Episode 21: Creating Equity in First Nations Addictions Treatment Programs

First Nations communities experience inequitable access to health care, as well as a disproportionate burden of harm related to substance use. It is now widely recognized that this reality reflects the impact of policies implemented to assimilate Indigenous peoples, as well as the effects of grief and chronic trauma on First Nations communities. These policies have had devastating intergenerational impacts and unfavourably shaped First Nations health outcomes.

In this episode of From the Burgundy Chairs, Santis Health Associate Caroline Pitfield is joined by Dr. Carol Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer of Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, and Rolanda Manitowabi, Executive Director of Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre. Together, they discuss the challenges First Nations communities face in accessing appropriate addictions treatments, what must be done at various levels of government to improve the situation, and the importance of culturally relevant care.