Based On Our Readings For This Week, Please Post An Original ✓ Solved

Based on our readings for this week, please post an original

Textbook Chapter 7: “atikowisi miyÌw-aÌ„yaÌ„win, Ascribed Health and Wellness, to kaskitamasowin miyÌw-aÌ„yaÌ„win, Achieved Health and Wellness.” pp. 63-72. In, Determinants of Indigenous Peoples’ Health.

Questions: Based on our readings for this week, please post an original response to all of the following questions, as well as at least one response to a peer’s post:

Why do you think Dion Stout chose to incorporate her Cree language into this chapter? (250 words)

Why is it important to shift our paradigm, as Dion Stout describes? (250 words)

What did the video, “Understand Aboriginal Identity,” tell us about identity? (250 words)

Paper For Above Instructions

Dion Stout's choice to incorporate her Cree language into Chapter 7 of the readings on Indigenous health is a significant testament to the power of language in shaping identity and cultural resilience. The Cree language serves not merely as a means of communication; it encapsulates a rich heritage and a worldview that is distinctively Indigenous. By weaving her language into the chapter, Stout creates a direct link between the written content and the lived experiences of her community. The embedding of Cree terms and concepts reflects an affirmation of Indigenous identity, addressing the historical marginalization and erosion of native languages by colonial systems. This practice promotes a sense of belonging and pride among Indigenous peoples, emphasizing their right to self-representation and autonomy in the narrative surrounding health and wellness. Furthermore, language serves as a tool of knowledge transmission—where specific terms convey insights about traditional practices, holistic health perspectives, and the interconnectedness of individuals with their environment. Consequently, Stout's integration of her Cree language is not just a stylistic choice; it embodies a profound resistance to cultural assimilation and an invitation for readers to engage with Indigenous health paradigms that are rooted in their language and culture.

The importance of shifting our paradigm, as described by Dion Stout, lies in recognizing the limitations of Western-centered perspectives on health. Traditionally, health care systems have often adopted a biomedical approach that prioritizes physical ailments while sidelining the social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of health, especially within Indigenous contexts. Stout argues that to truly understand health from an Indigenous perspective, we must embrace a holistic view that recognizes the interplay of various determinants—cultural continuity, land access, community support, and spiritual well-being. This paradigm shift encourages practitioners and policymakers to appreciate that wellness is not solely the absence of disease but rather a state of balance and harmony among various life aspects. By valuing Indigenous knowledge systems and practices, we can develop more effective health interventions that resonate with the communities' distinctive histories and cultural contexts. Thus, shifting our paradigm is crucial not only to improve health outcomes but also to honor Indigenous voices and empower communities to define their own standards of health and wellness.

The video “Understanding Aboriginal Identity” elucidates the intricate relationship between identity and cultural heritage. It underscores that identity is multifaceted and cannot be neatly categorized into singular dimensions. The presenters highlight the significance of languages and storytelling as vital components of identity formation among Indigenous peoples. Learning about one's ancestry, language, and the cultural narratives passed down through generations fosters a deep sense of self. The video also addresses the external perceptions and stereotypes that often misrepresent Aboriginal identities, asserting the importance of self-identification and the agency to define one's identity. Through engaging with their cultural roots, Indigenous individuals can navigate their identities in contemporary society, bridging traditional ways of knowing with modern experiences. Overall, the video serves as a clarion call for acknowledgement and respect for the diversity and richness of Aboriginal identities, reinforcing that understanding these identities requires listening to the stories and voices of Indigenous communities themselves.

References

• Stout, D. (2021). Determinants of Indigenous Peoples’ Health. In atikowisi miyÌw-aÌ„yaÌ„win, Ascribed Health and Wellness to kaskitamasowin miyÌw-aÌ„yaÌ„win, Achieved Health and Wellness.
• Khelsilem. (2020). Canada Needs Thriving Indigenous Languages [Video]. TEDxWestVancouverED. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/khelsilem_canada_needs_thriving_indigenous_languages
• Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. (1996). Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa: Queen's Printer.
• Wildcat, D. (2009). Indigenizing the Academy: Importance of Indigenous Language. Indigenous Policy Journal, 20(1), 39-53.
• Chandler, M. J., & Lalonde, C. E. (2008). Cultural Continuity as a Protective Factor Against Suicide in First Nations Youth. Horizons: Policy Research Initiative, 10(1), 19–28.
• Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2018). Trends in Indigenous Health. Ottawa: CIHI.
• First Nations Information Governance Centre. (2018). The First Nations Regional Health Survey: Overview of the Survey Results. Ottawa: FNIGC.
• McGibbon, E., & McPherson, C. (2011). The Contributions of Social Determinants of Health to Health Inequities in Canada: A Listing. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 102(1), 18-25.
• Reading, J. (2013). The Social Determinants of Indigenous Health: A Superordinate Construct. In Health Inequalities in Canada: Current Research and Policy Perspectives.
• Waldram, J. B. (2008). Aboriginal Health in Canada: A Historical Perspective. In Aboriginal Health in Canada: Historical Perspectives and Current Issues.