Canada needs a holistic First Nations health strategy

Media headlines regularly describe the relatively poor health of First Nation peoples in Canada. Among urban- and rural-dwelling First Nations, abysmal living conditions, poor access to appropriate health care services and a marked lack of employment opportunities engender feelings of hopelessness and despair. These challenges have contributed to mental health crises, as exemplified by a tragically high rate of suicide attempts among First Nations youth. Federal and provincial government responses have been shortsighted and have failed to address the real problem. Improving First Nations health and well-being requires a holistic health strategy that draws on the strengths, practices and beliefs of First Nation peoples. A more sustainable solution to the many health challenges faced by First Nations lies in the creation of a First Nations-centred holistic health strategy that goes beyond provision of health services to address the social factors that have precipitated the health crisis. Three components will be critical to such a strategy's success.