Abstract

Urban Aboriginal women face ongoing racist and discriminatory practices within the Canadian health care system. This community-based, Indigenous-led study used locally developed Indigenous methodology and cultural traditions such as Talking Circles to provide culturally safe spaces for urban Aboriginal women living in western Canada to share their health care experience and visions for health care reform with health care providers, educators, and policy makers. The women identified social exclusion based on physical appearance, race, gender, and being “marked” as having an impact on all aspects of life including education, health, and human and Aboriginal rights. As co-researchers, their collective vision strategies for non-racist, non-discriminatory health care delivery included interdisciplinary curriculum development and delivery, academic forums, and education of health professionals and students, some of which they are currently involved in. Their vision and recommendations for social justice reform are offered to assist those interested in working towards a better future for Indigenous people.