Nicole Redvers | Western University Canada (original) (raw)

Papers by Nicole Redvers

Research paper thumbnail of Transforming the Planetary Health Crisis Through an Indigenous Land-Based Meta-Narrative

Springer Nature, 2024

Our current biodiversity, pollution, climate change, and pandemic crises are deep and complex yet... more Our current biodiversity, pollution, climate change, and pandemic crises are deep and complex yet have similar underpinnings and a clear road map out. Indigenous Peoples have long asserted the importance of their enduring and dynamic relationship to ancestral lands, seas, waterways, and wildlife as a protective road map for people and the planet. As we are all dynamic beings with the potential for direct kinship relationships to all planetary elements ranging from the micro to the macro level, it leaves open the possibility of large-scale and emergent positive change. This means that as action-based planetary relatives, we can all enact great change around us by precipitating these emergent processes within our own bodies and in the environment around us. Therefore, we provide an interconnected narrative that centers Land and Country, our Ancestors, and story as we consider the path we need to walk going forward. We premise that the story we need to co-walk is an ecologically derived one with the complexity of the world expressed through the simplicity of being of Nature.

Research paper thumbnail of Indigenous Elders' voices on health-systems change informed by planetary health: a qualitative and relational systems mapping inquiry

The Lancet Planetary Health, 2024

Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge systems are increasingly being looked to for solutions reg... more Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge systems are increasingly being looked to for solutions regarding climate change, including within clinical health-care settings. Indigenous Elders specifically are noted knowledge keepers within their communities and are often looked to with great respect for their Land-based knowledges as they pertain to planetary health approaches. We sought to explore the views of health-systems change informed by planetary health within the circumpolar north from the perspective of Indigenous Elders. We held a sharing circle, in which Elders identified four interconnected themes following a cyclical pattern that were also depicted with relational systems mapping, including the past and how we got here, where we are now, where we need to go in the future, and our reflections. Our findings showed that any concepts related to planetary health that are discussed within health systems cannot be disconnected from the context around them. Overall, health systems were stated to be currently devoid of any environmental context or consideration.

Research paper thumbnail of Chokeberry, an Indigenous Food’s Effects on Inflammation Markers in American Indians

Current developments in nutrition, Jul 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Every day is Earth Day: Indigenous Peoples and their knowledges for planetary health

Research paper thumbnail of A Strategy To Support Perinatal Mental Health By Collaborating With Tribal Communities In Montana

Health affairs, Apr 1, 2024

Among Indigenous women and birthing people, reported rates of perinatal mental health complicatio... more Among Indigenous women and birthing people, reported rates of perinatal mental health complications are consistently higher than in the general US population. However, perinatal mental health programs and interventions tend to focus on the general population and do not account for the unique experiences and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples. We highlight a collaborative strategy employed by a Montana nonprofit to engage Tribal communities in completing a statewide online resource guide designed to help pregnant and parenting families find resources, including mental health and substance use treatment options, within and beyond their local communities. Based on this strategy, cultural resources relevant to Tribal communities were added to the resource guide. Agencies committed to addressing perinatal mental health disparities among Indigenous populations should consider similar strategies to share power with Tribal communities and collaboratively create culturally congruent programs and interventions.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient-planetary health co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar health region: a qualitative study of physician voices from the Northwest Territories, Canada

BMJ open, Mar 1, 2024

Background Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have... more Background Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have been particularly slow in both climate mitigation and adaptation responses. The effects of climate change on health and health systems will not be felt equally, with underserved and marginalised communities disproportionately impacted. The circumpolar region is warming at 3-4 times the global rate, amplifying already existing socioeconomic barriers and health inequities, with particular amplified effects for the substantial Indigenous population in the area. Objectives and setting We therefore sought to explore perspectives of physicians around patient-planetary health (P-PH) co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar region in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, known to be one of the ground zero levels for climate change. Methods Thirteen semi-structured physician interviews were carried out in the NWT region between May 2022 and March 2023 using purposive sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to identify key themes. Results There were three main themes identified including (1) current healthcare system does not support planetary health, (2) supporting patient-planetary health is currently difficult for clinicians and (3) considering change in the NWT to support patient-planetary health. Participants noted key opportunities to move planetary health forward, with the NWT having the potential to be an innovative model for planetary health-informed change for other health systems. Conclusion The NWT health system has unique features due to its rural and remote nature and smaller population base. Despite this, our study identified some key opportunities for advancing P-PH co-benefit efforts. The identified opportunities may be considered in future intervention, organisational change and policy-making efforts with potential relevance in other settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Seeding a planetary health education revolution: institutional sign-on challenge

