Métis Men: Prevalent Diseases and Causes of Death... Métis Men: Prevalent Diseases and Causes of Death By Howard Adler and Mohan B. Kumar Key Points • Circulatory system diseases,

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Métis Men: Prevalent Diseases and Causes of Death By Howard Adler and Mohan B. Kumar

Key Points• Circulatory system diseases, cancers, external causes and respiratory system diseases were leading sources of death among Métis adult (1991-2001). o Arthritis/rheumatism, high blood pressure, asthma and ulcers were the leading illnesses reported in 2006 by Métis adult men.• Ischemic heart disease-related deaths were major contributors to deaths among circulatory system diseases in Métis adult men, with mortality rates higher than in non-Aboriginal men. o High blood pressure was reported by nearly 1 in 5 Métis adult men, higher than among all Canadian men. • Trachea, bronchus and lung cancers and prostate cancer were the leading sources of cancer-related deaths among Métis men. o Prostate cancer is leading cancer reported by Métis adults. o Timely screening for prostate cancer was not achieved for most Métis men over the age of 40 years. • Trachea, bronchus and lung cancers and pneumonia were leading sources of respiratory system related deaths among Métis men. o Asthma was the leading respiratory disease reported by Métis adults. • Métis men died from diabetes mellitus at twice the rate in non-Aboriginal men. o Diabetes was reported by almost one in ten Métis adults, higher than in all Canadian men o Asthma was the leading respiratory disease reported by Métis adults. Recommendations to Prevent Chronic Disesase• Avoid smoking• Limit alcohol intake• Eat a healthy and balanced diet• Exercise regularly• Maintain a healthy weight• Get screened in a timely manner

Introduction

Aboriginal Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) in Canada experience many disparities in health compared to non-Aboriginal Canadians (National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health, 2009). Aboriginal men and women carry a disproportionate burden of ill-health in com-parison to their non-Aboriginal counterparts (Tj-epkema et al., 2009). This fact sheet specifically focuses on Métis men and provides an overview of the causes of death and disease using data from the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS), as well as other studies. Where available, statistics are provided for non-Aboriginal or all Canadian males as a comparison.

A majority of Métis men (59 per cent) self-rated their own health as “excellent or very good” (Statistics Canada, 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Sur-vey, 2009a). Despite this, Métis men experience higher rates of death from all causes combined in comparison to non-Aboriginal men (Tjepkema et al., 2009, p.5). They also have higher rates of death resulting from cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, as well as external causes (Tjepkema et al., 2009, p.5). Perhaps conse-quently, Métis men have a shorter life expectancy compared to non-Aboriginal Canadian men: life expectancy at age 25 was 3.3 years shorter for Métis men. Moreover, life expectancy of Métis men at age 25 in 1996 was about what it had been for all Canadian men in1986, representing a 10 year lag (Tjepkema et al., 2009, p.10).

Métis men also have a lower socio-economic status when compared to non-Aboriginal Ca-nadian men. For example, the median income for Métis in 2006 was approximately $6,000 less than the median income of $32,639 for non-Ab-original Canadians. The unemployment rate was higher for Métis adults (at 10.5 per cent) com-

pared to non-Aboriginal men (at 6.2 per cent). Furthermore, Métis men also report lower levels of post-secondary education than non-Aboriginal men (Statistics Canada, 2006 Census, 2009).

Who are Métis?

The Métis are one of the three constitutionally recognized Aboriginal groups in Canada. In French, the word “Métis” translates as “mixed,” yet the Métis people do not simply have a “mix” of European and First Nations heritage; they have a distinct language, culture, values and beliefs that vary between communities and geographic regions (National Aboriginal Health Organiza-tion, 2002). According to Canada’s 2006 Census, there are nearly 400,000 Métis in Canada, repre-senting 33 per cent of the total Aboriginal popu-lation, and accounting for 1 percent of the total population of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2008).

Leading Diseases and Causes of Death

According to the 2006 APS, the leading diseases reported by Métis men 15 years and over, were arthritis/rheumatism, high blood pressure, asth-ma, ulcers, diabetes, bronchitis and heart prob-lems. Nearly 1 in 5 Métis men reported having been diagnosed with arthritis/rheumatism (18%) or high blood pressure (17%) (Figure 1). The three most common causes of death between 1991 and 2001 among Métis men 25 years and older (Figure 2), were circulatory system diseases (32% of the total age-standardized mortality rate), cancers (23%), and external causes such as suicides and motor vehicle accidents (18%). Deaths from circulatory system diseases and external causes together accounted for two-thirds (67%) of the total difference in rates in non-Aboriginal and Métis men (Tjepkema et al., 2009, p.7).

