On May 29, 2025
Time to act on Indigenous health inequities: ending discrimination based on place of residence
The Native Friendship Centres call on the federal government to end location-based discrimination in healthcare by recognizing the specific needs of urban Indigenous populations and ensuring equitable funding. They urge immediate action to address persistent inequities in access to care.
During the National Forum on Urban Indigenous Health Governance in Care, Health Services and Healing, the Native Friendship Centres issued a strong appeal to the Government of Canada to address health disparities affecting Indigenous people living in cities. These populations are often excluded from public policies that prioritize reserve residents, even though the majority of First Nations now live in urban areas. Friendship Centres across the country provide culturally adapted frontline services but lack formal recognition and stable funding. They are calling for official recognition of their expertise, sustainable financial support, and concrete measures to eliminate cultural and linguistic barriers in the healthcare system.