Toward a New Era of Policy: Health Care Service Delivery to First Nations

The disproportionate burdens of ill health experienced by First Nations have been attributed to an uncoordinated, fragmented health care system. This system is rooted in public policies that have created jurisdictional gaps and a long-standing debate between federal, provincial and First Nations governments as to who is responsible for First Nations health care. This article examines: (1) the policies that shape First Nations health care in Canada and in the province of British Columbia (BC) specifically; (2) the interests of the actors involved in First Nations health policy; and (3) recent developments in BC that present an opportunity for change to First Nations health policy development and have broader implications for Indigenous health policy across Canada and worldwide.