Research paper thumbnail of Indigenous Peoples: Traditional knowledges, climate change, and health

PLOS global public health, Oct 12, 2023

Indigenous Peoples around the globe make up approximately six percent of the global population, y... more Indigenous Peoples around the globe make up approximately six percent of the global population, yet they sustainably care for around eighty percent of the world's remaining biodiversity. Despite continued political, economic, and racial marginalization, as well as some of the worst health inequities on the planet, Indigenous Peoples have worked hard to maintain their cultures and languages against all odds. Indigenous Peoples' close connections to land, water, and ecosystems, however, have placed them at increasing vulnerability from the effects of climate change. With this, the health risks from climate change have unique considerations within Indigenous Nations for both mitigation and adaptation responses that are largely unappreciated. This Indigenous narrative review will synthesis the current climate and health landscape of Indigenous Peoples at a global, high-level scale, including relevant international mechanisms and considerations for Indigenous Peoples' health. This Indigenous narrative review will also explore and reflect on the strengths of Indigenous traditional knowledges as it pertains to climate change and health.

Research paper thumbnail of Relational community engagement within health interventions at varied outcome scales

PLOS global public health, Jun 11, 2024

Relational community engagement may be a powerful approach with multiple health outcomes. Relatio... more Relational community engagement may be a powerful approach with multiple health outcomes. Relational community engagement has the potential to promote health and involves collaborative efforts between multiple stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the centrality of community engagement in health crises. Challenges continue to persist, however, in genuinely engaging and empowering communities for better health outcomes. Understanding the multi-level and complex relational nature of community engagement is essential to comprehend its influence on health at micro, meso, and macro scales of influence. The purpose of this narrative review was to synthesize the literature on relational community engagement within varied health interventions at the three major system levels (micro, meso, and macro) to support the development of future research agendas. At the micro level, relational community engagement interventions demonstrated a range of positive outcomes including: increased sense of control, satisfaction, positive behavior, improved knowledge, behavior change, empowerment, and overall positive health and social outcomes. At the meso level, relational community engagement interventions resulted in increased trust between stakeholders and groups/teams, and increased community senses of ownership of interventions, decisions, structures. At the macro level, relational community engagement interventions influenced broader societal factors and had positive impacts on health policy and governance including collaboration between sectors and communities as well as increased access to services. The review highlights the potential versatility and effectiveness of interventions that prioritize relationships, health promotion, and social change while underscoring the significance of holistic and communitycentered approaches in addressing diverse health and social challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Draft of WHO Pandemic Agreement plays down primary prevention

Research paper thumbnail of Relational community engagement within health interventions at varied outcome scales

PLOS Global Health, 2024

Relational community engagement may be a powerful approach with multiple health outcomes. Relatio... more Relational community engagement may be a powerful approach with multiple health outcomes. Relational community engagement has the potential to promote health and involves collaborative efforts between multiple stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the centrality of community engagement in health crises. Challenges continue to persist, however, in genuinely engaging and empowering communities for better health outcomes. Understanding the multi-level and complex relational nature of community engagement is essential to comprehend its influence on health at micro, meso, and macro scales of influence. The purpose of this narrative review was to synthesize the literature on relational community engagement within varied health interventions at the three major system levels (micro, meso, and macro) to support the development of future research agendas. At the micro level, relational community engagement interventions demonstrated a range of positive outcomes including: increased sense of control, satisfaction, positive behavior, improved knowledge, behavior change, empowerment, and overall positive health and social outcomes. At the meso level, relational community engagement interventions resulted in increased trust between stakeholders and groups/teams, and increased community senses of ownership of interventions, decisions, structures. At the macro level, relational community engagement interventions influenced broader societal factors and had positive impacts on health policy and governance including collaboration between sectors and communities as well as increased access to services. The review highlights the potential versatility and effectiveness of interventions that prioritize relationships, health promotion, and social change while underscoring the significance of holistic and communitycentered approaches in addressing diverse health and social challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Every Day is Earth Day: Indigenous Peoples and their Knowledges for Planetary Health

