Author Description

"This report, "Sharing Our Stories on Promoting Health and Community Healing: An Aboriginal Women's Health Project", presents a broad historical overview of Aboriginal women's health issues, a review of pertinent and current resources, and recommendations on how to address and improve the health of Aboriginal women in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The authors of the study are both First Nations women and are familiar with the many health and social issues facing Aboriginal women. Health and health issues for Aboriginal women are complex issues. Consitutionally, the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction for "Indians". Medical Services Branch is mandated to deliver health services to First Nations people. However, for Aboriginal people who are not on federal reserve land, there are jurisdictional battles for who pays for which health care services, frequently at the cost of the health of the people. Furthermore, the history of colonization in this country has severely affected the health and well being of Canada's Indigenous people and women in particular. The imposition of European values caused Aboriginal women to lose their economic status, language, community rights, culture, and traditional roles as healers and leaders. The high incidence of family violence against Aboriginal women is seen as one of the most tragic results."--Executive summary