are more thoroughly researched rather than the effects of colonial
past and historical trauma. It is also evident, that many of the indigenous groups are
underrepresented in the research.
The present research finds researches have mostly concerned with the social
determinants of mental health such as colonial past, child welfare policies, residential
schooling and social policies that focus on their inclusion. Moreover, literature around the
world strongly indicates that drawing conclusions of prevalent mental conditions without first
considering their historical traumatic experiences and colonialism into consideration. The
experiences regarding colonialism is not the sole cause but the institutions that the indigenous
population had to go through, the cultural and linguistic loss, uprootment from their natural

6ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
homes, changes in worldview are the reasons for which indigenous people are prone mental
illnesses such as suicidal tendencies and depression (Nelson & Wilson, 2017).
The research includes analysis of 223 articles among which 36% of the articles focus
on the social determinants of mental health, 30% were about mental health services, 15% of
the articles talked about prevalence of mental illness, 11% were about mental health
promotion and 7% were about mental health research. The study concludes that a gap
remains in literature as different indigenous groups are underrepresented and follows a
pattern which might have become the norm when it comes to mental health issues among the
aboriginals. More extensive and cross border approaches of research is necessary (Nelson &
Wilson, 2017).
Criticism
The article reviews hundreds of literature shows the similarities and differences
between them. The previous researches on mental health issues focus mostly on the common
patterns such as drug abuse, suicide, alcoholism as the major symptoms of mental illness
(Knaak, Mantler & Szeto, 2017). Drugs and alcohol has also been cited as the root causes of
mental illness among the population. The colonial history that majority of the article talks
about has created this deep rooted problem through generation which has now become the
reason for stereotyping and prejudice. Healthcare professionals and doctors have the common
view that indigenous people have these problems for generations and they lack the training
and empathy that is needed for treating them (Ungar, Knaak & Szeto, 2016). The most
problematic aspect that the article highlights is the lack of indigenous perspective in the
previous research which indicates that the conclusions drawn from them are often one sided
and erroneous. The analysis reveals that most of the literature proposes solution which talks
about a cultural approach.
homes, changes in worldview are the reasons for which indigenous people are prone mental
illnesses such as suicidal tendencies and depression (Nelson & Wilson, 2017).
The research includes analysis of 223 articles among which 36% of the articles focus
on the social determinants of mental health, 30% were about mental health services, 15% of
the articles talked about prevalence of mental illness, 11% were about mental health
promotion and 7% were about mental health research. The study concludes that a gap
remains in literature as different indigenous groups are underrepresented and follows a
pattern which might have become the norm when it comes to mental health issues among the
aboriginals. More extensive and cross border approaches of research is necessary (Nelson &
Wilson, 2017).
Criticism
The article reviews hundreds of literature shows the similarities and differences
between them. The previous researches on mental health issues focus mostly on the common
patterns such as drug abuse, suicide, alcoholism as the major symptoms of mental illness
(Knaak, Mantler & Szeto, 2017). Drugs and alcohol has also been cited as the root causes of
mental illness among the population. The colonial history that majority of the article talks
about has created this deep rooted problem through generation which has now become the
reason for stereotyping and prejudice. Healthcare professionals and doctors have the common
view that indigenous people have these problems for generations and they lack the training
and empathy that is needed for treating them (Ungar, Knaak & Szeto, 2016). The most
problematic aspect that the article highlights is the lack of indigenous perspective in the
previous research which indicates that the conclusions drawn from them are often one sided
and erroneous. The analysis reveals that most of the literature proposes solution which talks
about a cultural approach.
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7ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
Understanding the culture of the indigenous people, their own method of healing and
integrating the methods into indigenous healthcare service is the most popular consensus
among the research papers (Isbister-Bear, Hatala & Sjoblom, 2017). The importance of the
research is that it presents the reader with a complete view of the past literature and
development in the field of mental illness care for the indigenous population. It also shows
the gaps and prejudices that the research has gone through because of the stigmatization of
the indigenous people. It poses the question in the reader’s mind that if the research has been
so thoroughly stigmatized, it’s only natural that the practice will be so. The stigma that the
literature accounts are also widespread in all aspects of their lives including punishment,
social situations, education and recruitment.
