Recentering Indigenous Knowledge: A Narrative Review of Recent Developments in Indigenous Health Promotion

Indigenous health promotion is increasingly recognized as a distinct paradigm that challenges colonial structures and reclaims approaches grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems. However, there remains a limited understanding of how Indigenous scholars and communities are actively redefining health promotion. This narrative review examines 60 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2015 and 2025 to explore how Indigenous health promotion dismantles colonial structures, applies cultural grounding and adaptation strategies, and engages with Western theories, frameworks and methodologies. Articles were identified through a systematic search of four major health research databases, and focused on food and nutrition, and physical activity programs or research involving Indigenous populations in Canada, Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the United States. Findings reveal that Indigenous health promotion programs and research initiatives are increasingly community-led, and grounded in local knowledge and practices. Many initiatives emphasize reconnection to land and culture and are situated within broader visions of planetary health and environmental justice. Intergenerational knowledge transmission and community governance are central to culturally grounded and effective health promotion efforts. While some Western frameworks are still used, they are often critically adapted or selectively integrated to align with Indigenous values and priorities. This review affirms the essential role of Indigenous knowledge systems in shaping health promotion that is effective and sustainable. It offers direction for reimagining health promotion policy and practice by placing Indigenous leadership and priorities at the center of efforts to achieve health equity and social justice for Indigenous communities.