Exploring the factors influencing Indigenous health disparities

Despite being the fastest growing population in Canada, Indigenous Canadians possess some of the poorest levels of health in the Nation. Research suggests Indigenous Canadians have long suffered from vast and complex health disparities, however, the gaps in health status continue to grow. Evidently, current efforts to improve Indigenous health outcomes and reduce the health gap have not been sufficient and must be rethought. The purpose of this study was to explore the major root factors influencing the growing health disparities which disproportionately burden Indigenous Canadians. This research contributes to the wealth of knowledge regarding Indigenous health disparities and provides new perspectives to consider. For the purposes of this study, the term Indigenous refers to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people of Canada.