Research

Project Scope

The ACHH Initiative aims to integrate traditional and Western knowledge to better understand how Indigenous children experience, express, interpret, assess, and treat pain. Early research findings indicate that a complex mix of factors has created a cultural divide between Indigenous children in pain and non-Indigenous healthcare providers. Our goal is to bridge that gap.

Western-based healthcare professionals often use pain measurements like facial expressions and numeric scales, which may not accurately diagnose or treat Indigenous children’s pain. Issues such as discrimination, intergenerational trauma (including residential school experiences), and a lack of understanding of cultural traditions by healthcare providers contribute to this problem.

Why It’s Important

Research shows that chronic illness in First Nations communities is nearly three times higher than in the general population, and Indigenous children have higher rates of painful conditions, injuries, and painful ear, dental, and musculoskeletal issues.

These high rates of painful conditions impact Indigenous children’s ability to grow, learn, and achieve the same outcomes as non-Indigenous children. Addressing the measurement and treatment of Indigenous children’s pain is urgent and necessary.

Explore Our Work

Explore our Presentations, Publications, and Media page for more ways to access our results.

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