A Poverty Reduction Approach to Improving the Health and Well- being of First Nation Communities

Current news reports about the vulnerability of First Nation communities to the H1N1 virus provide a stark and tragic reminder of the relationship between poverty and ill health. In this project, we propose to intervene with 5 volunteer First Nation communities from different parts of Canada (urban, rural, north, etc.). The intervention includes establishing an Advisory Committee drawing on academic expertise, the experience of First Nations in the region who have had success with economic development and poverty reduction, and government personnel. The committee would undertake an initial study of needs/barriers/strengths/opportunities facing the community. This information would contribute to the development of a strategic plan for poverty reduction and economic development. Committee members would also contribute their expertise and resources to working with the community in the implementation of the strategic plan. Ongoing research would monitor the interaction of social/health/political factors as impediments to, or facilitators of, the reduction of poverty and the achievement of sustainable economic development. The outcomes of the intervention would also be measured, both in the selected communities and in a selection of those not subject to the intervention. The proposal is being submitted by a research team of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal scholars with expertise in the determinants of health, population health, gender and health, development and labour economics, business, native studies and the sociology of development. Most are members of the Make Poverty History Expert Advisory Committee for the Assembly of First Nations, which joins the group as the principal community-based partner in the intervention research project.