Diffusion of personal health information : self-determining and empowering practices for Manitoba Inuit

Abstract

This paper describes Inuit cultural considerations when defining and communicating electronic health concepts and personal health information services to urban Inuit audiences. Applying a two-eyed seeing model to build on and describe contextual meanings for Western and Inuit versions of health information and information communication technologies is critical to sustained relevance of electronic health information. Overarching concerns include reclaiming Inuit ownership and vision; sustainability; and; authority and capacity. It is within an electronic health space that Inuit can attain self-determination for the management of their own personal health data and develop a set of culturally safe and empowering practices for communicating ownership and cultural relevancy of health and health information in an evolving health care system.