Earlier researches have focused on the colonial aspects and the experience of the
indigenous people as the root cause, but the policies that has been made and the approaches
to healthcare has not gone through much change which indicates that a practice based
approach and evidence from healthcare service is necessary for further development (Ungar,
Knaak & Szeto, 2016). The research contributes to the field of research and becomes a
starting point of dialogue regarding mental illness around the world. The research also gives
the researchers an opportunity provide a fresh point of view which includes the perspectives
of the indigenous people regarding the colonial experience and mental health issues.
Understanding the culture of the indigenous people, their own method of healing and
integrating the methods into indigenous healthcare service is the most popular consensus
among the research papers (Isbister-Bear, Hatala & Sjoblom, 2017). The importance of the
research is that it presents the reader with a complete view of the past literature and
development in the field of mental illness care for the indigenous population. It also shows
the gaps and prejudices that the research has gone through because of the stigmatization of
the indigenous people. It poses the question in the reader’s mind that if the research has been
so thoroughly stigmatized, it’s only natural that the practice will be so. The stigma that the
literature accounts are also widespread in all aspects of their lives including punishment,
social situations, education and recruitment.
Earlier researches have focused on the colonial aspects and the experience of the
indigenous people as the root cause, but the policies that has been made and the approaches
to healthcare has not gone through much change which indicates that a practice based
approach and evidence from healthcare service is necessary for further development (Ungar,
Knaak & Szeto, 2016). The research contributes to the field of research and becomes a
starting point of dialogue regarding mental illness around the world. The research also gives
the researchers an opportunity provide a fresh point of view which includes the perspectives
of the indigenous people regarding the colonial experience and mental health issues.

8ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
References
Isbister-Bear, O., Hatala, A. R., & Sjoblom, E. (2017). Strengthening Âhkamêyimo among
Indigenous youth: The social determinants of health, justice, and resilience in
Canada’s north. Journal of Indigenous Wellbeing, 2(3), 76-89.
Knaak, S., Mantler, E., & Szeto, A. (2017). Mental illness-related stigma in healthcare:
Barriers to access and care and evidence-based solutions. In Healthcare management
forum (Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 111-116). Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.
Nelson, S. E., & Wilson, K. (2017). The mental health of Indigenous peoples in Canada: A
critical review of research. Social Science & Medicine, 176, 93-112.
Ungar, T., Knaak, S., & Szeto, A. C. (2016). Theoretical and practical considerations for
combating mental illness stigma in health care. Community Mental Health
Journal, 52(3), 262-271.
References
Isbister-Bear, O., Hatala, A. R., & Sjoblom, E. (2017). Strengthening Âhkamêyimo among
Indigenous youth: The social determinants of health, justice, and resilience in
Canada’s north. Journal of Indigenous Wellbeing, 2(3), 76-89.
Knaak, S., Mantler, E., & Szeto, A. (2017). Mental illness-related stigma in healthcare:
Barriers to access and care and evidence-based solutions. In Healthcare management
forum (Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 111-116). Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.
Nelson, S. E., & Wilson, K. (2017). The mental health of Indigenous peoples in Canada: A
critical review of research. Social Science & Medicine, 176, 93-112.
Ungar, T., Knaak, S., & Szeto, A. C. (2016). Theoretical and practical considerations for
combating mental illness stigma in health care. Community Mental Health
Journal, 52(3), 262-271.

9ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
Topic 3: Racism and social inclusion
Goodman, A., Fleming, K., Markwick, N., Morrison, T., Lagimodiere, L., Kerr, T., &
Society, W. A. H. R. (2017). “They treated me like crap and I know it was
because I was Native”: The healthcare experiences of Aboriginal peoples living
in Vancouver's inner city. Social Science & Medicine, 178, 87-94.
Summary
According to the author, the Canadian aboriginals face unequal treatments in the
healthcare facilities. The reason behind this is the deep rooted racism within the population.
Though people like to believe that racism has been abolished, evidence shows a completely
different case. Aboriginal population of Canada are prone to substance abuse and often seek
healthcare that is related to that. In such scenarios, they face stigma and discrimination in the
healthcare service that they receive (Goodman et al., 2017). The study includes data
collection from the aboriginal people using illicit drugs and alcohol. The analysis shows that
these people experience systemic racism and discrimination in healthcare. Evidence shows
that healthcare professionals stigmatize the aboriginals that use illicit drugs and alcohol, has
racial stereotyping behavior which often leads to professionals dismissing patients causing
delay and disengagement of the aboriginal population from healthcare. The healthcare
professional need to understand the gaps that lies there between aboriginal and non-aboriginal
health and their personal and professional ethics while serving the aboriginal population
(Goodman et al., 2017). The healthcare professionals also need to be trained about the
aboriginal cultures and their social and political history in order to build empathetic approach
towards healthcare for aboriginals.
