Grant: Fellowship: POR Awards - Trans. to Leadership - P1 - Indigenous Peoples' Health

Within Canada, significant information gaps exist regarding the collection of racial and ethnic identifiers within the healthcare system leaving a large data void around the collection of Indigenous identity information. This creates barriers to understanding health and healthcare issues among Indigenous peoples and impacts the ability to achieve health equity for Indigenous populations by preventing the analysis of critical health data related to race-based health disparities and outcomes. The collection of racial and ethnic identifiers through systemic and mandatory policy and practice will result in a first attempt to make visible racism and racial discrimination in the healthcare system. While the collection of this data holds importance for western-based research driven by large data sets, an equally important and more meaningful outcome for Indigenous peoples is also possible. That is, a return of personal and collective agency within healthcare, along with an ability to gain control over what happens regarding health and healthcare; an act of resistance by disrupting ongoing silencing and marginalization with health care and systems. The inclusion of Indigenous perspectives is a critical initial step to inform the larger implementation plan. As well, success will require understanding the perspectives of those collecting the data within the system. Therefore, in this study for my doctoral dissertation research, using Indigenous methodologies, I will gather knowledge of the perspectives and understandings from both Indigenous patients and those who will be collecting the data within healthcare systems. This baseline data will inform the larger implementation project within the Manitoba healthcare system by addressing the gap in knowledge around Indigenous patient and data collector perspective and understanding around the collection of racial and ethnic identifiers, how to do this work better/differently, and the desired outcomes of this policy and practice.