Grant: Knowledge Translation Supplement

Numerous provincial and national studies have identified that the burden of disease in First Nations communities is considerably higher than for other Canadians. We are seeking funding to support a series of end-of-grant knowledge translation activities for the "Using evidence to identify the need for investments in primary health care services on Manitoba First Nation reserves" (known in our team as the "Where to invest project"). This study was the first attempt at determining the relationship between policies adopted by Health Canada and health outcomes for First Nations living on-reserve. Results provided evidence that (1) investing in the on-reserve health care system is worthwhile, (2) that opportunities for increased community control over local health services resulted in a substantial reductions in avoidable hospitalization; and (3) a clear link between investments in home care services and a reduction in avoidable hospitalization. From a global perspective, the findings are significant. There has been a movement in the past few decades to examine the role of Indigenous self-determination as a potential bridge in closing the gap between Indigenous peoples and their national counterparts. In key international publications, including WHO's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health, governance is continually cited as one of the most important determinants to improving the health of Indigenous communities. On September 13th 2008, The Lancet marked the 30th anniversary of the Alma-Ata Declaration by publishing eight papers which aimed to revisit, update, and relaunch the key messages from Alma-Ata. Authors noted that of all principles imbedded in the original declaration, the ideal of community participation in PHC planning and delivery, had been the most neglected principle, for a lack of empirical evidence. We are pleased to fill this gap.