Healthcare access and culturally inclusive care remain critical issues for Indigenous communities in Canada, a newly released report from Statistics Canada reveals. Data from the Survey Series on First Nations People, Métis, and Inuit, which examines the healthcare experiences of Indigenous people aged 15 and older, highlights significant challenges in accessibility, timely service, cultural safety, and unmet health needs. Each finding spotlights disparities in access and underscores the importance of culturally sensitive practices within the healthcare system.
Many Indigenous people expressed the importance of health care services that incorporate Indigenous traditional medicines and wellness practices. This sentiment was voiced by 86% of First Nations people living off reserve, 82% of Inuit, and 70% of Métis surveyed. This call aligns with recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Many believe these services can make healthcare interactions safer and more inclusive, fostering respect for their cultural identity and heritage.
Indigenous people across Canada report significant wait times for non-urgent health care, with over one-quarter waiting two weeks or more for primary care services. While 70% of Métis, 66% of off-reserve First Nations, and 52% of Inuit sought primary health care in the past year, the time to access these services varied. Inuit faced the longest wait times, with 18% reporting one month or more compared to 14% of off-reserve First Nations people and 11% of Métis. The findings indicate that remote Indigenous communities face particular challenges in securing timely medical care.
The survey further reveals a high percentage of unmet healthcare needs within Indigenous communities. Thirty-two percent of off-reserve First Nations people, 30% of Métis, and 29% of Inuit reported unmet health needs over the past year.
Mental health needs remain a pressing issue, with nearly half of off-reserve First Nations people (47%), 43% of Métis, and 35% of Inuit reporting a need for mental health services in the last year. Among them, only 28% of off-reserve First Nations people, 23% of Métis, and 22% of Inuit found their mental health needs fully met.
Accessing health care frequently involves long-distance travel, particularly for Inuit. Statistics show that 40% of Inuit, 18% of off-reserve First Nations people, and 16% of Métis travelled outside their communities for health care over the past year. For Inuit, this often means journeys exceeding 1,500 kilometers, a barrier not only financially burdensome but also emotionally taxing for patients and their families.
A pervasive issue highlighted by the survey is the high incidence of racism and discrimination encountered by Indigenous individuals within health care settings. Twenty-four percent of off-reserve First Nations people, 23% of Inuit, and 18% of Métis reported experiencing discrimination from health care providers. The emergency room was the most commonly cited setting for these incidents among off-reserve First Nations people and Inuit, while Métis reported facing discrimination primarily in doctor’s offices.
The report underscores the emotional toll these encounters have on Indigenous people. Among them, 67% of off-reserve First Nations people, 65% of Métis, and 58% of Inuit felt their health concerns were minimized or dismissed.
As Canada looks to the future, the survey insights offer a roadmap for developing a more inclusive healthcare landscape respecting the needs and traditions of Indigenous people.