"It almost seems like the general population doesn't understand that there's specific benefits for each of us and if you are First Nations you can access as long as you have that 10 digit number but First Nation women without Treaty Status, Métis women, and other women are distinctly different and if they do not have that 10 digit number they do not have access to the same kinds of services and programs." - Service Provider

This document explains the history of the differences in legal entitlements to health services for First Nations and Métis women¹. It is a summary of the report Entitlements and Health Services for First Nations and Métis Women in Manitoba and Saskatchewan².

The original paper was written for both health researchers and policy-makers to examine the legal entitlements for health care services, clarify the terminology, and most importantly to demonstrate how they affect the women seeking health services. The report reviewed the legislative history of entitlements to health services in Canada, outlined current developments and provided information about the health services available. It included the results of a qualitative research project on the experience of front-line providers who work with Métis and First Nations women in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Finally, suggestions were provided for both policy-makers and researchers regarding how this information applies to research and to policy, planning and service delivery.

1. Legal entitlements to health services for Inuit women are also described briefly, but the focus of this document is to understand the legalities for First Nations and Métis women.
2. Kathy Bent, Joanne Havelock, Margaret Haworth-Brockman Entitlements and Health Services for First Nations and Métis Women in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Project #150, Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence, Winnipeg, August 2007

To read this policy piece, download in pdf format (213KB)