Research paper thumbnail of A Strategy To Support Perinatal Mental Health By Collaborating With Tribal Communities In Montana

Health Affairs, 2024

Among Indigenous women and birthing people, reported rates of perinatal mental health complicatio... more Among Indigenous women and birthing people, reported rates of perinatal mental health complications are consistently higher than in the general US population. However, perinatal mental health programs and interventions tend to focus on the general population and do not account for the unique experiences and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples. We highlight a collaborative strategy employed by a Montana nonprofit to engage Tribal communities in completing a statewide online resource guide designed to help pregnant and parenting families find resources, including mental health and substance use treatment options, within and beyond their local communities. Based on this strategy, cultural resources relevant to Tribal communities were added to the resource guide. Agencies committed to addressing perinatal mental health disparities among Indigenous populations should consider similar strategies to share power with Tribal communities and collaboratively create culturally congruent programs and interventions.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient-planetaryhealthco-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar health region: a qualitative study of physician voices from the Northwest Territories, Canada

BMJ Open, 2024

Background Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have... more Background Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have been particularly slow in both climate mitigation and adaptation responses. The effects of climate change on health and health systems will not be felt equally, with underserved and marginalised communities disproportionately impacted. The circumpolar region is warming at 3-4 times the global rate, amplifying already existing socioeconomic barriers and health inequities, with particular amplified effects for the substantial Indigenous population in the area. Objectives and setting We therefore sought to explore perspectives of physicians around patient-planetary health (P-PH) co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar region in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, known to be one of the ground zero levels for climate change. Methods Thirteen semi-structured physician interviews were carried out in the NWT region between May 2022 and March 2023 using purposive sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to identify key themes. Results There were three main themes identified including (1) current healthcare system does not support planetary health, (2) supporting patient-planetary health is currently difficult for clinicians and (3) considering change in the NWT to support patient-planetary health. Participants noted key opportunities to move planetary health forward, with the NWT having the potential to be an innovative model for planetary health-informed change for other health systems. Conclusion The NWT health system has unique features due to its rural and remote nature and smaller population base. Despite this, our study identified some key opportunities for advancing P-PH co-benefit efforts. The identified opportunities may be considered in future intervention, organisational change and policy-making efforts with potential relevance in other settings.

Research paper thumbnail of American Indian and Alaska Native recruitment strategies for health-related randomized controlled trials: A scoping review

PLOS ONE, 2024

Background Significant health disparities exist among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs)... more Background Significant health disparities exist among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), yet AI/ANs are substantially underrepresented within health-related research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Although research has previously charted representation inequities, there is however a gap in the literature documenting best practice for recruitment techniques of AI/ANs into RCTs. Therefore, the aim of this review was to systematically gather and analyze the published literature to identify common strategies for AI/AN participant recruitment for RCTs in the US.

Research paper thumbnail of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and Health Care System Responses for Indigenous Peoples: A Scoping Review sarah larson, cortez standing bear, devon olson, and nicole redvers

Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and healthcare system responses for Indigenous Peoples: A Scoping Review, 2024

Grounded in human rights approaches, truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) explore an event... more Grounded in human rights approaches, truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) explore an event or process that did widespread and systematic intentional harm to a group of people. Health as a fundamental right is an important component addressed by TRCs. Yet despite TRCs often having recommendations for health care systems, it is unknown how well these recommendations are being translated within health care settings. Therefore, the overarching purpose of our scoping review was to identify academic articles that discussed health care system discourse or responses to TRCs in the context of Indigenous Peoples. Our thematic analysis of the included articles identified three main themes for health care system responses to TRCs: (1) the acknowledgment of multiple ways of knowing, being, and doing in health systems; (2) current interventions as responses within health systems; and (3) suggestions for change within health systems. Although a TRC may create a specific road map and mandate for health care systems, we found considerable variability in the uptake of these actions across institutions. Concerted efforts within and around health care systems and across sectors are therefore necessary to achieve large-scale, meaningful change for Indigenous Peoples post-TRCs and to maintain accountability as a foundational human rights principle.

