About

Overview

Indigenous children and families are often misunderstood and mistreated by healthcare professionals, an issue at the heart of the Atlantic Indigenous Children’s Healing Initiative (AICH). The AICH Initiative works with communities and clinicians to bridge the gap in understanding Indigenous children’s pain and hurt. Our team is a broad partnership, including Indigenous community leaders, clinicians, Elders, youth, and researchers from Dalhousie University, IWK Health, and many more. Through research and strong community and clinician partnerships, we aim to improve healthcare experiences for Indigenous children.

Who Are the Indigenous Peoples of Canada?
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Who Are the Indigenous Peoples of Canada?

Indigenous people are the first inhabitants of Canada and currently represent 4% of the population. The term ‘Indigenous’ includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, each with distinct histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. Canada’s history with Indigenous people includes forced colonization, systemic racism, and historical trauma, leading to disproportionate negative health effects. Indigenous children report higher rates of dental pain, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), headaches, injuries, musculoskeletal pain, and chest pain but are less likely to receive treatment.

The AICH Logo

The AICH Initiative logo represents contemporary and traditional perspectives. Designed by Kayla Rudderham, NSCAD graduate and 2014 AICH summer student, the colors reflect the four Indigenous medicine wheel colors: red, yellow, black, and white. The dual motif image is adapted from the double curve, or Aboodalooak, seen in Indigenous artwork, carvings, and symbolism. It symbolizes balance, alliances, plants, and medicinal herbs. For our team, it represents the coming together of two perspectives for growth and healing and symbolizes a child-like spirit, reminding us of our goal to improve Indigenous children’s health and wellbeing.

Atlantic Indigenous Children's Healing Initiative (AICH) logo

AICH Video: First Nation Community Health

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