Education as a social determinant of First Nations, Inuit and Métis health

December 2017

This fact sheet examines some of the key factors contributing to or hindering academic success for Indigenous peoples in Canada, including historic and contemporary impacts of colonialism, socio-economic marginalization, educational funding inequities, and personal reasons. While current trends and levels of educational attainment are on the rise, there are multiple ways for improving Indigenous learning. Specifically, decolonizing approaches like land, language, culture, and Indigenous knowledge-based pedagogies and curriculum are addressed. The fact sheet concludes by highlighting some promising practices in advancing education among Indigenous peoples, from early learning and care initiatives to post-secondary studies.