Research paper thumbnail of The past, present, and future of nature and place-based interventions for human health

Landscape Research

The benefits of exposure to nature for human health and wellbeing have been evidenced throughout ... more The benefits of exposure to nature for human health and wellbeing have been evidenced throughout history and across global civilisations. However, research on nature and place-based interventions for human health often centres around a reactive healthcare model rather than fully considering the cultural and historical scope of holistic approaches to health. Adopting a context-setting approach, the article signposts readers to periods, places, and practices which have exemplified or advanced our collective global understanding of health and place. This narrative review demonstrates how different disciplines, and cultural knowledges can provide a foundation to develop nature-based interventions and further curiosity to learn from other practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how some people connect with their environments and consider global health. There is now an opportunity to reflection on, and ethically engage with, different practices and approaches to transition towards a more sustainable future which integrates landscape planning with health promotion.

Research paper thumbnail of Communities in Northern Canada are feeling the health system implications of climate breakdown

Research paper thumbnail of Transdisciplinary collaborations on climate change and health

The journal of climate change and health, Mar 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of P03-006-23 Chokeberry Effects on Gene Expression and Epigenetics of Interleukin-6

Current Developments in Nutrition

Research paper thumbnail of Transforming the Planetary Health Crisis Through an Indigenous Land-Based Meta-Narrative

Springer Nature, 2024

Our current biodiversity, pollution, climate change, and pandemic crises are deep and complex yet... more Our current biodiversity, pollution, climate change, and pandemic crises are deep and complex yet have similar underpinnings and a clear road map out. Indigenous Peoples have long asserted the importance of their enduring and dynamic relationship to ancestral lands, seas, waterways, and wildlife as a protective road map for people and the planet. As we are all dynamic beings with the potential for direct kinship relationships to all planetary elements ranging from the micro to the macro level, it leaves open the possibility of large-scale and emergent positive change. This means that as action-based planetary relatives, we can all enact great change around us by precipitating these emergent processes within our own bodies and in the environment around us. Therefore, we provide an interconnected narrative that centers Land and Country, our Ancestors, and story as we consider the path we need to walk going forward. We premise that the story we need to co-walk is an ecologically derived one with the complexity of the world expressed through the simplicity of being of Nature.

Research paper thumbnail of Indigenous Elders' voices on health-systems change informed by planetary health: a qualitative and relational systems mapping inquiry

The Lancet Planetary Health, 2024

Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge systems are increasingly being looked to for solutions reg... more Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge systems are increasingly being looked to for solutions regarding climate change, including within clinical health-care settings. Indigenous Elders specifically are noted knowledge keepers within their communities and are often looked to with great respect for their Land-based knowledges as they pertain to planetary health approaches. We sought to explore the views of health-systems change informed by planetary health within the circumpolar north from the perspective of Indigenous Elders. We held a sharing circle, in which Elders identified four interconnected themes following a cyclical pattern that were also depicted with relational systems mapping, including the past and how we got here, where we are now, where we need to go in the future, and our reflections. Our findings showed that any concepts related to planetary health that are discussed within health systems cannot be disconnected from the context around them. Overall, health systems were stated to be currently devoid of any environmental context or consideration.