OUR HEALTH: STRENGTHENED BY SHARING

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Figure 2. Leading causes of death among adult Métis and non-Aboriginal men (25 years & older) in 1991-2001.

* Rate statistically different from the non-Aboriginal rate at p<0.05 Source: (Tjepkema et al., 2009)

Figure 1. Chronic conditions reported by adult Métis men (15 years & older) in the 2006 APS.

Source: (Janz et al., 2009)

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Ischaemic heart disease Cerebrovascular diseases Heart failure Other circulatory

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Métis Men and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular diseases are a range of dis-orders affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary heart disease (including heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (in-cluding stroke) and elevated blood pressure (hypertension) (World Health Organiza-tion, 2012). Certain populations, including Aboriginal Peoples, have an increased risk for developing CVD (Health Canada, 2010).

According to the 2006 APS (Figure. 3), sev-en per cent of Métis men reported being told by a doctor, nurse or health care professional that they have a heart problem (Statistics Canada, 2009b), two per cent reported be-ing told that they have the effects of a stroke (Statistics Canada, 2009c), and 17% reported being told that they have high blood pressure (Statistics Canada, 2009d). In comparison, all Canadian males aged 12 years or older were less likely (14%) to report that they were di-agnosed with high blood pressure (Statistics Canada, 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey, 2006).

Between the years 1991 and 2001, circula-tory system diseases (which include hy-pertensive disease, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and atherosclerosis) were the leading source of death in Métis men contributing to one-third of the total age-standardized mortality rate (Tjepkema et al., 2009, p.7).

Mortality rates for all circulatory system dis-eases are 29% higher in Métis men compared to non-Aboriginal men (Figure 4). Ischemic heart diseases-related mortality rates are 35% higher in Métis men compared to non-Aboriginal men. However, mortality rates of

cerebrovascular diseases, heart failures and other circulatory diseases are similar in the two populations (Tjepkema et al., 2009, p.8).

Preventative Measures

The Public Health Agency of Canada states that “the majority of cases of cardiovascu-lar disease relate to modifiable risk factors” (2009). Eighty per cent of premature cardio-vascular diseases are preventable, and while there are multiple things that can increase the risk of CVD, only some risk factors such as age and family history are beyond ones control (Health Canada, 2010). Indeed, there is a consensus amongst various experts that many of the risk factors of CVD can be controlled – some through a healthy lifestyle – such as not smoking, limiting alcohol use, exercising regularly, eating healthy, not being overweight, lowering high cholesterol, lower-ing high blood pressure, controlling diabetes, and reducing stress (World Health Organi-zation, 2011; Health Canada 2010; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2009).

Of these modifiable risk factors, high blood pressure is an important contributer for both heart disease and stroke. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada recommends having blood pressure checked by a health care professional at least once every 2 years (Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2011).

Of Métis men 15 years and older, 79% said they had been checked for blood pressure in the previous two years. And, of those who had been diagnosed with high blood pres-sure, 93% had been tested for this condition in the previous 12 months (Kumar & Janz, 2012).


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Figure 3. Cardiovascular diseases reported by adult Métis men (15 years & older) in the 2006 APS.

Source: (Statistics Canada, 2009e, 2009f, 2009g)

Figure 4. Deaths from circulatory system diseases among adult Métis and non-Aboriginal men (25 years and older) in 1991-2001.

* Rate statistically different from the non-Aboriginal rate at p<0.05 Source: (Tjepkema et al., 2009)

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Métis men and Cancer

There are more than 200 types of cancer caused by genetic or environmental changes, or both (Cancer Care Ontario, 2009). Cancer pat-terns among Aboriginal populations exhibit important differences from those observed in the general population, including an increased incidence of cancer, as well as the presentation of cases at later stages making effective treat-ment more difficult (Cancer Care Ontario, 2006, p.33).

Various studies reveal that over the past few decades incidence of cancer has increased sig-nificantly in Aboriginal populations, and that cancer is one of the top three causes of mortality among Aboriginal peoples (Canadian Partner-ship Against Cancer, 2011, p.26).

