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“They treated me like crap and I know it was because I was Native”: The healthcare experiences of Aboriginal peoples living in Vancouver's inner city

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  • Goodman, Ashley
  • Fleming, Kim
  • Markwick, Nicole
  • Morrison, Tracey
  • Lagimodiere, Louise
  • Kerr, Thomas

Abstract

There is growing evidence that Aboriginal peoples often experience healthcare inequalities due to racism. However, research exploring the healthcare experiences of Aboriginal peoples who use illicit substances is limited, and research rarely accounts for how multiple accounts of stigma intersect and contribute to the experiences of marginalized populations. Our research aimed to explore the healthcare experiences of Aboriginal peoples who use illicit drugs and or illicit alcohol (APWUID/A) living in Vancouver's inner city. Using Indigenous methodologies, a community research team comprised of APWUID/A led the study design, data collection and analysis. Peer-facilitated talking circles explored community members' experiences accessing healthcare services and patient-provider encounters. Using an intersectionality framework, our research demonstrated how healthcare inequalities among Aboriginal peoples are perpetuated by systemic racism and discrimination. Stigmatizing racial stereotypes were perceived to negatively influence individual attitudes and clinical practice. Participants' experiences of medical dismissal often resulted in disengagement from care or delay in care. The findings suggest healthcare providers must understand the structural and historical forces that influence racial disparities in healthcare and personal attitudes in clinical practice. Adequate clinical protocols for pain management within the context of illicit substance use are urgently needed. The valuation of Aboriginal peoples and cultures within healthcare is paramount to addressing the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.

Suggested Citation

  • Goodman, Ashley & Fleming, Kim & Markwick, Nicole & Morrison, Tracey & Lagimodiere, Louise & Kerr, Thomas, 2017. "“They treated me like crap and I know it was because I was Native”: The healthcare experiences of Aboriginal peoples living in Vancouver's inner city," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 87-94.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:178:y:2017:i:c:p:87-94
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.01.053
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Waddell, C.M. & de Jager, M.D. & Gobeil, J. & Tacan, F. & Herron, R.V. & Allan, J.A. & Roger, K., 2021. "Healing journeys: Indigenous Men's reflections on resources and barriers to mental wellness," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    3. Kanna Hayashi & Lianping Ti & Huiru Dong & Brittany Bingham & Andrew Day & Ronald Joe & Rolando Barrios & Kora DeBeck & M-J Milloy & Thomas Kerr, 2019. "Moving into an urban drug scene among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada: Latent class growth analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(11), pages 1-15, November.
    4. Nelson, Sarah E. & Wilson, Kathi, 2018. "Understanding barriers to health care access through cultural safety and ethical space: Indigenous people's experiences in Prince George, Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 218(C), pages 21-27.
    5. Le Grande, M. & Ski, C.F. & Thompson, D.R. & Scuffham, P. & Kularatna, S. & Jackson, A.C. & Brown, A., 2017. "Social and emotional wellbeing assessment instruments for use with Indigenous Australians: A critical review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 164-173.

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