Research paper thumbnail of Chokeberry, an Indigenous Food’s Effects on Inflammation Markers in American Indians

Current developments in nutrition, Jul 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Every day is Earth Day: Indigenous Peoples and their knowledges for planetary health

Research paper thumbnail of A Strategy To Support Perinatal Mental Health By Collaborating With Tribal Communities In Montana

Health affairs, Apr 1, 2024

Among Indigenous women and birthing people, reported rates of perinatal mental health complicatio... more Among Indigenous women and birthing people, reported rates of perinatal mental health complications are consistently higher than in the general US population. However, perinatal mental health programs and interventions tend to focus on the general population and do not account for the unique experiences and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples. We highlight a collaborative strategy employed by a Montana nonprofit to engage Tribal communities in completing a statewide online resource guide designed to help pregnant and parenting families find resources, including mental health and substance use treatment options, within and beyond their local communities. Based on this strategy, cultural resources relevant to Tribal communities were added to the resource guide. Agencies committed to addressing perinatal mental health disparities among Indigenous populations should consider similar strategies to share power with Tribal communities and collaboratively create culturally congruent programs and interventions.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient-planetary health co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar health region: a qualitative study of physician voices from the Northwest Territories, Canada

BMJ open, Mar 1, 2024

Background Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have... more Background Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have been particularly slow in both climate mitigation and adaptation responses. The effects of climate change on health and health systems will not be felt equally, with underserved and marginalised communities disproportionately impacted. The circumpolar region is warming at 3-4 times the global rate, amplifying already existing socioeconomic barriers and health inequities, with particular amplified effects for the substantial Indigenous population in the area. Objectives and setting We therefore sought to explore perspectives of physicians around patient-planetary health (P-PH) co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar region in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, known to be one of the ground zero levels for climate change. Methods Thirteen semi-structured physician interviews were carried out in the NWT region between May 2022 and March 2023 using purposive sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to identify key themes. Results There were three main themes identified including (1) current healthcare system does not support planetary health, (2) supporting patient-planetary health is currently difficult for clinicians and (3) considering change in the NWT to support patient-planetary health. Participants noted key opportunities to move planetary health forward, with the NWT having the potential to be an innovative model for planetary health-informed change for other health systems. Conclusion The NWT health system has unique features due to its rural and remote nature and smaller population base. Despite this, our study identified some key opportunities for advancing P-PH co-benefit efforts. The identified opportunities may be considered in future intervention, organisational change and policy-making efforts with potential relevance in other settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Seeding a planetary health education revolution: institutional sign-on challenge

Research paper thumbnail of Indigenous Peoples: Traditional knowledges, climate change, and health

PLOS global public health, Oct 12, 2023

Indigenous Peoples around the globe make up approximately six percent of the global population, y... more Indigenous Peoples around the globe make up approximately six percent of the global population, yet they sustainably care for around eighty percent of the world's remaining biodiversity. Despite continued political, economic, and racial marginalization, as well as some of the worst health inequities on the planet, Indigenous Peoples have worked hard to maintain their cultures and languages against all odds. Indigenous Peoples' close connections to land, water, and ecosystems, however, have placed them at increasing vulnerability from the effects of climate change. With this, the health risks from climate change have unique considerations within Indigenous Nations for both mitigation and adaptation responses that are largely unappreciated. This Indigenous narrative review will synthesis the current climate and health landscape of Indigenous Peoples at a global, high-level scale, including relevant international mechanisms and considerations for Indigenous Peoples' health. This Indigenous narrative review will also explore and reflect on the strengths of Indigenous traditional knowledges as it pertains to climate change and health.

Research paper thumbnail of Relational community engagement within health interventions at varied outcome scales

PLOS global public health, Jun 11, 2024

Relational community engagement may be a powerful approach with multiple health outcomes. Relatio... more Relational community engagement may be a powerful approach with multiple health outcomes. Relational community engagement has the potential to promote health and involves collaborative efforts between multiple stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the centrality of community engagement in health crises. Challenges continue to persist, however, in genuinely engaging and empowering communities for better health outcomes. Understanding the multi-level and complex relational nature of community engagement is essential to comprehend its influence on health at micro, meso, and macro scales of influence. The purpose of this narrative review was to synthesize the literature on relational community engagement within varied health interventions at the three major system levels (micro, meso, and macro) to support the development of future research agendas. At the micro level, relational community engagement interventions demonstrated a range of positive outcomes including: increased sense of control, satisfaction, positive behavior, improved knowledge, behavior change, empowerment, and overall positive health and social outcomes. At the meso level, relational community engagement interventions resulted in increased trust between stakeholders and groups/teams, and increased community senses of ownership of interventions, decisions, structures. At the macro level, relational community engagement interventions influenced broader societal factors and had positive impacts on health policy and governance including collaboration between sectors and communities as well as increased access to services. The review highlights the potential versatility and effectiveness of interventions that prioritize relationships, health promotion, and social change while underscoring the significance of holistic and communitycentered approaches in addressing diverse health and social challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Draft of WHO Pandemic Agreement plays down primary prevention

