Indigenous Women’s Health Issues: Current Needs, Lessons Learned and the Path Forward

The health of Indigenous women globally is an urgent and complex issue that intertwines with various socio-political, cultural, and economic factors. Indigenous women face unique health challenges exacerbated by colonial legacies, systemic racism, and socio-economic disparities. This enhances vulnerabilities to various health conditions and creates barriers to healthcare access and utilization leading to poor health outcomes. Further, the biomedical approach to health is not consistent with Indigenous perspectives of health and wellness. Discriminatory experiences and suboptimal care received in the Western healthcare system often discourage Indigenous people from accessing care promptly which leads to disease progression and poor health outcomes.

The primary objective of this Research Topic is to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary platform that elevates Indigenous women's voices, experiences, and expertise in global health. By convening Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, scholars, and experts in the area we are engaging in research-driven advocacy highlighting health priorities for Indigenous women globally. We aim to explore the multifaceted aspects of Indigenous women's health and quality of life by highlighting the intersections of traditional knowledge, modern medical practices, and the impact of systemic inequalities. This collection of articles will serve as a repository of knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches to improving health outcomes for Indigenous women. Through this series, we will encourage and recommend reallocation and restructuring of existing resources and infrastructure. We hope this series will inspire policy change that can refresh and bolster the health system in becoming agile and attuned to the current needs of Indigenous women.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

> Historical and Contemporary Impacts of Colonialism:
o Examining how colonial histories have shaped current health disparities.
o Analyzing policies and practices that continue to affect Indigenous women's
health.

> Integration of Traditional Knowledge and Modern Medicine:
o Documenting robust models of integrative medicines and integrating traditional
healing practices with modern health care.
o Highlighting the role of Indigenous knowledge keepers and traditional healers.
o Indigenous language

> Geographic Location, Systemic Racism and Health Care Access:
o Geographic location: Women in the Arctic, Rural and Remote areas
o Connection to climate change and adaptation
o Investigating the barriers Indigenous women face in accessing health care.
o Proposing strategies to dismantle systemic racism within health care systems that
impact Indigenous women.

> Mental Wellness, Well-being, and Quality of Life:
o Addressing mental health challenges and the importance of culturally relevant
mental health services.
o Exploring the impact of intergenerational trauma and pathways to healing.
o Understanding factors in indigenous women's quality of life

> Reproductive Health and Rights:
o Discussing reproductive health issues, maternal health, and the rights of
Indigenous women.
o Advocating for reproductive justice and autonomy for Indigenous women.
o Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections and its impact on women

> Community-led Health Initiatives:
o Showcasing evidence-based impacts of grassroots health initiatives led by
Indigenous women.
o Evaluating the impact of community-driven approaches to health and well-being.
o Uplifting practice-based evidence