Learning From Our Strengths: Exploring Strategies to Support Heart Health in Indigenous Communities.

Indigenous populations have remained resilient in maintaining their unique culture and values, despite facing centuries of colonial oppression. With many discriminatory policies continuing to disempower Indigenous peoples, First Nations communities have been reported to experience a higher level of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality, compared to that in the general population. Many of the risk factors contributing to the burden of CVD have been attributed to the impact of colonization and the ongoing dismissal of Indigenous knowledge.

Impacts of colonization on Indigenous food systems in Canada and the United States: a scoping review.

Background: Indigenous populations in Canada and the United States (US) have maintained reciprocal relationships with nature, grounded in respect for and stewardship of the environment; however, disconnection from traditional food systems has generated a plethora of physical and mental health challenges for communities. Indigenous food sovereignty including control of lands were found to be factors contributing to these concerns. Therefore, our aim was to conduct a scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature to describe Indigenous disconnection from Indigenous food systems (IFS) in Canada and the US.

Indigenous Food Systems Changes and Resiliency: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Background: Indigenous food systems (IFS) consider the complex relationships and connections between land, animals, plants, water, and people. These food systems may differ between regions, Indigenous cultures, and history; however, given the similar colonial histories and policies influencing Indigenous groups in Canada, the United States, Australia, and Aotearoa (New Zealand), the IFS changes and responses in these regions may follow similar trends. Climate change and pollution continue to impact the environment in catastrophic ways, and this, in turn, impacts IFS.

An environmental scan of Indigenous Patient Navigator programs in Ontario.

Indigenous people in Canada continue to experience barriers accessing healthcare services including systemic racism and disproportionate healthcare disparities. Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs) and programs may mitigate these barriers by providing culturally safe care and support for Indigenous patients and their families navigating healthcare systems. Unfortunately, few IPNs and IPN programs exist in Ontario.