Indigenous Peoples

Advancing Digital Health with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities

Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) is committed to consulting with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments, health organizations, and digital health leaders to support the advancement of digital health solutions that enhance health care access, strengthen data sovereignty, and uphold self-determined health priorities.Interoperability is key to supporting a connected system that measures progress in addressing health inequities through improved data collection and reporting. It is also integral that it demonstrates respect for OCAP principles and a distinctions based approach, preserves, protects, and strengthens Indigenous knowledge systems related to health and wellness, and advances self-determined health priorities by ensuring digital health tools reflect community needs and values.

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit participation in Digital Health

Each has distinct approaches to health care and digital health priorities:

First Nations

First Nations are developing community-driven digital health solutions, including electronic medical records (EMRs), telehealth programs, and virtual care services.Infoway has supported the spread and scale of the Mustimuhw cEMR across Canada to 328+ communities across eight provinces and territories. Mustimuhw is a community electronic medical record solution built by First Nations for First Nations.

Métis

Métis-led digital health initiatives emphasize culturally relevant care, including improved data collection and governance to enhance health outcomes. Collaboration with Métis governments and organizations is strengthening access to digital tools, primary care services, and chronic disease management programs.

Inuit

Inuit communities face unique challenges due to geographic remoteness, making telehealth, virtual care, and mobile screening clinics essential. Infoway has helped deploy tele-radiology projects in Yukon and the Northwest Territories, reducing diagnosis times for tuberculosis and other conditions.

Consulting to Build a Connected Indigenous Digital Health Ecosystem

Infoway recognizes the importance of Indigenous data sovereignty and governance and is working alongside First Nations, Métis, and Inuit organizations to co-design and co-develop digital health initiatives, including:

Community EMRs & Digital Health Solutions – Supporting First Nations-led deployment of PrescribeIT®, Mustimuhw EMR, and integrated digital health services.
Virtual Care & Telehealth – Expanding telehealth programs to improve health care access for remote and northern Indigenous communities.
Health Information Exchange & Data Governance – Partnering with the First Nations Information Governance Centre to implement a First Nations Data Governance Strategy that ensures First Nations control over health data.
Vendor Innovation & Indigenous-Led Digital Solutions – Supporting Indigenous vendors through Infoway’s Vendor Innovation Program, fostering Indigenous-led health technology development.
Strategic Partnerships & Policy Development – Working with Indigenous leaders, governments, and health organizations to align digital health policies with UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, and OCAP® Principles (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession).

The Future of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Digital Health

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities are shaping a future where digital health solutions are equitable, accessible, and rooted in self-determination. Each group has distinct priorities and approaches:

First Nations are expanding community-led digital health services that integrate traditional and Western care models, while advancing data sovereignty through governance frameworks like OCAP®.

Infoway remains committed to walking alongside First Nations, Métis, and Inuit partners to support digital health strategies that strengthen self-determined, culturally relevant, and community-driven health care solutions.