Aboriginal Relationship and Cultural Competency
(ARCC) Courses: Interactivity Guide Answers
Module 1: First Nations, Inuit and Métis Culture,
Colonization and the Determinants of Health
Note that the answers provided below are not exhaustive and merely provide relevant information/
points to consider for each question.
Chapter 1 - Impact of Colonial and Post-Colonial Events on the Health of First Nation,
Inuit and Métis People
1. After reviewing this chapter and reflecting on the impact of colonization on First Nations,
Inuit and Métis peoples, what other health impacts could be added to this chart? Please
list any additional impacts that were provided in this Module.
Answer: Isolation from family, lack of services in rural communities, lack of culturally
sensitive services, increased risk of mental health issues, loss of self-determination,
loss of traditional practices and traditions (e.g. traditional healing practices).
2. Reflection: This chapter describes how pre-contact populations of First Nations and Inuit
were diminished due to diseases such as small pox, measles, and influenza (often
deliberately). A pre-contact map of First Nations in Canada can be found below. Paste
this link in your browser to compare the current day treaty map to the one displayed
below: https://native-land.ca. How do these maps compare?
Prairie Crafts – mapping company (1970). Printed in Canada
Answer: Self-reflection question. Points to consider:
Today’s treaties do not represent the traditional land of Indigenous peoples.
3. Reflection: Currently in Ontario, there are over 150,000 Aboriginal people living in urban
areas. How might the cultural experience differ for First Nations, Inuit and Métis
individuals and families who live in urban areas, or those have relocated to urban areas?
Answer: Self-reflection question. Points to consider:
In Ontario, many organizations offer health services, social support, and culturally
relevant programs to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who live in urban areas.
Examples include:
1. Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres:
The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) is a
provincial Indigenous organisation representing the collective interests of
member Friendship Centres located in towns and cities across the province.
Friendship Centres are not-for-profit corporations which are mandated to serve
the needs of all Indigenous people regardless of legal definition, and are the
primary service delivery agents for Indigenous people requiring culturally-
sensitive and culturally-appropriate services in urban communities.
2. Ontario Native Women’s Association:
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a not for profit
organization to empower and support all Indigenous women and their families
in the province of Ontario through research, advocacy, policy development and
programs that focus on local, regional and provincial activities. Our vision is to
be a unified voice for equity, equality and justice for Indigenous women
through cultural restoration within and across Nations.
3. Aboriginal Health Access Centres:
Aboriginal Health Access Centres are equipped with doctors, nurse
practitioners, traditional healers, dieticians, social workers, as well as mental
health and addiction support and diabetes support — all designed to meet the
needs of aboriginal people. Aboriginal Health Centres and Programs also
provide a range of health services for the aboriginal community.
Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. (2018). Urban Indigenous People in Ontario. Retrieved from:
http://www.ofifc.org/about-us/general-information/urban-indigenous-people-ontario
Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. (2018). OFIFC Overview. Retrieved from:
http://www.ofifc.org/about-us/general-information/ofifc-overview
Ontario Native Women’s Association. (2018). About Us. Retrieved from http://www.onwa.ca/about
Government of Ontario. (2018). Aboriginal Health Access Centres. Rettrived from https://www.ontario.ca/page/aboriginal-
health-access-centres#section-0
Chapter 2 - An Overview of the Determinants of Health for First Nation, Inuit and Métis
People
1. How are personal health practices and coping skills defined in this chapter by the World
Health Organization, and how are they related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis People?
Answer: Personal health practices and coping skills refer to the actions which
individuals can use to prevent diseases and promote self-care, cope with challenges,
and develop self-reliance, solve problems and make choices that improve health.
As a result of the discrimination faced by communities, First Nations, Inuit and Métis
people have faced poverty, violence, racism, as well as mental health and addiction
issues. As a result of these issues, communities have become vulnerable to poor
health practices and coping skills (such as alcohol and drug use, poor dietary choices,
inactive lifestyles, and using commercial tobacco).
World Health Organization. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social
determinants of health. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/social_determinants/thecommission/finalreport/en/
2. This chapter describes how social support has had a significant beneficial impact on
population health and adverse risk factors. Thinking about your organization or
healthcare centre, what are some ways that social supports may affect First Nations,
Inuit and Métis patients and their health decisions?
Answer: An Indigenous patient may have many family members and visitors with
them during appointments and treatments. Additionally, family members may have a
responsibility in the patient’s health decisions. Therefore, it is important to consider
that an Indigenous person may not seek treatment without family support and may
choose to stay in their community rather than risk dying alone in a hospital and
unfamiliar community.
Chapter 3 - First Nation, Inuit and Métis and the Determinants of Health
1. In looking at the image below, please write the social determinants into the appropriate
areas of the iceberg. Social determinants are listed here:
Qaujimajatuqangit principles Dance Smudging
(Inuit societal values)
Teepees Traditions Art
Drums Governance Politics
Food Humour Health
Pow Wows Food Language
Music Health Spirituality
Family Medicines Community
Worldview Taboos Roles
Beliefs Clans Traditional Health Practices
Red River Jig Values Spirituality
Creation stories Customs Relationship to Land
Communication Problem Solving Sharing Circles
Answer:
Chapter 3 - First Nation, Inuit and Métis and the Determinants of Health
2. Reflection: Keeping in mind the determinants affecting the health of First Nations, Inuit
and Métis people as described in this chapter, what knowledge can you share with your
colleagues to ensure appropriateness of care across your organization?
Answer: Self-reflection question.
