Access to the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative in three First Nations communities in Yukon Territory, Canada

• Main Author: Bruce, Kirsten L.
• Other Authors: Galloway, Tracey (Anthropology), Larcombe, Linda (Anthropology) Lavoie, Josée (Community Health Sciences)
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Yukon; Indigenous; Anthropology; Canada; First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/31587

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) has been described as both an epidemic and endemic in First Nation (FN) populations in Canada. Federally, culturally appropriate prevention and management programs funded through the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) can support those living with T2D within FN communities. Health Directors and administration staff working and participating in health services (n=6) were interviewed in order to describe the nature and variation of T2D supportive care services available within communities, and the extent to which ADI programs have been funded. Results indicated that participants perceived that capacities and barriers exist when accessing and implementing ADI funding and associated T2D services. These barriers derived from the policy structure of the ADI and varying degrees of community capacity in FNs. Findings from this study were used to develop recommendations for both the Federal and Territorial Government to improve equity in ADI funding and T2D supports for Yukon FN residents. October 2016