Metis Hope Health Survey Paves Way For Funding

Metis Hope Health Survey Paves Way For Funding

Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 14:45

A survey released today on the health of Saskatchewan Metis people is the first of its kind in the province.

The Metis Nation – Saskatchewan partnered with the University of Saskatchewan and the First Nations University on the study.

MN-S President Robert Doucette says the findings weren’t surprising.

The study concluded Metis people have poorer health than the overall population, less access to health services and higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

There is also a higher rate of high blood pressure among Metis over 50 years of age.

Doucette says the health of Metis elders is definitely impacted — noting they often have to choose between food or medication because they don’t have enough money for both.

He adds the survey will make it easier to get funding for health programs because he says whenever any group goes to any level of government, they need data to back up their statements — and now they have that data.