Understanding Indigenous Health Inequalities through a Social Determinants Model, written by Charlotte Loppie and Fred Wien, provides an update to the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health’s popular 2009 report, Health Inequalities and Social Determinants of Indigenous Peoples’ Health. Drawing on recent literature, research and data, the authors utilize a tree metaphor to enhance our understanding of the underlying causes of Indigenous Peoples’ health inequalities.

The authors begin by providing a brief overview of Indigenous health inequalities, followed by a description of social determinants across the life course. They then explain how root (structural), core (systemic), and stem (immediate) environments influence Indigenous health at individual, community, and population levels. Loppie and Wien highlight the importance of Indigenous self-determination and cultural resurgence as vital pathways to wellness.

• Read or download Understanding Indigenous Health Inequalities through a Social Determinants Model (PDF).