According to the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Sur-vey, two per cent of Métis men reported being told by a health professional that they had can-cer (Statistics Canada, 2009h). Of those men, 16 per cent indicated they had prostate cancer, 8 per cent indicated they had colorectal, colon, or bowel cancer, and 6 per cent (Figure 5) indicated they had skin cancer or melanoma (Statistics Canada, 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2009i).

Cancers are the second leading cause of mortality among Métis men (23% of total age standardized mortality rate) (Tjepkema et al., 2009). Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers were the leading causes of cancer-related mor-tality among Métis adults between 1990 and 2001 (Figure 6), followed by all other cancers combined, and prostate cancer. (Tjepkema et al., 2009). However the rate of these types of cancers were not significantly different compared to the rates of non-Aboriginal men.


According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately one-third of all cancers are pre-ventable through healthy living. Preventative measures include eating healthy, being active, knowing one’s family history, and reducing to-bacco and alcohol use (Canadian Cancer Soci-ety, 2004, p. 2-4).

Screening measures are also recommended for certain cancers, such as prostate serum antigen (PSA) test for prostate cancer. According to Prostrate Cancer Canada’s screening guidelines, all men beginning at the age of 40 should get tested to establish a “baseline PSA value.” If this value is normal, men should get tested every 5 years until age 50 so that doctors can observe for changes in PSA levels. However, annual screening is recommended for men with a high risk of getting prostate cancer (such as men with a family history of prostate cancer, or men of African or Caribbean descent). Annual or semi-annual PSA monitoring is recommend-ed for all men beginning at the age of 50 (Pros-tate Cancer Canada, 2010).

Of all Métis men 40 years and older, 69% be-tween the ages of 40-44, 52% between the ages of 45-54, 35% between the ages of 55-64, and 24% aged 65 and older had not been tested for prostate cancer (Figure 7).

Only 27% of Métis men aged 40-49 years had received a PSA test in the 5 years prior to the 2006 APS. Of this same age group, a majority (65%) either said they had never had a PSA test, or that they had one more than 5 years ago. For Métis men 50 years or older, 32% had a PSA test in the last 12 months, while 60% either never received a PSA test, or received one more than 5 years ago (Kumar & Janz, 2012).


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Figure 5. Cancers reported by adult Métis men (15 years & older) in the 2006 APS

Source: (Statistics Canada, 2009j)

Source: (Tjepkema et al., 2009)

Figure 6. Deaths from cancers among adult Métis population men (25 years & older) in 1991-2001.

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Prostate Colorectal/Colon/Bowel Skin Cancer/Melanoma Other-not coded or not specified

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Métis men and Arthritis/rheumatism

Arthritis and related conditions are disorders that affect joints, ligaments, tendons, bones and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. They result in pain, swelling or stiffness in or around the joints. Untreated arthritis can affect the structure and functioning of the joints and result in increased pain, disability and difficulty doing everyday activities (Health Canada, 2003, pp. vi-2). Arthritis affects the lives of approximately 5 million Canadians, and is the most common cause of disability in Canada (Arthritis Alliance of Canada, 2011, p.11).

Among Métis adult men 15 years and older, arthritis/rheumatism is the leading reported chronic disease. One in five (18%) of them reported having been told by a health profes-sional that they have this condition (Janz et al., 2009). This is significantly higher than that seen among total Canadian males 12 years and older: 13% (Statistics Canada, 2005 Canadian Com-munity Health Survey, 2006).

Preventative measures

The risk of developing some types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis may be reduced by (a) maintaining a healthy body weight, (b) preserv-ing healthy joints and muscles through exercise, and (c) protecting joints from injuries or over-use (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010).

Métis men and Respiratory diseases

Respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, influenza and pneumonia affect over 3 million Canadians (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2007, p.vii). Almost 6.5% of total health care cost dollars, or $5.7 billion, are spent on respiratory diseases,

not including lung cancer. Poor indoor and outdoor air qualities as well as smoking are lead-ing contributors to respiratory diseases (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2007, p.vii).

Several respiratory diseases were among the leading diseases reported by adult Métis men 15 years and older in the 2006 APS. Asthma was the leading respiratory disease reported; approx-imately one in 10 (11%) were diagnosed with this condition. In comparison, seven per cent of all Canadian males aged 12 years and over reported having been diagnosed with asthma (Statistics Canada, 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey, 2006). Bronchitis was reported by 5% of Métis men (Figure 8).

