Our Work We work with caregivers, policymakers and communities in support of First Nations holistic health.
Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately affected by disability, addictions, and mental health issues. Combined with the impacts of the pandemic, First Nations are faced with health challenges at a higher rate than other Canadian communities. The AFN Health Sector works to advocate for equitable, self-determined health care, and to promote holistic, culturally-based approaches to supporting First Nations wellness.
Indigenous Peoples are affected by disability 20‑50% more than non-Indigenous people.
According to Statistics Canada, roughly one in three First Nations and Métis people living off-reserve have a disability.
First Nations people are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic conditions.
56% of First Nations people report being diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions, compared with 48% of other Canadians.
Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges.
For example, suicide rates among First Nations people is estimated at five to six times higher than non-Indigenous populations.
First Nations seniors are at higher risk of social isolation than other seniors.
Among Indigenous seniors in cities, 23% are found to have low income compared with 13% of non-Indigenous seniors.
Overview Key updates, reports, and events advocating for First Nations health and wellness
Download up-to-date reports and reference materials related to First Nations Health and Wellness in Canada:
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AFN Shadow Report to the UN – Accessibility –Learn about the AFN’s advocacy work to advance the rights of First Nations persons with disabilities (FNPWD). The Shadow Report to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) identifies four key barriers to Canada’s compliance with the CRPD and provides recommendations to hold Canada accountable. |
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7GCOC Report – Seven Generations Continuum of Care –The Seven Generations Continuum of Care (7GCOC) report outlines a strengths-based framework to transform First Nations healthcare. It emphasizes culturally safe, community-led systems rooted in First Nations worldviews, long-term planning, and wholistic well-being across generations. The framework supports First Nations in exercising self-determination in the design and delivery of healthcare. |
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First Nations Health Priorities to Reducing Problematic Opioid Use: A First Nations Specific Opioid Strategy |
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First Nations Policy Recommendations for the Development of a Wholistic Long-term and Continuing Care Framework The Reform of the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care and Assisted Living Programs |
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Summary Report on the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) National Dialogue Session |
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The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program Continuation Report |
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Honouring Our Strengths: A Renewed Framework to Address Substance Use Issues Among First Nations People in Canada |
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Coming Out of Hibernation: A First Nations Health Human Resource Strategy |
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First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework |
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A Distinct First Nations Accessibility Law Discussion Guide for First Nations |
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Our Right to Health: First Nations’ Perspectives Across the Generations |
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Sharing Honouring Practices in the Continuum of Care: First Nations Palliative and End-of-Life Care National Roundtable |
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Seven Generations Continuum of Care |
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The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program: Strategic Advocacy Roadmap |
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National Wellness Gathering for Indian Residential School Survivors and Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program Workforce 2024: Event Report |
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Orientation to the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework |
Initiatives & Priorities The policy areas, initiatives and committees driving change in First Nations health and wellness.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
First Nations Accessibility Legislation
Mental Wellness
Documents The latest resources on this topic.
View All 62 Documentsarrow_forwardThe Assembly of First Nations is committed to making all our digital sites and products accessible for people living with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone while applying relevant accessibility standards: we strive to meet or exceed the W3C’s WCAG 2.1 Level AA for all our digital offerings.
Latest News
View AllAssembly of First Nations Calls for Equitable Health Care and Dedicated Council of the Federation Meeting on Indigenous Priorities
(July 15, 2024 – Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia) –Today, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) participated in the Council of the Federation (COF) Summer Meeting, held from July 15-17, 2024, in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia, alongside Premiers from provinces and…
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Assembly of First Nations
50 O’Connor Street, Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2
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