The health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples in British Columbia (Canada) has hit a critical point, with life expectancy dropping by a shocking 7.1 years between 2015 and 2021.
And the biggest hit came between 2019 and 2021 when life expectancy plummeted by 5.8 years.
This stark statistic, shared by Dr. Nel Wieman, the First Nations Health Authority’s chief medical officer and Anishinaabe from the Little Grand Rapids First Nation, lays bare a crisis that demands our immediate attention and action.
Which is rooted in the devastating impact of an unregulated toxic drug supply, highlighted by the dire consequences of the opioid fentanyl’s introduction into the market in 2014 and compounded by the isolation effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These events have contributed to the reversing the modest, but steady gains in life expectancy observed over the previous 50 years, with an average annual increase of 0.2 years.
The explanation behind these figures, as detailed by Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, deputy provincial health officer for Indigenous health, goes beyond drugs and disease to encompass a wider narrative of systemic inequity and intergenerational trauma stemming from colonialism and continued through systemic racism in healthcare, as unveiled in the 2020 “In Plain Sight” report.
The root causes are complex and intertwined, involving not only the immediate health crises but also broader issues like food insecurity, poverty, housing crises and the deep scars left by residential schools.
These contribute to higher rates of underlying health conditions and addiction, used by many as a coping mechanism for the enduring pain and trauma experienced by our communities.
And this backdrop of crisis calls for a shift in perspective from short-term fixes to a committed, long-term vision for genuine reconciliation and healing…. because the path forward, informed by Indigenous voices and expertise, must embrace holistic, culturally informed approaches to health and well-being.
Tania Dick, an Indigenous nursing lead at the University of British Columbia’s School of Nursing and a member of the Dzawada̱ʼenux̱w First Nation, points to the dire need for accessible, culturally safe healthcare services tailored to Indigenous communities.
That includes not only enhanced mental health support but also a comprehensive strategy to tackle systemic barriers and racism that deter Indigenous peoples from seeking care.
But the essence of real change lies in addressing the root causes of health disparities: inequity, trauma, and racism.
Solutions must be grounded in the deep knowledge and practices of Indigenous communities themselves, from incorporating traditional healing practices to ensuring youth have opportunities to connect with their culture, traditions, and languages.
These steps are not just about improving health outcomes; they’re about restoring identity, purpose, and resilience among First Nations peoples.
And for policymakers and governments genuinely committed to reconciliation, this moment demands a shift from superficial gestures to meaningful, sustained action. Implementing the recommendations from key reports like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the “In Plain Sight” report is just the beginning.
We need to listen to Indigenous communities (worldwide) and back up our words with actions that address the deep-seated issues contributing to health disparities.
By embracing a future where First Nations health and well-being are prioritised, we can begin to heal the wounds of the past and pave the way for a future where every Indigenous person has the opportunity to live a long, healthy and fulfilled life.
Because it’s a journey that requires commitment, understanding and respect—but it’s one we must undertake together, ensuring no one is left behind in our shared path towards healing and reconciliation
