Aboriginal People in Manitoba 2000Chapter 2 : Health |
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Metis Health Issues
As noted, data-based health research specific to Metis people in Manitoba or Canada is very close to non-existent. Two reasons are: (1) the absence of a Metis registry or list of any sort; and (2) the absence of any bureaucracy or organization charged to deliver, oversee, or fund health services specifically directed to Metis people. By contrast, very extensive data regarding health indicators for First Nations individuals and collectivities are collected, compiled, and made available to researchers.
The 1991 Aboriginal Peoples Survey collected self-reported health data from Metis-identity and other Aboriginal people and, while somewhat outdated, information from this source provides a basis for broad comparisons between the Aboriginal groups.28 A similar survey is planned for the 2001 Census.
Overall, the self-perceived health status (excellent, very good, good, fair or poor) was similar for Metis and First Nations respondents, just as it was similar for First Nations on or off-reserve, or for Winnipeg Aboriginal people versus those outside Winnipeg. Of Metis respondents 15 years of age or older, 33% reported one or more chronic health conditions, again similar to First Nations respondents at 32%. It should be noted, however, that the Metis population was slightly older than the First Nations, and therefore more likely by dint of age to report health problems.
There were, however, significant differences in the specific ailments reported. Only 5% of adult Metis respondents reported a diagnosis of diabetes, compared to 7% of off-reserve and 11% of on-reserve Status Indians (and as noted, incidence of diabetes among Status Indians has increased rapidly during the 1990’s). Diabetes incidence among Metis was the same within and outside Winnipeg, and more closely approximated non-Aboriginal than First Nations rates on reserve.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, was reported by 13-14% of all Aboriginal adults, Status or Metis and on or off-reserve, with the single exception of Metis living in Winnipeg who reported a 7% rate, pulling the provincial Metis rate down to 10%. Tuberculosis, a traditional scourge of First Nation populations, was also reported less often among the Metis: 1% as compared to 3% for both on and off reserve Status Indians.
On the other hand, Metis were more likely than First Nations respondents to report a number of other chronic illnesses. Seventeen per cent of Metis adults reported arthritis and/or rheumatism: 15% in Winnipeg and 19% outside. This compares to 12% of Indians on-reserve and 14% off.
Some respiratory illnesses were also reported to afflict Metis more often than Indians (and off-reserve Indians more than on). Self-reported bronchitis had an interesting pattern. Only 4% of on reserve Indians reported this condition, but 6% off reserve outside Winnipeg, climbing to 13% in Winnipeg. By contrast, 7% of Metis in Winnipeg and 11% outside Winnipeg reported the condition. As noted, most Metis outside Winnipeg live in non-urban communities, often adjacent to First Nations. This begs the question of why Metis people reported three times the bronchitis incidence rate of their Indian neighbours in rural areas, but half the incidence rate within Winnipeg.
Metis adults also reported higher rates of asthma: 8% among Metis city residents, compared to 5-6% for Metis outside the city and off-reserve Indians, and to just 3% on reserve. Heart disease, emphysema and epilepsy rates were similar for Metis and Status, regardless of place of residence.
Seventy-eight per cent of Metis respondents reported that they had seen a health professional within the past year: similar to the off-reserve Status Indian rate of 76% but much greater than the on-reserve rate of 61%. Seventy-six per cent of Metis had seen a doctor, compared to only 53% of Status on-reserve, who were more likely to have seen a nurse (38%), community health representative (CHR; 14%), or traditional healer (6%).
The Aboriginal Peoples Survey included a question asking whether the respondent’s “special medical needs” were or were not covered by the “medicare system.” As noted, Metis are ineligible for benefits under the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB), which covers Inuit and Status Indians, on or off reserve. Only 2% of residents Status Indians on reserve reported inadequate health insurance coverage, and 7% off reserve. By contrast, 14% of Winnipeg Metis and 28% of Metis outside Winnipeg reported inadequate coverage. That is, Metis people in Manitoba were on average 11 times more likely than Status Indians on reserve to incur (or refrain from incurring) medical expenses not covered by government benefits.
