A review of literature over the period from 1990 to August 2023 has shown that the lived experiences of chronic pain among Indigenous people are layered and complex, suggesting that culturally safe approaches to pain management should be used to achieve health equity. Data were analysed thematically using critical theory approaches, privileging Indigenous perspectives through a Western intellectual framework. A total of 29 studies and 3 dissertations/theses were included in the review, and reported Indigenous experiences of chronic pain in Oceania, North America, and South America. The four main themes identified indicated pain is entwined with nature, Indigenous identity, historical trauma, and the collective.
