Merging Traditional Aboriginal and Western Health Practices in a Canadian Urban Aboriginal Community

Abstract

The health of Aboriginal peoples in Canada has been compared to that of people in third world countries. Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, an Aboriginal-based primary health centre, was recently established to address the unique needs of the Aboriginal population in one area of an urban community in Canada. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre in terms of the history of its development within the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy and its current programs, with particular emphasis placed on how traditional Aboriginal healing and health practices are being utilised within a multi-disciplinary team approach.