Understanding Healthcare Gaps for Indigenous Communities
Season 7 – Episode 1
with Amy Lamb & Mike Boivin
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Respiratory infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV continue to affect communities across Canada. In this episode of the RESPIPLUS podcast series, pharmacists Mike Boivin and Amy Lamb begin an important conversation about the realities faced by Métis, Inuit, and First Nations communities and how healthcare professionals can better understand and address these challenges.
About this Episode
This opening episode introduces a series focused on respiratory infectious diseases and their impact in Indigenous communities across Canada. Pharmacists Mike Boivin and Amy Lamb explore how systemic barriers, healthcare access challenges, and social determinants of health influence outcomes during respiratory illness seasons.
The discussion highlights both the structural issues affecting healthcare delivery and the resilience of Indigenous communities. The episode also sets the stage for future conversations about comorbidities, vaccination strategies, and practical prevention approaches.
Today you will learn
- Why respiratory infections such as COVID-19, RSV, and influenza continue to disproportionately affect some Indigenous communities
- How geography, healthcare infrastructure, and policy gaps can affect access to care
- The importance of recognizing community strengths and resilience in healthcare planning
- How systemic and jurisdictional barriers influence disease management
- The role pharmacists and healthcare providers can play in improving respiratory health outcomes
Our Special Guest
Amy Lamb is a Métis pharmacist with experience working closely with communities and healthcare systems to improve access to care and health education. Her work emphasizes patient-centred approaches and collaboration with local health partners.
In this discussion with pharmacist Mike Boivin, she brings a community-informed perspective to respiratory health challenges in Indigenous populations. Together they explore how healthcare professionals can better understand structural barriers while supporting culturally respectful and effective care.
Resources to go Deeper
General Indigenous-Led Resources (COVID-19, Flu, RSV)
- National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH): The NCCIH provides extensive resources, including webinars, videos, and fact sheets on vaccine confidence, mental health, and infectious disease prevention tailored for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
- Maad’ookiing Mshkiki | Sharing Medicine: A community-led initiative providing timely, accurate, and culturally relevant information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy.
- We Matter: An Indigenous-led initiative providing support and resources to Indigenous youth regarding mental health and coping during the pandemic.
- Talk4Healing: A confidential, culturally safe helpline for Indigenous women in Ontario, available in 14 languages.
First Nations-Led Resources (FNHA & Others)
- First Nations Health Authority (BC): The FNHA provides comprehensive guidance for respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
- Respiratory Illness Page: Protecting Wellness During Respiratory Illness Season
- RSV Resources: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Information
- COVID-19 Guide: A Guide to COVID-19 (PDF)
- Assembly of First Nations (AFN): Offers webinars, fact sheets, and tools focusing on safety and community wellness.
Métis-Led Resources
- Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO): The MNO has led studies on vaccine behaviour and provides resources for its citizens, including the Virtual Care Program.
- Vaccine Report: COVID-19 Vaccine Behavior Community Report
- Health Initiatives: MNO Virtual Care Program
- Métis National Council (MNC): Provides information on support for Métis citizens.
Inuit-Led Resources (ITK)
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK): ITK provides COVID-19 and health resources tailored for Inuit Nunangat, including info on federal benefits and safety infographics.
- Main Projects Page: Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami COVID-19 Projects
- Infographics: COVID-19 Infographics
- Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI): Offers urban services, counseling, and food security resources for Inuit in Ontario.
Vaccine Hesitancy & Cultural Safety Resources
- NCCIH/NCCID Vaccine Confidence Resources: Fact sheets and guides for Indigenous peoples and professionals, available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
- Vaccine Mistrust Report: A document discussing the colonial origins of vaccine hesitancy among Indigenous peoples.
- Webinar on Vaccine Hesitancy: A session featuring Dr. Sarah Funnell, a First Nations Family Physician, discussing challenges and strategies for vaccine uptake.
RESPIPLUS™ received support from Pfizer to develop an informative podcast series specifically tailored to COVID-19.
Collaborating Organizations
This podcast series was developed with the valuable collaboration of organizations committed to improving patient care:
Educational disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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