Biophilia and the Two-Eyed Seeing approach. Nature-based interventions in the healthcare system : Justice to Indigenous people

The disproportionate health outcomes faced by Indigenous peoples of Canada compared to non-Indigenous peoples is a serious concern. An extensive review of existing literature was conducted to identify the contributing and sustaining factors behind this discriminatory situation and explore strategies to end such disparities. Findings suggest that nature is significantly present in both Indigenous and biomedical health and healing approaches. Nature-based healing and wellbeing interventions are highly efficient in mental health problems, stress management and restoration of well-being. Findings also indicate that different factors, including structural inequities, impacts from colonization, destruction of traditional holistic health and healing practices, racism, poor access to social determinants to health, and cultural marginalization have created adversities in the existing biomedical healthcare system, produced Indigenous peoples’ lack of trust in the biomedical healthcare system and contributed in the existing disproportionate health situations. Recent attention in media and public discourse has focused on the process of reconciliation. As such, it is essential to address these issues and provide equitable access to resources and healthcare services to all, irrespective of ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. However, the resisting and ad-hocking mindset within the biomedical healthcare system creates barriers and weakens this collaboration journey. The growing popularity of biophilia and the efficiency of nature-based interventions reflect the need to validate and incorporate them into the healthcare system. In addition to creating alliances with Indigenous peoples and adopting the Two-Eyed Seeing approach, nature-based and traditional holistic health and healing practices need to achieve complementarity in the healthcare system.