LE3 .A278 2010

2010

Alexander, Cynthia

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

Political Science

Politics

In traditional indigenous societies, women were considered to be ― health guardians‖; in the contemporary Canadian state, they are dually discriminated against on the basis of both race and gender, and consistently marginalized and oppressed. The disproportionately poor health and well- being of indigenous women in Canada is indicative of the federal government‘ s disinterest in the plight of indigenous peoples. The lingering legacy of colonialism continues to dominate federal policy and funding mechanisms, as manifested in the cognitive nearsightedness continually displayed by the federal government, mostly recently in the form of the federal 2010 budget. Health is a central starting point of equality, with significant implications for a broad span of positive change, from education to employment. The health of indigenous women is central to the health of indigenous communities. Further, the treatment of women is inherently connected to the treatment of the indigenous population. Without eliminating the foundations of sexism upon which Western society so comfortably rests, indigenous women will continue to suffer the pervasive effects of dual discrimination, and indigenous communities will continue to be divided and disadvantaged. Given the aging of the general Canadian population, and the rapidly increasing indigenous population, Canada has an important opportunity to finally acknowledge and build upon the strength and resilience of indigenous women. The federal failure to do so is a reflection of its continued colonial mindset.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:753