Co-existence of Western Influence and Indigenous Health

Public health nurses are expected to provide culturally appropriate care for people from diverse backgrounds, yet many may not be familiar with factors influencing indigenous health. There is a strong need for innovative methods to prepare nurses to better understand and effectively contribute to the health of indigenous communities. One of the methods shared in the video is the co-existence of western health care modalities with indigenous local knowledge to create evidence-based practice and culturally appropriate outcomes.

Indigenous Knowledge to Close Gaps in Indigenous Health – Marcia Anderson – DeCoteau (Video – 18:35min)

Indigenous populations for the most part define health as a balance of ones physical, mental and spiritual being. Illness is the imbalance of ones physical, mental and spiritual being. The person must be in a state of balance and harmony with all that surrounds them such as family, friends, the community and world to have a sense of well-being.