1. Cancer in Metis People in Canada – The Past, The Present, The Future
Marc LeClair
representing
Metis National Council

2. 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
Metis people are one of three Indigenous Peoples recognized in the Canadian Constitutions Act of 1982
Metis people live all across Canada, but largely are situated in western Canada
Metis are a distinct Aboriginal culture
The 2001 and 2006 Census reflect that Metis are a younger and growing population than other Canadians

3. 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
While much is know about other Aboriginal peoples in Canada, little is known about the overall health of Metis people
The knowledge we have about Metis population health in the past is largely anecdotal
From our ancestors we know little, if any, cancer was seen. It was not ‘known’ by them

4. 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
Now I think we can each identify one, or several, Metis individuals who we know have been diagnosed and treated for cancer
Cancer affects not only the individual but also the family and community
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 – Children are the hope for the future of our Nation. And, strong and healthy children are the key to ensuring a strong healthy Metis Nation
Metis specific rates remain largely unknown

5. 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
Based on numerous medical and social research studies, most researcher, physicians and policy makers agree that Aboriginal populations are faced with lower levels of education, economic insecurity, income inequality, below par living conditions, and exposure to environmental factors - all of which influence the development of cancer.
Statistics from the recent 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey and the Aboriginal Children’s Survey show us that these income, security, and education factors predominate in the Metis population – especially in the Metis homeland in western Canada
We know that most Metis children live in urban areas – 22% are less than six years old and have young year-old parents compared with other Canadian children where only 8% have parents this young
Clearly, young parents have less education and lower family incomes – as a result both the parents and their children are less able to afford to live healthy lives in healthy environments
Proof of this lies in the 2006 Aboriginal Children’s Survey which tells us that 32% of Metis children live in low income families vs. only 8% of other Canadian children

6. 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
Access to the Cancer Control System may be limited for some Metis people for a variety of reasons.
In the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey most Metis people reported having a family doctor. However, there were mixed responses about the satisfaction of care being received.
About one in ten Metis people said that in the past year there was a time they needed health care but did not receive it and reported long wait times.
Individuals not accessing or dissatisfied with primary care may not receive appropriate screening or follow up for cancer.
Metis living in urban areas may have public transportation but it is costly for those with low income and results in inaccessibility of medical treatment.
Many Metis people also live in rural communities with limited access to public transportation. As a result, regular visits to the doctors may be difficult to accomplish.
Many Metis people may incur out-of-pocket expenses.
Metis people with low income jobs usually don’t have health benefits and there is no ‘Non-Insured Health Benefit Program’ for Metis people. This has an impact on Metis individuals and their families to assume the cost burden for cancer related medication.

7. 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
To build knowledge, work is being done to determine rates of cancer in Metis people.
For example, in Manitoba, a study is being undertaken entitled “Cancer in Metis in Manitoba”. This data linkage study is initiated by the Manitoba Metis Federation, and in collaboration with CancerCare Manitoba this study will provide reliable information about the prevalence of and treatment for cancer in the Metis population in Manitoba. Results will be published in November These results will be used to support future assessment and planning around cancer programs and services relating to the Metis population in Manitoba.

8. 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
There are several areas requiring attention:
Determining the burden of illness in our communities will enable health programs and services as well as policy to be adapted to meet the specific needs of Metis individuals and families affected by cancer.
Identification of the most prevalent types of cancer will enable prevention and treatment efforts to be targeted to Metis people who are most at risk.
Ultimately, cancer prevention remains the key to ensuring the health of future generations of Metis in Canada.
We need federal and provincial commitment to assist us in developing cancer control programs that respect the Metis way of life. Metis people think of ‘healthy living’ in a holistic way. Preventing and managing a disease means caring for the whole person and being sensitive to the environment that they live in; not just the disease itself. Respecting the Metis way of life also means recognition of and building upon the strengths that exist in the Metis people, their families, and their community.
The Metis National Council appreciate this opportunity to share knowledge about the Metis Nation and welcomes new partnerships to improve the health and wellness of all Metis people in Canada. Thank you.