Research paper thumbnail of Relational community engagement within health interventions at varied outcome scales

PLOS Global Health, 2024

Relational community engagement may be a powerful approach with multiple health outcomes. Relatio... more Relational community engagement may be a powerful approach with multiple health outcomes. Relational community engagement has the potential to promote health and involves collaborative efforts between multiple stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the centrality of community engagement in health crises. Challenges continue to persist, however, in genuinely engaging and empowering communities for better health outcomes. Understanding the multi-level and complex relational nature of community engagement is essential to comprehend its influence on health at micro, meso, and macro scales of influence. The purpose of this narrative review was to synthesize the literature on relational community engagement within varied health interventions at the three major system levels (micro, meso, and macro) to support the development of future research agendas. At the micro level, relational community engagement interventions demonstrated a range of positive outcomes including: increased sense of control, satisfaction, positive behavior, improved knowledge, behavior change, empowerment, and overall positive health and social outcomes. At the meso level, relational community engagement interventions resulted in increased trust between stakeholders and groups/teams, and increased community senses of ownership of interventions, decisions, structures. At the macro level, relational community engagement interventions influenced broader societal factors and had positive impacts on health policy and governance including collaboration between sectors and communities as well as increased access to services. The review highlights the potential versatility and effectiveness of interventions that prioritize relationships, health promotion, and social change while underscoring the significance of holistic and communitycentered approaches in addressing diverse health and social challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Every Day is Earth Day: Indigenous Peoples and their Knowledges for Planetary Health

Research paper thumbnail of A Strategy To Support Perinatal Mental Health By Collaborating With Tribal Communities In Montana

Health Affairs, 2024

Among Indigenous women and birthing people, reported rates of perinatal mental health complicatio... more Among Indigenous women and birthing people, reported rates of perinatal mental health complications are consistently higher than in the general US population. However, perinatal mental health programs and interventions tend to focus on the general population and do not account for the unique experiences and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples. We highlight a collaborative strategy employed by a Montana nonprofit to engage Tribal communities in completing a statewide online resource guide designed to help pregnant and parenting families find resources, including mental health and substance use treatment options, within and beyond their local communities. Based on this strategy, cultural resources relevant to Tribal communities were added to the resource guide. Agencies committed to addressing perinatal mental health disparities among Indigenous populations should consider similar strategies to share power with Tribal communities and collaboratively create culturally congruent programs and interventions.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient-planetaryhealthco-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar health region: a qualitative study of physician voices from the Northwest Territories, Canada

BMJ Open, 2024

Background Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have... more Background Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have been particularly slow in both climate mitigation and adaptation responses. The effects of climate change on health and health systems will not be felt equally, with underserved and marginalised communities disproportionately impacted. The circumpolar region is warming at 3-4 times the global rate, amplifying already existing socioeconomic barriers and health inequities, with particular amplified effects for the substantial Indigenous population in the area. Objectives and setting We therefore sought to explore perspectives of physicians around patient-planetary health (P-PH) co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar region in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, known to be one of the ground zero levels for climate change. Methods Thirteen semi-structured physician interviews were carried out in the NWT region between May 2022 and March 2023 using purposive sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to identify key themes. Results There were three main themes identified including (1) current healthcare system does not support planetary health, (2) supporting patient-planetary health is currently difficult for clinicians and (3) considering change in the NWT to support patient-planetary health. Participants noted key opportunities to move planetary health forward, with the NWT having the potential to be an innovative model for planetary health-informed change for other health systems. Conclusion The NWT health system has unique features due to its rural and remote nature and smaller population base. Despite this, our study identified some key opportunities for advancing P-PH co-benefit efforts. The identified opportunities may be considered in future intervention, organisational change and policy-making efforts with potential relevance in other settings.

