The Impact of Indigenous Status on Healthcare Access in Canada

This report analyzes a debate centered on the healthcare access challenges faced by Indigenous populations in Canada. The assignment explores the historical impact of colonization, specifically focusing on how it has created barriers to healthcare access, food security, and employment. The author presents arguments highlighting the neglect of Indigenous communities within the healthcare system, using the Kashechewan community as a case study. While acknowledging government initiatives in some regions, the report emphasizes the need for broader support across Canada. The author reflects on personal experiences during the debate, including the importance of clear communication, group collaboration, and proper citation formats, while also discussing how the debate experience has influenced their views on advocating for equitable healthcare and resources for Indigenous and marginalized groups. The report concludes with the author's reflections on the need for social care plans and their role in bridging the gap between the government and these communities.

Being Indigenous is a barrier to healthcare access in Canada
In modern world, it has been observed that how Indigenous people have been affected
since colonization time. European colonization stripped them from their own land and also their
culture and values have been stolen, which still causes a tremendous Impact on the way they live.
The incident has raised the issue related to health care, food insecurity, and unemployment.
During my debate, I was on the side where I have to show to the audience that Indigenous people
in Canada usually neglected by the health care system. One of the examples I have used in this
essay is related with a small First Nation Community located in Northern of Ontario called
Kashechewan. Kashechewan does not have efficient numbers of hospitals or walk in clinics to
assist the indigenous people. Four years ago, this community had an outbreak of rashes, where
more than 30 children have to leave the city to be treated. This is very frustrated that small kids
have to pay the price because of the poor administration from the Canadian government to
provide better health care services. This is unacceptable that just because of the outbreak doctors
were sent to the site to determine the cause of the rashes. First Nation Communities should have
the same assistance as any other Canadian citizen. However, the other side of the debate shown
me that in British Columbia, the Canadian government had applied an infrastructure to attend the
indigenous community. I am glad that government is providing medical and healthcare services
to these communities, but government cannot forget that Canada is a big country. It has been also
forgotten that a large number of communities are waiting for assistance from nurses, doctors,
social assistants and health care agents. I feel frustrated and disappointed because what Canada
wants to show the world is equality among the population, but this is not seen and happening
with the Indigenous population.
I often read about the difficulties that indigenous communities have in Canada. When my
professor gave me this theme, I just throw myself into it to speak up on behalf of the First Nation
Communities. During the debate, I could see some of the communities receiving assistance, but I
still have the knowledge that has many other forgotten communities out there in Canada. I should
improve my dialogue to serve as a bridge to reach solutions, develop something better ideas and
plan to those communities, which are struggling in the country. As we were preparing the debate,
I shown my ideas but many of the ideas was not feasible or not practical. Although, I was
working in a group, to implement any ideas we need flexible approach and accept the most votes
in favour of implementing the ideas and plans. However, one idea I put in practice even with

them saying no, I brought the flyer which at the end caused impact and a lot of positive
comments around the class. After class, my peers were happy with the results and appreciated
my idea for the people and for their wellbeing.
One thing I should do to improve for another experience with doing a debate is clarify
better my ideas to the group and make sure they will listen to me. For example, I was not in
favour of the long writings on the slides rather I explained to them to the audience to have a
better understanding of the theme we should use less words and point form, but the group just
ignored me and present on the same way. Another point I have to pay attention is on APA
format, we had good ideas, but I did not show the citations on my slides during my presentation,
which made my mark drop drastically. Especially on debates, I have to wait my peer speak about
their point and then share my ideas to the class, this way there is no confusion in the ideas and a
better understanding of the theme.
Observe I need help to answer this question: How has this experience influenced your
attitudes towards participating in a debate and being an advocate for equitable health and
resources for the Indigenous population and the marginalized groups?
As every people have equal rights of health in our country, the pity situation of
indigenous people force me to think about their life and about their health. The learning and
research about the indigenous people’s health force me to think about their health and generate
ideas to assist them with better healthcare system and facilities. The one thing that surprised me
was their culture and traditional thinking, which is a major obstacle to get proper health services
in their community. However, I have tried during my preparation of debate to consider the ideas
of my peer and include in to provide them best healthcare facilities to these people. After study, I
also feel that students like me should initiate social care plans and take initiative to provide better
healthcare facilities to the indigenous people and other marginalized groups who needs same
level of care and healthcare facilities from the government. I also realised that we can also serve
as a mediator between the government and these community people to provide them latest
medical facilities and help to keep them healthy and fit.