Remembering Why We Sit at the Table

Abstract: Québec has been the site of the development of First Nations health determinants within the context of forced systemic racism within the Canadian mainstream medical healthcare system. The Cree Nation of Chisasibi has created alternative administrative health approaches and wellness practices through their Land Based Healing Program that addresses delivery service gaps in the current medical healthcare system. In this thesis, I examine the historical development of healthcare systems for English-speaking First Nations living in Québec, while analysing how political legislation through the James Bay Northern Québec Agreement has transformed the Eeyou into practicing autonomous action towards health operations and wellness approaches. I analyse the importance of Eeyou teachings and healing methodologies practiced within the Land Based Program that are vital to providing optimal First Nations health and wellness in a way that the current mainstream medical healthcare systems cannot.Keywords:systemic racism; healthcare systems and land based healing.