Male-centred legislation, policies and institutions that are the hallmarks of Canada's colonial history have had a long-lasting impact on the health of Indigenous women. Although Indigenous women have unique sets of constitutionally protected rights, the government has failed to protect those rights. Traditionally, Indigenous peoples have understood and practiced an integrated approach to health - however, by all health status indicators, Indigenous peoples in Canada suffer from disproportionately poor health compared to the non-Indigenous population.