Appraising Canada’s 1979 Indian Health Policy: Informing co‐development of distinctions‐based Indigenous health legislation

July 2024

The Government of Canada implemented the Indian Health Policy in 1979 to strengthen community development, its relationship with First Nations communities, and its role in the healthcare system as it affects First Nations people. The policy remains the foundation for First Nations health policy and program development today, despite never having an implementation plan. This article critically appraises the Indian Health Policy to identify gaps and evaluate its progress, based on subsequent policy evaluations, developments, and recent events, in light of the new distinctions‐based Indigenous health legislation underway. The authors conclude by offering recommendations to inform the co‐development of this new legislation.

Citation

Mashford-Pringle, A., & Webb, D. (2023). Appraising Canada’s 1979 Indian Health Policy: Informing co‐development of distinctions‐based Indigenous health legislation. Canadian Public Administration, 66(1), 62-77. DOI: 10.1111/capa.12512.

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