Why Indigenizing Health Perspectives is Essential for Students
If you grew up in Canada, I’m sure you remember learning that the colonization of Canada began in 1534 when Jacques Cartier plunged his cross into the soil of Gaspe Bay, where the Mi'kmaq already resided, and proclaimed it the land of the king of France (Hele, 2023; The Canadian Encyclopedia [TCE], 2008). Colonizers brought with them the perception that their knowledge and culture were superior to that of Indigenous peoples and demanded assimilation.
Through efforts like the Indian Act and residential schools, colonizers did everything in their power to eradicate Indigenous knowledge and culture (Miller, 2012; TCE, 2006). They banned Indigenous ceremonies, forcibly restructured Indigenous governance, and placed unreasonable restrictions on who could be considered Indigenous (TCE, 2006). They ripped 150,000 Indigenous children from their homes, inflicting them with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and it is estimated that 6000 died while in residential schools (Miller, 2012).
Canada is far from redemption
When I first learned about this in history class, I was under the assumption that Canada had somehow made amends for its violence and cruelty, but that is far from the truth. The government has neglected Indigenous communities and the process of reconciliation has been excruciatingly slow (Indigenous Watchdog, n.d.). Much of the colonial mindset remains as Western perspectives and beliefs dictate how a person should live and be. However, this is not the only or correct way to live.
Indigenous perspectives on wellness
While there are a variety of perspectives within Indigenous communities, there is a broad belief that a good lifestyle is achieved by balancing four aspects of wellness (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 2014):
Physical wellness – acting in a way that serves the spirit and gives us purpose
This requires caring for our bodies through proper nutrition, sleep and exercise
Mental wellness – listening to our spirit and considering our place in Earth’s history which gives us meaning
This requires having an open and curious mind which is willing to learn and examine our own thoughts
Emotional wellness – having a relationship with those in your community, the land, and creation which gives us a sense of belonging
This includes making time to build relationships with our community members and to be in nature
Spiritual wellness – having a deep connection with your spirit, soul, or inner self, which offers us hope
This includes religious practices, ceremonies, engaging in community and creative outlets
Western perspectives and productivity culture
While importance is placed on physical wellness and more recently mental wellness, maintenance of health is only valued as a means to continue producing and working in a capitalistic Western culture. I often see that students are harmed by productivity culture – the belief that you must always be producing, improving and completing tasks efficiently. This pressure to continuously do work can make students feel guilty about spending time with people in their community or engaging in hobbies. This guilt can push students to dedicate unhealthy amounts of time to work, leaving little time for community building and developing an identity outside of work.
When the only identity we have is within our academic work, any failures or disappointments in our academic life may feel like the world is ending and that we as a person are worth less. If we take a step back and analyze this reality, it is ridiculous for your academic success to determine your value as a human being, but when we are only exposed to one type of worldview, there is no opportunity to challenge or evaluate your beliefs.
We need Indigenous perspectives
The exclusion of Indigenous perspectives from the West harms both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students as it reinforces the centering of our lives on our academic work. However, by indigenizing our perspectives, we realize that meaningfulness in life can be found in the roles we play in our communities and the bonds we build with people and Mother Earth herself.
Emotional and spiritual wellness is not only good for our health, but necessary. We can build connections with others by going outside and being one with nature, volunteering within your community, or making time to hang out with your friends. It is also essential to build a connection with yourself by self-reflecting, praying, or engaging in a hobby.
Failure is not a barrier to success
Although academic success can be important to us, failure should not diminish your self-worth. Laura Mushumanski (2023) points out that life is in “constant motion and that we are continuously growing and learning”, so just as the seasons change, so will we enter different stages of our life. Failure is not a blockage in our linear path throughout life, but simply a part of the cycle of life and evidence that you are alive (Laura Mushumanski, 2023). While failure is challenging to accept, it is a moment for learning and reframing our viewpoint, not to devalue yourself.
How can we ensure a better Canada for all?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (2015) has often stated that “diversity is our strength,” and I would have to agree with this statement. Having a diversity of perspectives allows us to widen our worldview and innovate for better outcomes. However, if we truly value diversity, then we must act and protect it. A better Canada is one where we all work together to create an equitable and prosperous future, and that starts with promoting Indigenous perspectives and supporting Indigenous communities so that they can thrive.
Special thanks to Carol Ducharme, Interim Assistant Director of Indigenous Initiatives.
References
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (2014). Honouring Our Strengths: Indigenous Culture as Intervention in Addictions Treatment Reference Guide. https://cyfn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Honouring-our-strengths-Culture-as-treatment-resource-guide.pdf
Indigenous Watchdog (n.d.). TRC Calls To Action Status: February 1, 2025. https://www.indigenouswatchdog.org/2024/12/01/trc-calls-to-action-status-may-13-2022/
Miller, J. (2012). Residential Schools in Canada. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/residential-schools
Mushumanski, L. (2023, March 7). Indigenous Worldviews Within Health Education: Failure Is A Gift. Alberta Native News. https://www.albertanativenews.com/indigenous-worldviews-within-health-education-failure-is-a-gift/
The Canadian Encyclopedia (2006). Indian Act. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indian-act
The Canadian Encyclopedia (2008). Mi'kmaq. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/micmac-mikmaq
Trudeau, J. (2015, December 26). Diversity is Canada’s Strength [Speech]. Canada House, London, United Kingdom. https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/speeches/2015/11/26/diversity-canadas-strength
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