Case 3 : Coming Together to Promote Change: Best Practices to Prevent, Treat, and Manage Type 2 Diabetes in Indigenous Communities in Canada

Marie is a nurse and a member of the Bull Rapids First Nation. She is frustrated that there are no resources to help Indigenous people cope with the issue of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, which is a major health issue in this community. Marie knows something needs to be done, so she undertakes research to determine whether there are any interventions that can help her community prevent, treat, and manage type 2 diabetes. During her research, she discovers Diabetes Alliance and the quality improvement strategy they have developed to empower Indigenous communities to create their own plans to combat diabetes. The purpose of this case is to give a brief overview of the colonial practices and the proximal, intermediate and distal determinants of health that have caused many of the health issues that occur today in Indigenous communities. It will also provide an opportunity for students to think critically about how chronic diseases can be addressed and what can be done to help improve the situation in Indigenous communities in Canada. This case gives students a chance to explore the concept of traditional knowledge, its importance to Indigenous communities, and how it can and should be incorporated into interventions. After reading this case, students will understand the historical events that have created the current health predicament in these communities. If students understand the issues that have caused the problem, it can help dispel any negative preconceptions that students may have of Indigenous people. This case provides an avenue for Indigenous students to discuss issues that actually impact them, their families and communities