.......................................................................................................................................... ii Preface ............................................................................................................................................ iv Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ v List of Tables ............................................................................................................................... viii List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. x List of Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................... xi Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... xiii Dedication .................................................................................................................................... xiv Chapter 1: Introduction and Literature Review ........................................................................... 1 1.1 Aboriginal Healthcare – The Past ...................................................................................... 1 1.2 Healthcare in Canada – Historical Perspective .................................................................. 2 1.3 Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB) ................................................................. 3 1.4 NIHB Expenditures – National Figures ............................................................................. 4 1.5 NIHB Expenditures – Regional Figures ............................................................................ 5 1.6 Dental Expenditures in the NIHB Program ....................................................................... 6 1.7 Orthodontic Policy in the NIHB Program ......................................................................... 7 1.8 Payment Structure for Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment through NIHB ................ 8 1.9 Evolution of First Nations Healthcare ............................................................................... 9 1.10 Malocclusion Research in Canada ................................................................................. 10