Aboriginal
Health For many complex reasons, including
the historical loss of cultural and political institutions, colonialism, racism,
and residential school experiences that have had multigenerational impacts, Aboriginal
people continue to be challenged by both the poorest health status among identified
populations, and serious inequities in health when compared to other British Columbians.
To address these inequities, “Improving Health for
Aboriginal peoples” was identified as one of the six provincial Health
Goals that were established in 1998. As part
of the reporting process on evaluating progress of this Health Goal, the Provincial
Health Officer's 2001 Annual Report focused extensively on The
Health and Well-being of Aboriginal People in British Columbia.
Despite the fact that there is some evidence,
which suggests significant improvements in the health status of Aboriginal peoples,
the health status of the Aboriginal population as a group continues to remain
below that of the general population. The Provincial
Health Officer's 2001 Annual Report also identified key areas for action based
on major health issues impacting Aboriginal health status in British Columbia
and identified eight targets for action by the Health Authorities in enhancing
progress already made in improving Aboriginal health. These target areas are:
- Early Childhood Development
- Diabetes
- Tobacco
- Injuries
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Primary
Care
- HIV/AIDS
- Information
Databases
Improving the health status of Aboriginal
peoples is one of the Ministry of Health's priority areas and is identified as
Priority Strategy # 9 in the 2004/05
– 2006/07 Ministry of Health Service Plan. Progress
in this area is evaluated by two important benchmark measures:
- Improved Status Indian infant mortality rates
-
Improved Status Indian life expectancy rates
These
benchmark measures are reported on annually in the 2003/04
Ministry of Health Annual Service Plan Report. Core
Functions of the Aboriginal Health Branch Aspects
of the core functions of the Aboriginal Health Branch: -
Provides an Aboriginal lens for legislation and policy development;
-
Provides expertise across Ministries on issues affecting the health of Aboriginal people;
and
- Provides stewardship functions for Aboriginal
Health
Partnerships and Services
Relationships are integral to the work
of the Aboriginal Health Branch, particularly as both a steward for and expert
in Aboriginal Health in British Columbia. Aboriginal
Health Branch works closely with their regional Health
Authorities service delivery partners. To better address the health needs
of the Aboriginal population, an Aboriginal Health Director position was created
in each regional Health Authority to develop an Aboriginal
Health Plan and administer targeted funding for
Aboriginal health care. The Aboriginal Health branch
also participates on the Provincial Aboriginal Health Services Steering
Committee, which brings together four key provincial Aboriginal political
organizations: and the following
four provincial Aboriginal service provider organizations: In
general, the Aboriginal Health Branch interactively consults with the following
key stakeholders: 
Other Key Activities:
- Honour Your Health: BC's Aboriginal Tobacco Strategy
(Website being developed)
- Aboriginal Health provides
advice to the Nursing
Directorate in the selection process for the $100,000 Aboriginal Nursing Fund
available to First Nations communities and organizations to provide funding to
aboriginal nursing students.
Contact
Us For more information on Aboriginal health
issues, please contact Aboriginal Health at (250) 952-3151 or through the toll-free
Ministry of Health Information Line at 1-800-465-4911.
Last Revised: December 09, 2005
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