Download Cancer in Metis People in Canada – The Past, The

Cancer in Metis People in
Canada – The Past, The
Present, The Future
Marc LeClair
representing
Metis National Council
Who we are

Recognized in the Canadian Constitutions Act of 1982

Live across Canada but largely in the West

Metis are a distinct Aboriginal culture

Young and growing population
What we know from the past

Little is known about the overall health of Metis people

From our ancestors we know that in the past little, if any, cancer
was seen. It was not ‘known’ by them
What we know now

Now it seem as though many of us can identify one, or several,
Metis individuals who we know have been treated for cancer

Cancer is one of the two leading causes of death in Canada

Cancer affects both men and women and occurs in all age groups

Cancer also affects children – the hope for the future of our
nation

Metis specific rates remain largely unknown
What we know now

Metis people face lower levels of income, education, and access
to resources - all important determinants of health. Each is a
factor in cancer prevention and treatment
What we know now

Access to the cancer control system across Canada may be
limited for the Metis population:

Most Metis people have a family doctor but initial screening and follow
up may be limited by satisfaction with the primary care they receive

Those in urban areas may not be able to afford public transportation

Many live in rural communities with limited access to public
transportation and often incur out-of-pocket expenses

Those with low income jobs lack health benefits

There is no ‘Non-insured Health Benefit Program’ for the Metis
population
What we know now

To build knowledge, work is beginning in some MNC
Governing Member Organization to determine rates of
cancer in Metis

For example: In Manitoba, a “Cancer in Metis in Manitoba”
study will provide reliable information (available in Nov 2009)
Such information is essential to support future planning
around cancer programs and services relating to the Metis
population
What we need in the future

Determine the burden of illness in Metis people

Identify most prevalent types of cancer to target
prevention and treatment efforts

Federal and provincial commitment to assist us
in developing cancer control programs that
respect the Metis way of life