Indigenous Tailoured Resources
Culturally appropriate diabetes care and prevention strategies for Indigenous communities
Indigenous populations, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, have diabetes rates several times higher than the general population, influenced by socio-economic and historical factors. Efforts to integrate traditional diets and activities, alongside community-based care models, have been effective in prevention and management strategies.

Diabetes Canada Indigenous Health
The Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations for managing diabetes in Indigenous communities. Chapter 38 specifically addresses the unique health considerations for these populations,

National Indigenous Diabetes Association
NADA, based in Manitoba, works to address the unique challenges Indigenous communities face regarding diabetes prevention, education, and care. Their efforts include advocating for culturally relevant resources and providing support for Indigenous health initiatives.

Government of Canada Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative
The Government of Canada's Diabetes Initiative for Indigenous Peoples focuses on supporting Indigenous communities in addressing the rising prevalence of diabetes.

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health
NCCIH, based in Prince George, BC, aims to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities across Canada by providing research, resources, and collaborative initiatives.
Learn More about Indigenous Health

Volunteer -
Support Network for Indigenous Women
The Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Color (SNIWWOC) offers various programs, including community outreach, career planning, and traditional medicine.

Volunteer - Indigenous Professionals
Assoc. of Canada
IPAC is seeking passionate volunteers for various committees, such as Communications, Events, and Programming, offering opportunities to build skills, network, and engage.







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Indigenous Harm Reduction Principles and Practices
The FNHA’s Indigenous Harm Reduction Principles and Practices fact sheet provides culturally relevant harm reduction strategies for Indigenous communities. It advocates for a holistic, community-centered approach that aligns with Indigenous values and supports wellness. The fact sheet serves as a guide for healthcare providers to address substance use in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
First Nations Perspectives on Health and Wellness Model
The First Nations Health Authority's perspective on health and wellness emphasizes a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It highlights the importance of traditional knowledge and practices in maintaining health and fostering community resilience. The FNHA encourages cultural humility and self-determination in health services to empower First Nations people in achieving optimal wellness.
Department of Indigenous Services Canada Committment
The Department of Indigenous Services Canada outlines their commitment to supporting First Nations communities in addressing diabetes through health services, programs, and initiatives. It emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant care and providing resources that empower Indigenous peoples in managing diabetes effectively. The initiative focuses on collaboration with community partners to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the impact of diabetes on Indigenous communities.
First Nations Health Authority - Living with Diabetes
The FNHA’s Diabetes page provides resources and support for managing diabetes within Indigenous communities. It emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant care, prevention strategies, and community involvement in improving health outcomes. The page offers valuable information on diabetes education, lifestyle changes, and the role of the FNHA in supporting individuals living with diabetes.
First Nations Health Authority - Let's Talk about Diabetes
The FNHA's article focuses on promoting wellness and healthy living with diabetes in First Nations communities. It encourages open discussions about diabetes management, the importance of self-care, and community support. The article also highlights initiatives and resources available to assist individuals in managing their health. The goal is to empower people living with diabetes to live well and embrace a balanced lifestyle.
The Four Pillars of Managing Diabetes
The FNHA's Four Pillars of Diabetes Management guide outlines key areas for managing diabetes: healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring blood glucose levels, and maintaining emotional wellness. These pillars provide a holistic approach to diabetes care, focusing on both the physical and mental well-being of individuals. The resource emphasizes the importance of integrating these elements into everyday life for improved diabetes management.
Five Principles of Trauma Informed Care
The Canadian Medical Association’s guide on trauma-informed care emphasizes the importance of understanding the five key principles: safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. It highlights how these principles help improve care for all patients, especially those affected by trauma, by addressing cultural, historical, and gender-related factors. The article offers a framework for healthcare providers to offer more sensitive and effective care.
How the Canadian Food Guide was Informed by Indigenous History
The 2023 Canadian Food Guide includes Indigenous perspectives on food, emphasizing traditional and culturally significant foods. It encourages the use of locally sourced and sustainable food, aligning with Indigenous practices that prioritize community health and well-being. The guide integrates the values of land stewardship and the importance of food sovereignty for Indigenous peoples.
First Nations Health Authority Common Language Report
The First Nations Health Authority's Common Language Report (2023) emphasizes the importance of clear and accessible language in health communications for Indigenous communities. The report outlines efforts to develop a shared, culturally appropriate terminology that promotes better understanding and engagement in health care. It aims to improve health literacy and foster more inclusive, effective interactions between healthcare providers and First Nations peoples.
Why Food Security in Indigenous Communities is so Important
Food insecurity is a major public health issue for Indigenous communities in Canada, impacting their overall health and well-being. Indigenous peoples face higher rates of food insecurity compared to the broader Canadian population due to various factors, including geographic isolation, limited access to traditional foods, and socio-economic challenges. Addressing food insecurity within these communities requires a holistic approach that includes support for food sovereignty, local food systems, and culturally appropriate resources.
Dietary Patterns of Off-reserve Indigenous Peoples and Chronic Disease
A study analyzing dietary patterns in Canada's off-reserve Indigenous population found that the majority of adults and children followed "Unhealthy" dietary patterns, which were associated with lower diet quality and contributed to high obesity and chronic disease rates. Factors like income, smoking, and physical inactivity were identified as significant influences on dietary intake. The research highlighted shifts in diet patterns between 2004 and 2015, with some improvements in certain groups but continued concerns regarding overall diet quality.
Indigenous Inter Cultural Online Health Network
The Indigenous ICON Project offers a range of resources aimed at supporting Indigenous communities through culturally relevant health information and tools. It focuses on promoting mental health, wellness, and the integration of Indigenous perspectives into health care and social services. The platform provides access to educational materials, programs, and community initiatives designed to support both personal and collective healing.