Between 1991 and 2001, Métis men died from all respiratory diseases combined at higher rates than non-Aboriginal men. The leading causes of deaths related to respiratory diseases were lung and related cancers (Figure 9). However, the rates of deaths from these cancers were similar among Métis and non-Aboriginal men. The sec-ond leading cause of respiratory system-related deaths was pneumonia. The rates of pneumonia related death were higher among Métis men compared to non-Aboriginal men. On the other hand, deaths from bronchitis, emphysema and asthma combined were similar in the two popu-lations (Tjepkema et al., 2009).


Smoking is an important risk factor for chronic respiratory diseases. Not smoking or quitting smoking can prevent many respiratory condi-tions from occurring. Improving indoor air quality can also prevent development of respi-ratory diseases. Furthermore, regular physi-cal activity can be important in making lungs stronger and improving the immune system to fight disease causing germs (Canadian Lung As-sociation, 2011).


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Figure 7. Per cent of Métis adults (40+) who reported having had a prostate specific antigen test for prostate cancer, that is, a PSA blood test, by age group, for the Métis identity popula-tion, Canada, APS 2006.

Source: (Statistics Canada, 2009k)

Figure 8. Respiratory diseases reported by adult Métis men (15 years & older) in the 2006 APS

Source: (Statistics Canada, 2009l, 200m, 2009n).

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*Métis from Happy Valley Goose Bay NL were not included


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Figure 9. Deaths from respiratory system diseases among adult Métis and non-Aboriginal men (25 years and older) in 1991-2001.

Métis men and external causes of death

External causes of death which include motor vehicle accidents, suicide, drowning, and homicide are significant contributors to mortality among Métis men. Together they were the third leading cause of Métis mor-tality between 1991-2001, after circulatory system diseases and cancer. Rates are almost three-fold higher among Métis men com-pared to non-Aboriginal men. The rates of death from motor vehicle accidents are more than three-fold higher, while that of suicide is almost two times higher among Métis adult men than in non-Aboriginal men (Tjepkema, et al., 2009, p.8).

Métis Men and Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic and lifelong condi-tion; with Type 1 diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin, whereas with Type 2 diabetes the body does not produce enough

insulin or it does not properly use the insulin that it makes (Canadian Diabetes Associa-tion, 2012).

Aboriginal peoples are at three to five times a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in comparison to non-Aboriginal people(Health Canada, 2005). In 2005, five per cent of all males in Canada aged 12 years and older had reported having diabetes (Statistics Canada, 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey, 2006). Comparatively, Métis men are more likely to report that they have been diag-nosed with diabetes (7%) (Statistics Canada, Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2009o). Four per cent of Métis men 15 years and older report-ed that they were told they had pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes (Statistics Canada, Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2009p). Between 1991 and 2001, Métis men died from diabetes mellitus at twice the rate compared non-Ab-original men (Tjepkema et al., 2009).

* Rate statistically different from the non-Aboriginal rate at p<0.05 Source: (Tjepkema et al., 2009).

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Figure 9. Deaths from respiratory system diseases among adult Métis and non-Aboriginal men (25 years and older) in 1991-2001.


Preventative measures to lessen the likelihood of developing diabetes include: eating a healthy and balanced diet, being physically active, ab-staining from smoking, and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure (Health Canada, 2005).Screening measures are a crucial step for di-agnosing and preventing Type 2 diabetes from developing. In general, men 40 years or older should be tested for diabetes every 3 years, and men in high risk groups, such as having a first degree relative with type 2 diabetes, or being overweight, should be tested at an earlier age and have more frequent screenings (Canadian Diabetes Association, 2012) . For Métis men 40 years or older, 54% had been tested for diabetes in the previous 3 years. Additionally, 40% had either never been tested for diabetes, or had been tested more than 3 years ago. (Kumar and Janz, 2012)

65% of Métis men reported that being pre-diabetic or borderline diabetic prompted them to adopt a healthier lifestyle, including diet and exercise (Statistics Canada, 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2009q). Similarly, 73% of Métis men reported that having diabetes encouraged them to adopt a healthier lifestyle, including diet and exercise (Statistics Canada, 2006 Aboriginal Peoples survey, 2009r).

Conclusion and Next Steps

This fact sheet utilized data from the 2006 APS and other studies to provide an overview of mortality and disease among Métis men. The data shows that Métis men suffer and die from many diseases at disproportionately high rates compared to non-Aboriginal men. It also shows that screening for certain diseases among many Métis men often does not match the recom-mended guidelines from various health agen-cies and organizations. Therefore one strategy

that could be taken to address these disparities is increased testing for chronic diseases. More-over, identification of promising and successful interventions to prevent chronic diseases, and development of Métis-specific programs around these interventions are essential.

