Roots of Resilience: Health and Wellness Lessons Black Women Can Learn from Indigenous Communities in Canada
As we celebrate Indigenous Health Month, we reflect on the strength, resilience, and holistic health practices that have long been part of Indigenous cultures in Canada. Velma Carter Centre’s mission includes uplifting Black Women by sharing knowledge, fostering connection, and strengthening community bonds. By learning from Indigenous approaches to health and wellness, we can find guidance, strength, and unity that helps us navigate our own wellness journeys. This month, let’s look to Indigenous health traditions in Canada, with a special focus on Alberta, for insights on how we can enhance our well-being as Black Women through holistic, community-centred practices.
Holistic Health: Embracing Wellness for the Mind, Body, Spirit, and Community
In many Indigenous cultures, health isn’t just about the physical body; it’s a full-spectrum approach to life that encompasses mental, spiritual, and communal well-being. A powerful example of this can be seen in Alberta’s Indigenous Wellness Core, which operates under Alberta Health Services to provide culturally relevant wellness programs. One initiative, the Indigenous Birth Support Worker Program, offers Indigenous doulas to support women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. The program blends traditional birthing knowledge with modern medical care, supporting women on their health journey in a way that respects their culture and holistic wellness.
For Black Women, this whole-person approach to wellness is a vital reminder that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Instead of focusing solely on physical health, we can draw inspiration from Indigenous teachings to explore practices that center mental wellness, spirituality, and community. Incorporating rituals, wellness practices, and family support systems—whether that’s through herbal teas, mindfulness, or connecting with loved ones—can empower us to thrive more fully.
Key Takeaway: Start small by incorporating holistic practices into your routine. Perhaps it’s a grounding meditation, a family tradition, or connecting with nature to find balance. Drawing from cultural or ancestral wisdom can help build wellness habits that nurture every part of your being.
Intergenerational Knowledge: Healing Through Stories and Connection
Indigenous cultures often place a high value on the wisdom of Elders, who pass down knowledge, practices, and traditions that nurture healing and connection. In Alberta, organizations like the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association promote intergenerational healing through cultural programming, workshops, and Elder-led guidance. Elders’ teachings aren’t just about the past—they’re relevant for daily life, mental resilience, and finding balance in modern society.
For Black Women, there is a deep parallel here. Many of us hold close to the teachings and wisdom passed down through family members, especially older women who share stories of resilience and survival. This intergenerational knowledge is powerful because it provides not just lessons but a deep sense of identity and belonging. Drawing on the strength of family wisdom helps us remember where we come from and gives us a foundation for navigating today’s challenges.
Key Takeaway: Make time to connect with the Elders in your family or community. Their stories and experiences can be a source of strength, especially during tough times. Listening to family stories, sharing traditional recipes, or simply asking about their experiences can deepen your sense of resilience and help guide your wellness journey.
Further Reading:
Community-Led Health Solutions: Taking Control of Our Health
In Alberta, Indigenous communities have shown the strength and effectiveness of community-led health solutions. The Bigstone Health Commission, operated by the Bigstone Cree Nation, is an example of how Indigenous people are addressing community health issues. The Commission provides culturally relevant healthcare that incorporates traditional medicine alongside Western approaches, demonstrating how a tailored, community-led approach can address unique health challenges in a culturally affirming way.
Similarly, Black communities can learn from this by advocating for and participating in health initiatives that center our experiences, from mental health to preventive care. The Black-led Sickle Cell Foundation of Alberta is an example of how health initiatives can be community-driven, focusing on awareness, education, and support for people affected by sickle cell disease. When communities lead these efforts, the results are often more effective and meaningful because they address the unique health needs of our people in a way that mainstream healthcare may overlook.
Key Takeaway: Support and engage in community-led health initiatives, whether they focus on preventive health, mental wellness, or specific health challenges. Find local organizations or online communities that focus on Black health and wellness, where you can connect with resources and people who share your experiences.
Further Reading:
Building Solidarity and Health Equity Together
Indigenous and Black communities in Canada face unique health disparities due to systemic inequities, but there is great strength in standing together. When we advocate for culturally responsive healthcare, both communities benefit. In Alberta, organizations like Boyle Street Community Services and Calgary’s Centre for Newcomers are working toward more inclusive and supportive healthcare for diverse communities. Through collaborations, training healthcare providers on cultural humility, and advocating for policy changes, these organizations aim to create a more equitable healthcare system.
Black Women can join in this advocacy by supporting partnerships and initiatives that work to address health inequities. Standing together with Indigenous communities can amplify our voices, creating greater impact in pushing for healthcare that respects and includes our unique identities and cultural backgrounds.
Key Takeaway: Get involved in advocacy and support organizations that work for culturally inclusive healthcare. Use your voice to speak up for health equity, either by supporting initiatives like those at Boyle Street Community Services or by encouraging healthcare providers to receive cultural competency training.
Further Reading:
Conclusion: Learning and Growing Together
The health traditions of Indigenous communities in Canada offer us a roadmap for resilience, healing, and wellness. As Black Women, we can draw on these lessons to nurture ourselves and our communities, building wellness practices that are grounded in culture, connection, and care. From honouring the wisdom of our Elders to embracing nature-based healing and advocating for community-led solutions, we can foster a holistic approach to health that empowers us to thrive.
The Velma Carter Centre believes that by learning from each other, we make our communities stronger. Indigenous Health Month reminds us that health isn’t just a personal journey; it’s a shared path, rooted in resilience, culture, and mutual respect.
Love and power,
The Velma Carter Centre Team