Indigenous Determinants of Health
The last key category of wellness mediating factors that emerged from the wellness presentations arethe overarching political, social, cultural, environmental and economic determinants of wellness. This category includes:
• resilience
• self-government and self-determination
• colonization and intergenerational effects
In the wellness model described by Gail Garvey, she outlined the "social, cultural, physical and economic environment" domains that surround individuals and communities. These domains work together to affect wellness and include such factors as employment, sustainability, education, community infrastructure, maintenance of culture, social justice and traditional and contemporary economies. …show more content…
Felicia Hodge emphasized that studies on wellness and strengths of American Indian communities should incorporate resiliency factors. By doing so, strong communities can reach out to those who are marginalized to support them on the path back into wellness. Similarly, the Cuystwi presenters discussed how the online youth wellness program seeks to address issues related to colonization and racism. Within the modules of the program, youth learn skills and tools to deal with racism. The program also introduces the concept of colonization, its historical context, major elements and the ongoing cumulative effects on Aboriginal people. Youth become aware of colonization and how it affects them and how they may overcome its present day …show more content…
This system engages the communities it provides health services to through its governing board, advisory committees, Elders council, focus groups, annual gathering, 24-hour hotline, community gatherings, personal interaction with employees, and satisfaction and comment cards. Ann Broderstad also discussed the importance of enabling self-determination in Indigenous communities:
The focus must be on how we communicate with communities and how we understand their perspectives and priorities. That is the difference between good and bad research. Good feedback, communication, educational systems, and good healthcare—this is one picture of wellness.
The NACCHO system in Australia is operates with a similar vision. Within this health system, all communities have a health action team that is led by the local Aboriginal community who determine which health programs are made priority in their communities. For all life spans, they determine how programs are delivered, what is culturally appropriate for them, and measures to revise the programs specific to the needs of their communities. Thus, achieving wellness is made possible through empowering communities by supporting health literacy and ensuring their autonomy in health service
The last key category of wellness mediating factors that emerged from the wellness presentations arethe overarching political, social, cultural, environmental and economic determinants of wellness. This category includes:
• resilience
• self-government and self-determination
• colonization and intergenerational effects
In the wellness model described by Gail Garvey, she outlined the "social, cultural, physical and economic environment" domains that surround individuals and communities. These domains work together to affect wellness and include such factors as employment, sustainability, education, community infrastructure, maintenance of culture, social justice and traditional and contemporary economies. …show more content…
Felicia Hodge emphasized that studies on wellness and strengths of American Indian communities should incorporate resiliency factors. By doing so, strong communities can reach out to those who are marginalized to support them on the path back into wellness. Similarly, the Cuystwi presenters discussed how the online youth wellness program seeks to address issues related to colonization and racism. Within the modules of the program, youth learn skills and tools to deal with racism. The program also introduces the concept of colonization, its historical context, major elements and the ongoing cumulative effects on Aboriginal people. Youth become aware of colonization and how it affects them and how they may overcome its present day …show more content…
This system engages the communities it provides health services to through its governing board, advisory committees, Elders council, focus groups, annual gathering, 24-hour hotline, community gatherings, personal interaction with employees, and satisfaction and comment cards. Ann Broderstad also discussed the importance of enabling self-determination in Indigenous communities:
The focus must be on how we communicate with communities and how we understand their perspectives and priorities. That is the difference between good and bad research. Good feedback, communication, educational systems, and good healthcare—this is one picture of wellness.
The NACCHO system in Australia is operates with a similar vision. Within this health system, all communities have a health action team that is led by the local Aboriginal community who determine which health programs are made priority in their communities. For all life spans, they determine how programs are delivered, what is culturally appropriate for them, and measures to revise the programs specific to the needs of their communities. Thus, achieving wellness is made possible through empowering communities by supporting health literacy and ensuring their autonomy in health service