Health Quality British Columbia (HQBC)
The Health Quality BC emphasizes the importance of Indigenous self-determination and equity in addressing diabetes care. It highlights the need for culturally safe practices, community-driven solutions, and empowering Indigenous peoples to take control of their healthcare. The article calls for a collaborative approach that incorporates Indigenous knowledge, values, and perspectives in designing diabetes care strategies.
Healthy Eating Resources






Canadian Food Focus Indigenous Recipes
Celebrating Indigenous Ingredients and Recipes on Canadian Food Focus highlights the richness of traditional Indigenous foods and cooking practices across Canada. This resource explores Indigenous culinary heritage, offering insights and recipes that honor traditional ingredients like wild game, berries, and bannock.
Canada Food Guide for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis
The Canada Food Guide for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis offers culturally relevant nutrition guidance tailored to the unique dietary practices and food traditions of these Indigenous communities. It provides practical advice to support healthy eating while honoring traditional foods and practices.
Flavour Network Canadian First Nations Recipes
This Network offers a variety of traditional and modern recipes inspired by First Nations culinary practices across Canada. It explores the use of local, seasonal ingredients that are central to Indigenous diets, emphasizing sustainability and the rich history of these foods.
Dietitians of Canada Indigenous Recipes
This collection provides a series of nutritious, Indigenous-inspired recipes that integrate traditional ingredients with modern cooking techniques. It was curated by the Aboriginal Nutrition Network to promote health and wellness through the use of nutrient-dense, culturally relevant foods.
Diabetes Canada Recipes
Explore a variety of healthy, diabetes-friendly recipes designed to support balanced nutrition and improve overall health. Diabetes Canada's collection offers meal ideas for various occasions and dietary preferences, all aimed at helping manage diabetes through the power of nutrition.
Glycemic Index versus Glycemic Load
Harvard Health explains the concepts of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL), which are measurements used to assess how foods affect blood sugar levels. GI ranks foods based on how quickly they raise blood sugar, while GL accounts for both the quality and quantity of carbohydrates in food.
Health Centers & Programs

Métis Nation British Columbia
The Métis Health Experience Program focuses on understanding and addressing health challenges within Métis communities by providing targeted healthcare resources and culturally informed health initiatives.

Rural Coordination Centre of BC
The Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) focuses on enhancing healthcare access and services for rural and Indigenous communities in British Columbia.