Indigenous peoples struggle to access health services in relation to their needs and face health service disparities when compared to the majority population.1 These disparities are superimposed on the higher cost and logistics of communications, transportation and rapidly changing extreme weather related to delivering timely health care to people living in northern, often remote communities. Another of particular significance is a problem related to communication and transportation infrastructure that links regional and peripheral facilities with central or national referral centres. In addition, the harsh climatic conditions and the special needs of the indigenous populations pose significant challenges".