Canada is praised worldwide for its exceptional healthcare while the indigenous
population is still facing barriers in receiving healthcare. Healthcare access is an important
Topic 3: Racism and social inclusion
Goodman, A., Fleming, K., Markwick, N., Morrison, T., Lagimodiere, L., Kerr, T., &
Society, W. A. H. R. (2017). “They treated me like crap and I know it was
because I was Native”: The healthcare experiences of Aboriginal peoples living
in Vancouver's inner city. Social Science & Medicine, 178, 87-94.
Summary
According to the author, the Canadian aboriginals face unequal treatments in the
healthcare facilities. The reason behind this is the deep rooted racism within the population.
Though people like to believe that racism has been abolished, evidence shows a completely
different case. Aboriginal population of Canada are prone to substance abuse and often seek
healthcare that is related to that. In such scenarios, they face stigma and discrimination in the
healthcare service that they receive (Goodman et al., 2017). The study includes data
collection from the aboriginal people using illicit drugs and alcohol. The analysis shows that
these people experience systemic racism and discrimination in healthcare. Evidence shows
that healthcare professionals stigmatize the aboriginals that use illicit drugs and alcohol, has
racial stereotyping behavior which often leads to professionals dismissing patients causing
delay and disengagement of the aboriginal population from healthcare. The healthcare
professional need to understand the gaps that lies there between aboriginal and non-aboriginal
health and their personal and professional ethics while serving the aboriginal population
(Goodman et al., 2017). The healthcare professionals also need to be trained about the
aboriginal cultures and their social and political history in order to build empathetic approach
towards healthcare for aboriginals.
Canada is praised worldwide for its exceptional healthcare while the indigenous
population is still facing barriers in receiving healthcare. Healthcare access is an important
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10ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
determinant of health and as Canadian government aims to include the people of the
indigenous community into the mainstream of life, receiving proper healthcare is essential.
Healthcare inequality is prominent among the minority group and the aboriginal communities
like Inuit, Metis and First Nation people are most vulnerable to the situation. This study is
based on Vancouver and many of the people from the aboriginal communities share their
experience of healthcare which presents the actual scenario of racism in Canadian healthcare
practice and how it creates barriers to racism (Goodman et al., 2017).
Criticism
The article poses one of the major concerns when it comes to aboriginal people, their
health and social inclusion. It recounts the experiences of the aboriginal patients who
experienced stigmatized behavior. Their experiences show that the healthcare professionals
including the doctors are likely to behave with greater rudeness and dismissal if they are
Indians or other community of the aboriginals. They often refuse to inspect what is wrong
with them and refuse to give any pain medication thinking that they are just trying to get a
prescription for the drugs for addiction (Goodman et al., 2017). This has led to death and
suffering for many people and many of the indigenous population avoid going to the doctors
or clinics altogether until their ailment is too serious. The authors claim that race is not the
only driving factor for such widespread prejudice. Their socioeconomic status and
stereotyping of these people as alcohol or substance abuser and stigmatizing the whole
community or a locality because of that has led to the current scenario.
While this research talks about the experiences of the aboriginal people living in the
city of Vancouver, another research concerns itself with similar experiences of these people
in Toronto, Canada. The study finds that discriminations by the healthcare professionals lead
to unmet healthcare needs among the indigenous population in Canada (Kitching et al.,
determinant of health and as Canadian government aims to include the people of the
indigenous community into the mainstream of life, receiving proper healthcare is essential.
Healthcare inequality is prominent among the minority group and the aboriginal communities
like Inuit, Metis and First Nation people are most vulnerable to the situation. This study is
based on Vancouver and many of the people from the aboriginal communities share their
experience of healthcare which presents the actual scenario of racism in Canadian healthcare
practice and how it creates barriers to racism (Goodman et al., 2017).
Criticism
The article poses one of the major concerns when it comes to aboriginal people, their
health and social inclusion. It recounts the experiences of the aboriginal patients who
experienced stigmatized behavior. Their experiences show that the healthcare professionals
including the doctors are likely to behave with greater rudeness and dismissal if they are
Indians or other community of the aboriginals. They often refuse to inspect what is wrong
with them and refuse to give any pain medication thinking that they are just trying to get a
prescription for the drugs for addiction (Goodman et al., 2017). This has led to death and
suffering for many people and many of the indigenous population avoid going to the doctors
or clinics altogether until their ailment is too serious. The authors claim that race is not the
only driving factor for such widespread prejudice. Their socioeconomic status and
stereotyping of these people as alcohol or substance abuser and stigmatizing the whole
community or a locality because of that has led to the current scenario.
