The Social Determinants of Health, an Indigenous Perspective Erin McManus ISWK1007 EL 12 Professor Frankie Misner April 15, 2022.
The health of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada is both a personal and political dilemma that highlights the injustices faced on individual and structural levels within society by these underprivileged and oppressed groups. Not only is the wellbeing of these groups affected by the standardized healthcare systems in place, but it is also negatively impacted by historical, political, social, and economic conditions, otherwise referred to as the social determinants of health (McGibbon, 2012). Primarily, the Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately influenced by the cycle of oppression and its interconnectedness in all aspects of their livelihoods. Additionally, the health of these groups is severely impacted by both long and short distance factors that intersect with the causal continuums of oppression. The social determinants of income distribution, employment and unemployment, housing, and food security highlight how structural oppression and inequitable resources contribute to the declining health of Indigenous Peoples. Furthermore, early childhood development, educational attainment, health services, and social inclusivity play an integral role in establishing a healthy foundation of living for these groups while emphasizing the physiological and psychological stress created from material and social deprivation. Essentially, the repeated exposure to oppression within political, social, and economic conditions creates an ongoing experience of suffering for the Indigenous Peoples that negatively impacts their overall health. The Cycle of Oppression and the Indigenous Experience Oppression is a dominating force of discrimination that overtly produces spiritual, physical, and mental suffering among Indigenous Peoples (McGibbon, 2012). Systems of oppression are ingrained in the structure of society, and it is through discriminatory ideologies within public policy and practices that these groups experience decreased access to basic necessities fundamental to health and success (McGibbon, 2012). Although systemic oppression
blatantly discriminates against the marginalized communities, another more discrete form of oppression is interwoven into the fabric of society through everyday bias and stereotyping against these groups (McGibbon, 2012). It is these individual acts of stereotyping and discrimination that are integral in sustaining systemic oppression (McGibbon, 2012). Indigenous Peoples historically, and presently, have been negatively impacted by unconscious and harmful assumptions about their person within everyday interactions, media, and cultural stereotypes, and have further been disadvantaged in the political structures of Canada as a result of damaging policies and overt racism (McGibbon, 2012). When specific individuals or groups maintain hierarchal systems of power over the economic and political landscape, the materials, resources, and opportunities of those without power are disproportionately manipulated against their success (Young, 1990 cited in McGibbon, 2012). The use of systemic power to dominate, discriminate, and restrict access to resources indicate how forms of oppression are interconnected and rights, respect, and representation are denied to certain individuals based on factors such as ethnicity, nationality, race, social class, and spirituality (McGibbon & Etowa, 2009 cited in McGibbon, 2012). Within Canada, the Indigenous Peoples are extremely disadvantaged by the cycle of oppression. Biased information and stereotyping have a historical foundation