Indigenous Approaches to Health and Well Being

Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs) are Aboriginal community-led, primary health care organizations. They provide a combination of traditional healing, primary care, cultural programs, health promotion programs, community development initiatives, and social support services to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. There are currently ten AHACs in Ontario, providing services both on and off-reserve, in urban, rural and northern locations.

The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare works alongside provincial-territorial government departments, regional health authorities, and Indigenous organizations and groups to co-develop, implement and evaluate solutions that improve the delivery of culturally-appropriate and safe care organizations with improvement tools, resources and knowledge. Working alongside partners, CFHI aims to contribute to the shared priority of achieving better access to health services and health outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

The mission of the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association is to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples, by supporting Indigenous Nurses and by promoting the development and practice of Indigenous Health Nursing. In advancing this mission, the Association will engage in activities related to recruitment and retention, member support, consultation, research and education.

CNA works to advance Indigenous health and nursing through its partnership accord with the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (CINA) and through its Canadian Network of Nursing Specialties.

The Organization was formed to encourage and support First Nations, Metis and Inuit youth wishing to become medical doctors, to support those already in training or practice and to promote the work of its members in their many capacities and disciplines. The Association also supports Indigenous health initiatives at community and university levels and wishes to promote health for all Indigenous peoples, mentally, physically, intellectually, and emotionally.

The National Aboriginal Council of Midwives (NACM) exists to promote excellence in reproductive health for Inuit, First Nations, and Métis women. NACM represents professional development and practice needs of Aboriginal midwives to the responsible health authorities in Canada and the global community.

The National Aboriginal Health Organization is a knowledge based organization that excels in the advancement and promotion of health and well-being of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) is a national Indigenous organization established in 2005 by the Government of Canada and funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis public health renewal and health equity through knowledge translation and exchange. The NCCIH is hosted by the University of Northern BC (UNBC) in Prince George, BC.

The Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN) is an organization by and for Indigenous youth that works across issues of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice throughout Canada and the United States.

Pauktuutit is the national representative organization of Inuit women in Canada and is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors from across Canada. We foster greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, advocate for equality and social improvements, and encourage Inuit women’s full participation in the community, regional and national life of Canada.

Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto (SGMT) is a group of midwives who offer maternity care to women from the City of Toronto, particularly those from the downtown area, and from the Aboriginal community. SGMT has privileges at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the Toronto Birth Centre. Midwifery care is provided throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and the first 6 weeks postpartum.

The Thunderbird Partnership Foundation is a non-profit organization that is committed to working with First Nations to further the capacity of communities to address substance use and addiction. We promote a holistic approach to healing and wellness that values culture, respect, community, and compassion. Our top priority is developing a continuum of care that would be available to all Indigenous people in Canada.