Indigenous Health

Quick Facts

  • Indigenous woman drumming with childIndigenous people in Canada still face inequities in their access to healthcare.
  • There are various health-related services for Indigenous people in PEI, provided by Abegweit First Nation Mi’kmaq Wellness Centre (AFNMWC), and Lennox Island First Nation Health Care Services.
  • For more information on Abegweit First Nation Mi’kmaq Wellness Centre contact 902-676-3007 or visit their website at abegweit.ca.
  • For more information on Lennox Island First Nation Mi’kmaq Wellness Centre contact 902-831-2780.
  • PEI has two Mi’kmaq Health Systems Navigators, more information on the navigators can be found here: Patient Navigators
  • The Government of Prince Edward recognizes the importance of implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and is committed to taking concrete steps to address them and working towards reconciliation.

The Longer Story

Indigenous people in Canada still face significant inequalities in their access to health care when compared to non-Indigenous Canadians1. On PEI, certain populations such as newcomers, marginalized communities, racialized groups, people living in poverty, Indigenous people, transgender people, and people with disabilities face barriers to accessing health resources, and typically experience longer wait times and a lack of coordination between services2. 

Recognizing the significant disparities in Indigenous health outcomes, the Government of PEI is committed to meaningfully engage and work together with Indigenous partners to support improved access to quality and culturally appropriate health care services. 

PEI's Department of Health and Wellness’ work is informed by continued engagement with its Indigenous partners and recent trilateral discussions involving the federal government. To help approach health decisions through a lens that promotes respect and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the federal and provincial governments fund and partner with Indigenous organizations on a variety of health related projects and initiatives.

Indigenous Services on PEI

  • Mi’kmaq Health Systems Navigators 
    • Mi’kmaq Health Systems Navigators are located in Lennox Island First Nation (West) and Abegweit First Nation (East) and are available to all those seeking Indigenous navigation support while accessing the various Health PEI services. For more information contact Mi’kmaq Health Systems Navigator (West) at 902-831-2711 or Mi’kmaq Health Systems Navigator (East) at 902-676-3007 or visit Patient Navigators.
  • Abegweit First Nation 
    • Abegweit First Nation offers a variety of programs and services at Abegweit First Nation Mi’kmaq Wellness Centre (AFNMWC). Their team of health care professional work in collaboration with each other, individuals, and families for a healthier First Nation community. For more information contact 902-676-3007 or visit their website at abegweit.ca.
  • Lennox Island First Nation
    • Lennox Island Health Care Services provide the people of Lennox Island health care, home support and substance abuse counselling, provides access to fitness and maternal health.
    • For more information on Lennox Island First Nation Mi’kmaq Wellness Centre contact 902-831-2780.
  • Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI
    • Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI is committed to providing leadership and guidance in cultural, social, economic and political aspects by supporting women and girls who identify as First Nation, Metis and Inuit residing on PEI.  For more information contact 902-831-3059 or visit their website at awapei.ca.
  • Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI 
    • The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI works collaboratively with First Nations to help build capacity within communities by improving access to health services, increasing awareness of supports, and advocating for the health priorities of First Nations people. For more information contact 902-626-2882 or visit their website at mcpei.ca. 
  • Native Council of Prince Edward Island
    • The Native Council of Prince Edward Island programs are designed to promote and improve the resilience of Indigenous people and their families on Prince Edward Island. Their programs provide support to off-Reserve Indigenous people on PEI through all ages and stages of their lives. For more information contact 902-629-1541 or visit their website at ncpei.com. 

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls / Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls

The Government of PEI is mindful of the importance of reporting on the province’s efforts to respond to the Calls resulting from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s findings. The TRC Calls to Action identify eight of the 94 calls to action are aimed at wide-ranging transformations to health care.  

These Calls can help guide the province, health care professionals and allied health staff in Indigenous health. The MMIWG Calls for Justice include Calls that address health and wellness. The Government of Prince Edward recognizes the importance of implementing the Calls and is committed to taking concrete steps to address them and working towards reconciliation.

Published date: March 2024

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