Emerging through international discussions dating back to 1986, determinants of health have evolved over time to encompass the broader social forces that impact upon health. Poverty, employment, working conditions, education and literacy, social status, social support networks, housing, physical environments, geographic location, access to health services, food security, early child development, gender, culture, and language are some of the complex and inter-related social determinants of health. By way of example, higher educational attainment is intrinsically linked to other social determinants of health including greater employment opportunities, higher income, secure housing, more nutritional options and ultimately better health outcomes.
The NCCIH recognizes that colonization and colonialism cross-cut and influence all other social determinants of health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities. We also know that the health disparities and inequities experienced by Indigenous peoples are rooted in racism and marginalization, dislocation, and social exclusion. While our centre brings forth a strong focus on the social determinants of health, we aim to move beyond health as conceived as a matter of illness due to bio-medical cause and effect, or lifestyle choices. We take the approach that Indigenous ways of knowing and being, including concepts of spirituality, connectedness and reciprocity to the land and all life, self-reliance, and self- determination advance health equality and outcomes.