How can the health community foster and promote the health of Aboriginal children and youth?

Aboriginal people have poor health status, but there is also evidence that they access the health care system less effectively and find it more intimidating than other Canadians. The present paper reviews the evidence for this, details some of the history that has led to the continued disenfranchisement of Aboriginal people and makes some modest suggestions for ways that the health system can work toward better health and health care for Aboriginal people. Efforts should focus on making the entire system more patient-centred, improving cultural competence, increasing Aboriginal presence in the health workforce, and improving access through cultural and language interpreter services and outreach.