This update provides context for understanding that Indigenous peoples are already highly marginalized and that Covid 19 will hit them harder, notably through: economic hardship, difficulty in distancing or self-isolation due to crowded and inadequate housing, access to and quality of health care, existing health burdens, lack of water, difficulty travelling to access treatment or supplies, and precarious employment, among others. The authors note several current issues: Indigenous peoples are more vulnerable to community spread; urban Indigenous populations are being ignored by authorities; Indigenous communities are not getting clear messaging, and misinformation is circulating among them; Healers and Elders are not being consulted; government is imposing colonial models of public health and health on-reserve and in urban settings, focusing on biomedical-only services. The Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health and Well Living House are developing an Urban Indigenous Response to COVID-19, to be released soon.
Description retrieved from here.
How to use this resource:
- To inform policy makers how COVID-19 is impacting Indigenous communities and people.
- To advocate for Indigenous solutions in future health planning in relation to Indigenous communities.
Related Resources:
Urban Indigenous Response to COVID-19 by WBIIH/U of T (Suzanne Stewart) and Well Living House/St. Michael’s Hospital (Janet Smylie)