The health impacts of social distancing among Indigenous People in Ontario during the first wave of COVID-19

Abstract

Among Indigenous People in Canada and around the world, the health impacts of COVID-19 have been measured largely through biological, social, and psychological impacts. Our study draws from a relational concept of health to examines two objectives: 1) how social distancing protocols have shaped Indigenous connections with self, family, wider community, and nature; and 2) to exploring what these changing relationships mean for perceptions of health. Carried out by an Indigenous team of scholars, community activists and students, this research draws from a decolonizing methodology and qualitative interviews (n=16) with Indigenous health and social care providers in urban and reserve settings. Our results illustrate a considerable decline in interpersonal connections, such as with family, community organizations, and larger social networks, as a result of social distancing. Among those already vulnerable, underlying health, social, and economic inequities have been exacerbated. While the health impacts of COVID-19 have been overwhelmingly negative, participants noted the importance of this time for self-reflection and reconnection of human-kind and with mother earth. This paper offers an alternative perspective to popularized views of Indigenous experiences of COVID-19 as they relate to vulnerability and resilience.