External causes of death including suicide and motor vehicle accidents contribute significantly to the Métis mortality. Identifying the root causes of suicide may require further research in mental illness, intergenerational trauma, effects of colonization and social and other determi-nants of mental health.

Additionally, according to one report, it re-vealed that socio-economic indicators such as income, education and occupation, explained roughly two-thirds of the disparities in mortality for Métis men in comparison to non-Aboriginal men (Tjepkema et al., 2009, p.10). Clearly, much of the disproportionate ill health and mortality experienced by Métis men is preventable, and a better understanding of the social determinants of health could go a long way in closing this gap.

References

Arthritis Alliance of Canada (2011). The Impact of Arthri-tis in Canada: Today and Over the Next 30 Years. Retrieved March 12, 2012, from http://www.arthritisnetwork.ca/down-loads/20111022_Impact_of_arthritis.pdf

Bruce, S. G., Kliewer, E. V., Young, T. K., Mayer, T., & Wajda, A. (2003). Diabetes among the Métis of Canada: Defining the population, estimating the disease. Canadian Journal of Diabe-tes, 27, 442-448.

Canadian Cancer Society (2004). Eat well, be active: What you can do. Retrieved February 16, 2012, from http://www.cancer.ca/canada-wide/publications/alphabetical%20list%20of%20publica-tions/~/media/CCS/Canada%20wide/Files%20List/English%20files%20heading/Library%20PDFs%20-%20English/Eat_well_be_active_en_nov2011.ashx

Cancer Care Ontario (2006). Report on cancer 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2012, from http://www.cancercare.on.ca/common/


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In 2009, the Métis Centre of the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) met with Métis in different parts of Canada to share and collect stories, teachings and information about maternal-child well-being. Our objective with this project was to collect and share experiences, traditions and health information for the benefit of Métis families. After meeting with Métis midwives, health professionals, Elders and parents across the country, we have created a DVD entitled Healthy Beginnings, Supportive Communities: A Strong Future. Themes discussed in the DVD include, among others, cultural continuity, birthing options, historical birthing practices, breastfeeding, self-care for pregnant women, and the role of community in raising children.

Subtitle (optional)As we travelled from Ontario to British Colum-bia, we found that Métis culture and traditions are indeed diverse, but everywhere we visited we did find two things in common: a strong sense of pride in the Métis past and great hope for the Métis future! We hope that you find the health information and stories in our DVD both informative and entertaining.

Everywhere we visited we did find two things in common: a strong sense of pride in the Métis past and great hope for the Métis future! We hope that you find the health information and stories in our DVD both informative and entertaining.

A final report is also available on our website at www.naho.ca/metiscentre. Themes discussed in the DVD include, among others, cultural continuity, birthing options, historical birthing practices, breastfeeding, self-care for pregnant women, and the role of community in raising children. As we travelled from Ontario to Brit-ish Columbia, we found that Métis culture and traditions are indeed diverse, but everywhere we visited we did find two things in common: a strong sense of pride in the Métis past and great hope for the Métis future!

We hope that you find the health information and stories in our DVD both informative and entertaining.


Title block line 1Title block line 2 (optional)

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About the Aboriginal Peoples Survey and Métis Supplement Questionnaire

The 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) provides an extensive set of data about Métis, Inuit and off-reserve First Nations adults 15 years of age and over and children aged 6 to 14, living in urban, rural and northern locations across Canada. The Aboriginal Peoples Survey was conducted between October 2006 and March 2007. The overall response rate for the Ab-original Peoples Survey was 80.1 per cent. This paper focused on the population that is 15 and older. The Métis population includes those who reported identi-fying as Métis (either as a single response or in com-bination with North American Indian and/or Inuit). Data in this study are for the off-reserve Métis popula-tion only, except for those living in the three territories where the on-reserve population is included. Also not included are those living in institutions.

