Exploring Shifts in Indigenous Primary Health Care Policy Development in Alberta, Canada: A Case Study Analysis

• Author / Creator

  Goveas, Danika Riva

• Primary health care (PHC) transformation continues to be identified as a key pathway to achieve health equity for Indigenous peoples across the globe. In the province of Alberta, Canada, varying degrees of PHC services exist within First Nations, Métis, and urban contexts that are fragmented, under-resourced, and disconnected from each other, exacerbating existing health inequities. This thesis research aimed to explore historical and present-day policy shifts or changes that have shaped Indigenous PHC delivery in Alberta; and examine the engagement of Indigenous peoples in PHC policy and decision-making. Prior to and into the early 1960s, the federal government assumed financial responsibilities and decision-making for First Nations and Inuit health. However, by the end of the decade, the federal government attempted to devolve their responsibilities to First Nation and Inuit to reduce their fiduciary role in health care delivery and relationship with Indigenous peoples. Fast forward to the late 1970s, the government re-affirmed their responsibilities in providing health care to First Nations and Inuit, which led to the creation of many co-designed policy reforms and initiatives provincially to increase Indigenous participation in health policy throughout the 2000s. However, more concerted efforts are needed to ensure that health priorities of importance to Indigenous peoples are appropriately addressed. Future health policy reforms can improve Indigenous peoples health experiences and promote health equity by strengthening the coordination and delivery of PHC services.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Indigenous
  • Primary Health Care
  • Health Policy
  • Indigenous Health
  • Health Equity

• Graduation date

  Fall 2023

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-zmry-kp96

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.