While this research talks about the experiences of the aboriginal people living in the
city of Vancouver, another research concerns itself with similar experiences of these people
in Toronto, Canada. The study finds that discriminations by the healthcare professionals lead
to unmet healthcare needs among the indigenous population in Canada (Kitching et al.,

11ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
2019). Studies also show that the racism is also widespread in the education sector.
Aboriginal children often face racial behavior and comments when they attend school which
deters them from pursuing higher education (Bailey, 2016). The impact of such behavior in
the social institutions and situations makes it harder for them to forget about the traumatic
past that they had to experience during colonization. Their inclusion into the society and their
wellbeing becomes more challenging as they struggle every day with their basic needs life
healthcare and education.
Experiences such as these makes the aboriginal population in Canada doubtful of
people and professional and untrusting towards the government. According to Bailey (2016),
indigenous students experience racism in Canadian university as well. They are thought of as
backward and unintelligent in many regards. In most cases, the reasons that are found are
lack of cultural education and empathy towards the aboriginal people that is born out of
ignorance and lack of education regarding the traumatic history of the aboriginals. Many of
the universities and healthcare institutions are trying to devise new ways of including the
aboriginal population into the mainstream (Pidgeon, 2016).
2019). Studies also show that the racism is also widespread in the education sector.
Aboriginal children often face racial behavior and comments when they attend school which
deters them from pursuing higher education (Bailey, 2016). The impact of such behavior in
the social institutions and situations makes it harder for them to forget about the traumatic
past that they had to experience during colonization. Their inclusion into the society and their
wellbeing becomes more challenging as they struggle every day with their basic needs life
healthcare and education.
Experiences such as these makes the aboriginal population in Canada doubtful of
people and professional and untrusting towards the government. According to Bailey (2016),
indigenous students experience racism in Canadian university as well. They are thought of as
backward and unintelligent in many regards. In most cases, the reasons that are found are
lack of cultural education and empathy towards the aboriginal people that is born out of
ignorance and lack of education regarding the traumatic history of the aboriginals. Many of
the universities and healthcare institutions are trying to devise new ways of including the
aboriginal population into the mainstream (Pidgeon, 2016).

12ARTICLE REVIEW: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN CANADA
References
Bailey, K. A. (2016). Racism within the Canadian university: Indigenous students’
experiences. Ethnic and Racial studies, 39(7), 1261-1279.
Goodman, A., Fleming, K., Markwick, N., Morrison, T., Lagimodiere, L., Kerr, T., &
Society, W. A. H. R. (2017). “They treated me like crap and I know it was because I
was Native”: The healthcare experiences of Aboriginal peoples living in Vancouver's
inner city. Social Science & Medicine, 178, 87-94.)
Kitching, G. T., Firestone, M., Schei, B., Wolfe, S., Bourgeois, C., O’Campo, P., ... &
Smylie, J. (2019). Unmet health needs and discrimination by healthcare providers
among an Indigenous population in Toronto, Canada. Canadian Journal of Public
Health, 1-10.
Pidgeon, M. (2016). More than a checklist: Meaningful Indigenous inclusion in higher
education. Social inclusion, 4(1), 77-91.
References
Bailey, K. A. (2016). Racism within the Canadian university: Indigenous students’
experiences. Ethnic and Racial studies, 39(7), 1261-1279.
Goodman, A., Fleming, K., Markwick, N., Morrison, T., Lagimodiere, L., Kerr, T., &
Society, W. A. H. R. (2017). “They treated me like crap and I know it was because I
was Native”: The healthcare experiences of Aboriginal peoples living in Vancouver's
inner city. Social Science & Medicine, 178, 87-94.)
Kitching, G. T., Firestone, M., Schei, B., Wolfe, S., Bourgeois, C., O’Campo, P., ... &
Smylie, J. (2019). Unmet health needs and discrimination by healthcare providers
among an Indigenous population in Toronto, Canada. Canadian Journal of Public
Health, 1-10.
Pidgeon, M. (2016). More than a checklist: Meaningful Indigenous inclusion in higher
education. Social inclusion, 4(1), 77-91.
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