Métis Supplement

The Métis Supplement was designed specifically for the Métis population and it was given to people 15 years of age and older who identified themselves as Métis and/or who have Métis ancestry. The supplemen-tal questionnaire was developed by Métis organizations in cooperation with Statistics Canada. This supplemen-tal survey asks a wide variety of questions regarding family background, child welfare, social interaction, and health. For more information, please see the Ab-original Peoples Survey 2006 and Métis Supplement, http://www.statcan.gc.ca/imdb-bmdi/instrument/3250_Q7_V1-eng.pdf and Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2006: Concepts and Methods Guide, http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-637-x/89-637-x2008003-eng.htm#a5.

Methods

The statistics used are from the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) and the Métis Supplement Ques-tionnaire. Significant statistical differences in propor-tions are identified based on 95 per cent confidence intervals, i.e. the 95 per cent confidence intervals for two estimates were compared and estimates with non-overlapping confidence intervals were deemed to be statistically different.

pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=13824.

Cancer Care Ontario (2009). Types of cancer. Retrieved Febru-ary 10, 2012, from http://www.cancercare.on.ca/pcs/cancer-types/

Canadian Diabetes Association (2012). Diabetes Facts. Re-trieved on February 12, 2012, from http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/what/facts/

Canadian Lung Association (2011). Respiratory System: Protect your Lungs and Prevent Lung Disease. Retrieved March 12, 2012, from http://www.lung.ca/lung101-renseignez/respiratory-respiratoire/protect-protegez/index_e.php

Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (2011). First Nations, Inuit and Métis Action Plan on Cancer Control. Retrieved February 22, 2012, from http://www.partnershipagainstcancer.ca/wp-content/uploads/First-Nations-Inuit-and-M%C3%A9tis-Action-Plan-on-Cancer-Control-June-2011.pdf

Gionet, L. (2009). Métis in Canada: selected findings of the 2006 census. Statistics Canada, 11-008-X.

Health Canada (2003). Arthritis in Canada: An Ongoing Chal-lenge. Ottawa: Health Canada. Retrieved March 2012, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ac/pdf/ac_e.pdf

Health Canada (2005). It’s your health – Type 2 diabetes. Ot-tawa: Health Canada. Retrieved February 10, 2012, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/alt_formats/pacrb-dgapcr/pdf/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/diabete-eng.pdf.

Health Canada (2010). It’s your health – heart disease, heart health. Ottawa: Health Canada. Retrieved on February 16, 2012, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/alt_formats/pdf/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/heart-coeur-eng.pdf. Heart and Stroke Foundation (2011). Get your Blood Pressure Under Control. Retrieved March 12, 2012, from http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3751067/

Hull, J. (2006). Aboriginal People and social classes in Manitoba. Retrieved February 3, 2012, from http://www.policyalternatives.ca/mb/.

Janz, T., Seto, J., & Turner, A. (2009). Aboriginal Peoples’ Survey 2006: An overview of the health of the Métis population. Statis-tics Canada, 89-637-X.

Kumar, M.B., & Janz, T. (2012). Preventive screening for chronic diseases among Métis men. Statistics Canada (in preparation).

National Aboriginal Health Organization (2002). Environmental scan of Métis health information, initiatives, and programs.

In 2009, the Métis Centre of the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) met with Métis in different parts of Canada to share and collect stories, teachings and information about maternal-child well-being. Our objective with this project was to collect and share experiences, traditions and health information for the benefit of Métis families. After meeting with Métis midwives, health professionals, Elders and parents across the country, we have created a DVD entitled Healthy Beginnings, Supportive Communities: A Strong Future. Themes discussed in the DVD include, among others, cultural continuity, birthing options, historical birthing practices, breastfeeding, self-care for pregnant women, and the role of community in raising children.

Subtitle (optional)As we travelled from Ontario to British Colum-bia, we found that Métis culture and traditions are indeed diverse, but everywhere we visited we did find two things in common: a strong sense of pride in the Métis past and great hope for the Métis future! We hope that you find the health information and stories in our DVD both informative and entertaining.

Everywhere we visited we did find two things in common: a strong sense of pride in the Métis past and great hope for the Métis future! We hope that you find the health information and stories in our DVD both informative and entertaining.

A final report is also available on our website at www.naho.ca/metiscentre. Themes discussed in the DVD include, among others, cultural continuity, birthing options, historical birthing practices, breastfeeding, self-care for pregnant women, and the role of community in raising children. As we travelled from Ontario to Brit-ish Columbia, we found that Métis culture and traditions are indeed diverse, but everywhere we visited we did find two things in common: a strong sense of pride in the Métis past and great hope for the Métis future!

We hope that you find the health information and stories in our DVD both informative and entertaining.


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