In order to address the jurisdictional disputes concerning Aboriginal people who do not reside on reserves, we call upon the federal government to recognize, respect, and address the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples.
Why “In Progress”?
Nov. 3, 2023: The federal government released “Co-developing distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation” that directly addresses off-reserve First Nations and distinct health needs of the Métis and Inuit.
The Well Living House, part of the Centre for Research on Inner City Health at St. Michaels’s Hospital in Toronto, through their “Our Health Counts” health surveys in Hamilton, Toronto, Thunder Bay, Ottawa and London have clearly documented how badly Statistics Canada underestimates the urban Indigenous population who are then underserved even more through inadequate budget and policy decisions based on poor data. The Yellowhead Institute also identifies in their Policy Brief: “Colonialism of the Curve: Indigenous Communities and Bad COVID Data” that “specific systemic barriers to the collection of relevant and valid Indigenous data negatively impacts Indigenous health and lives.
”Federal Government is working through the Canada Métis Nation Accord and the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee to address the distinct health needs of Métis and Inuit. The off-reserve needs of First Nations are not explicitly addressed on the official government of Canada website.
Budget 2021 included $1.2B to support COVID-19 responses in Indigenous communities and $1.4B over 5 years to maintain essential health care services for First Nations and Inuit, continue work to transform First Nations Helath systems and respond to the health impacts of climate change. Budget 2021 also included $597.6M over three years for distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy for First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation.
On June 2, 2020 the Federal government announced $85 million in funding for the construction and operation of 12 new shelters for Indigenous women and girls: 10 in the provinces and 2 in the territories as well as ongoing operating costs plus funding for the Métis related shelter provision and projects.
On Jan. 26, 2021 Indigenous Services Canada committed to fund the construction and operations of shelters for Inuit women and children across Inuit Nunangat as well as in urban centres. Funding for the new shelters will be part of the $724.1 million for a comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy as announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement. The government will continue to work with Pauktuutit and other Inuit partners to determine the locations and define the details of the projects to best meet the needs of women and families seeking shelter.
Current Status
In Progress
Call to Action
last updated
October 17, 2024
Latest Updates
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
Ministers Champagne Jourdain and Lafrenière announce improved access to government services in Nunavik
NationTalk: KUUJJUAQ, QC – The Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region, Kateri Champagne Jourdain, and the Minister Responsible for Relations with……
October 17, 2024
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
NTI launches health survey in Nunavut
Qanuippitaa? survey completed in Pond Inlet, moving to more communities in August The Qanuippitaa? National Inuit Health Survey has already been completed in Pond Inlet……
July 24, 2024
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
Government of Canada signs two bilateral agreements with Nunavut for better health care, closer to home
NationTalk: Health Canada: Canadians deserve a health care system that provides them with timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed, as……
March 5, 2024
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
Cancer-care centre an ambition for Nunavut
Nunavut first began offering oncology services in-territory in July 2022, when an Iqaluit doctor, a team of physicians from The Ottawa Hospital and the Indigenous……
February 5, 2024
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
The FNHA Launches Funding Initiative to Support the Urban and Away-from-Home Population
NationTalk: One-time funding requests can be made up to $25,000 The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is excited to introduce the Urban and Away-from-Home (UAH)……
September 20, 2023
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
Funding for first Indigenous health clinic
Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre – Provincial funding to set up the first Indigenous health clinic in Quebec. This investment is not only a major step forward……
May 28, 2021
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
Funding for 12 shelters for indigenous women and girls
The federal government announced $44.8 million over five years to build 12 new shelters, which will help protect and support Indigenous women and girls experiencing and……
June 2, 2020
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
Pauktuutit Inuit Women seek funding for women’s shelter in Inuit Nunangat
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada called on Prime Minister Trudeau to immediately implement at least one of the 46 Inuit-specific recommendations contained in last year’s……
June 2, 2020
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
Aboriginal Peoples Survey
Indigenous people with disabilities in Canada: First Nations people living off reserve, Métis and Inuit aged 15 years and older by Tara Hahmann, Ph.D., Nadine Badets, and Jeffrey……
December 12, 2019
Métis, Inuit, Off-Reserve Health
Aakuluk clinic at CHEO in Ottawa
A first of its kind health clinic for Inuit peoples’ has opened at CHEO. The Aakuluk clinic will serve as a hub for children and……
November 19, 2019