Research paper thumbnail of American Indian and Alaska Native recruitment strategies for health-related randomized controlled trials: A scoping review

PLOS ONE, 2024

Background Significant health disparities exist among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs)... more Background Significant health disparities exist among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), yet AI/ANs are substantially underrepresented within health-related research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Although research has previously charted representation inequities, there is however a gap in the literature documenting best practice for recruitment techniques of AI/ANs into RCTs. Therefore, the aim of this review was to systematically gather and analyze the published literature to identify common strategies for AI/AN participant recruitment for RCTs in the US.

Research paper thumbnail of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and Health Care System Responses for Indigenous Peoples: A Scoping Review sarah larson, cortez standing bear, devon olson, and nicole redvers

Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and healthcare system responses for Indigenous Peoples: A Scoping Review, 2024

Grounded in human rights approaches, truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) explore an event... more Grounded in human rights approaches, truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) explore an event or process that did widespread and systematic intentional harm to a group of people. Health as a fundamental right is an important component addressed by TRCs. Yet despite TRCs often having recommendations for health care systems, it is unknown how well these recommendations are being translated within health care settings. Therefore, the overarching purpose of our scoping review was to identify academic articles that discussed health care system discourse or responses to TRCs in the context of Indigenous Peoples. Our thematic analysis of the included articles identified three main themes for health care system responses to TRCs: (1) the acknowledgment of multiple ways of knowing, being, and doing in health systems; (2) current interventions as responses within health systems; and (3) suggestions for change within health systems. Although a TRC may create a specific road map and mandate for health care systems, we found considerable variability in the uptake of these actions across institutions. Concerted efforts within and around health care systems and across sectors are therefore necessary to achieve large-scale, meaningful change for Indigenous Peoples post-TRCs and to maintain accountability as a foundational human rights principle.

Research paper thumbnail of The past, present, and future of nature and place-based interventions for human health

Landscape Research

The benefits of exposure to nature for human health and wellbeing have been evidenced throughout ... more The benefits of exposure to nature for human health and wellbeing have been evidenced throughout history and across global civilisations. However, research on nature and place-based interventions for human health often centres around a reactive healthcare model rather than fully considering the cultural and historical scope of holistic approaches to health. Adopting a context-setting approach, the article signposts readers to periods, places, and practices which have exemplified or advanced our collective global understanding of health and place. This narrative review demonstrates how different disciplines, and cultural knowledges can provide a foundation to develop nature-based interventions and further curiosity to learn from other practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how some people connect with their environments and consider global health. There is now an opportunity to reflection on, and ethically engage with, different practices and approaches to transition towards a more sustainable future which integrates landscape planning with health promotion.

Research paper thumbnail of Communities in Northern Canada are feeling the health system implications of climate breakdown

Research paper thumbnail of Transdisciplinary collaborations on climate change and health

The journal of climate change and health, Mar 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of P03-006-23 Chokeberry Effects on Gene Expression and Epigenetics of Interleukin-6

Current Developments in Nutrition

Research paper thumbnail of A pledge for planetary health to unite health professionals in the anthropocene

Research paper thumbnail of The Science of the Sacred- Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles

Modern medical science has finally caught up to what traditional healing systems have known for c... more Modern medical science has finally caught up to what traditional healing systems have known for centuries. Many traditional healing techniques and medicines are often assumed to be archaic, outdated, or unscientific compared to modern Western medicine. Nicole Redvers, a naturopathic physician and member of the Deninu K’ue First Nation, analyzes modern Western medical practices using evidence-informed Indigenous healing practices and traditions from around the world–from sweat lodges and fermented foods to Ayurvedic doshas and meditation. Organized around various sciences, such as physics, genetics, and microbiology, the book explains the connection between traditional medicine and current research around epigenetics and quantum physics, for example, and includes over 600 citations. Redvers, who has traveled and worked with Indigenous groups around the world, shares the knowledge and teachings of health and wellness that have been passed down through the generations, tying this knowledge with current scientific advances. Knowing that the science backs up the traditional practice allows us to have earlier and more specific interventions that integrate age-old techniques with the advances in modern medicine and technology.