Ontario’s health-care system is putting Métis lives at risk—it’s time governments invest in research to influence meaningful change

What does it mean to be Indigenous today? As a young Métis person, I’ve learned it is vastly different than the experiences of my Métis ancestors who—despite living notably long lives—faced discrimination, displacement, and dispossession from the lands they called home. Canada is now waking up to these experiences, and their unique legacy within Métis communities. Today, I carry the responsibility to learn and connect to the teachings of my ancestors, and how their ways of knowing support my research in public health as I work to undo the harms of the past. That does not mean that marginalization towards Métis people no longer exists. It means there is greater opportunity to act and build on years of social progress by examining the ways in which colonization remains entrenched in some of this country’s major institutions. Recent research published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology Open, for example, shows how incidents of heart failure have increased steadily amongst Métis populations from 2012 to 2020. This is especially true for Métis men, among whom rates of heart failure increased by 47 per cent. Cases of chronically high blood pressure—a risk factor for heart failure—also increased by nine per cent generally. For Métis seniors over the age of 65 years, the increase was 107 per cent. The data also tells us that, as of 2020, three in 10 Métis Nation of Ontario citizens are diagnosed with hypertension. Sabastian Koprich is currently pursuing a master’s in public health with a specialization in Indigenous health at the University of Toronto. Photograph courtesy of Sabastian Koprich If Canada is serious about its path towards reconciliation, Métis people and our unique perspectives must be acknowledged and recognized so that colonization is not perpetuated in our communities via life-threatening health outcomes. Heart disease, as a primary example, remains the second leading cause of death in Canada. Other studies tell us that depression and anxiety, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and poor vision often emerge in tandem with cardiovascular illness. And for Métis patients with heart disease who do not have reliable and equitable access to health care—a reality that is statistically more prevalent for Indigenous populations—it is not reasonable to expect they will be able to live a full, healthy life the way our ancestors did before us. The way to move forward begins with evaluating the current system and its shortcomings. To do that, federal and provincial governments must invest in distinction-based—including Métis-specific—research. Public policymakers and researchers need timely information that reflects the health-care needs of the Métis population, the current barriers we face, and the larger implications of rising incidents to help guide changes for care and treatment. The fact the second-most recent study on cardiovascular health of Métis citizens in Ontario was conducted more than a decade ago demonstrates how underprioritized and underfunded research is on Métis health. More studies will close knowledge gaps, and allow policymakers to understand what is required to improve health care and how it can be better aligned with Métis teachings, way of life, and holistic values around health and wellness. To make these investments worthwhile, and ensure there is a solid foundation of data for public policy, there must be genuine collaboration between academia, Indigenous communities, and governments throughout every research stage. When study findings are available, it will be critical that they are actioned by our elected officials—Canadian and Indigenous. The work required to make progress will not be easy, but I believe it is possible. It was not too long ago when Métis people and culture were stigmatized, and efforts were so forcefully aimed to displace the Métis communities and erode our way of life. At the same time, historic records state many of my ancestors—removed from Drummond Island in the 1800s—lived well into their 80s and 90s, and remained grounded in their way of life. I carry both of these realities, and see the potential for a future where our Métis communities can access the health services they deserve to live full, healthy lives as our ancestors before us. Sabastian Koprich lives in Toronto on the Williams Treaties and Treaty 13 territories. He is currently pursuing a master’s in public health with a specialization in Indigenous health at the University of Toronto, and plays an active role advising the Health and Wellness Department and Métis Languages Advisory team at the Métis Nation of Ontario. The Hill Times

Ontario’s health-care system is putting Métis lives at risk—it’s time governments invest in research to influence meaningful change

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Ontario’s health-care system is putting Métis lives at risk—it’s time governments invest in research to influence meaningful change

Public policymakers and researchers need timely information that reflects the health-care needs of the Métis population.

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