THE MESSAGE:
Aboriginal people of Canada face a unique set of mental health challenges. But what may not be so well known is that, in a 2002/03 survey, about 70% of First Nations adults living on reserves felt in balance physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Among Aboriginal people living both on and off reserve, those who did experience a mental health problem were much more likely than the rest of Canadians to seek professional help. In some groups, the number of Aboriginal people seeking help was as high as 17%—compared to the Canadian average of 8%.
THE BLURB:
The National Aboriginal health Organization
Issues with drugs and alcohol are often not isolated to themselves. Violence, abuse and harm to children in utero are among the effects of abuse. NAHO’s declares that efforts to decrease drug dependencies begin at the community level by maintaining prevention and support programs. Fortunately there are numerous programs leading the way in helping reclaim those lost to drugs and alcohol.
Inuit communities have been severely impacted by illicit drugs, namely cannabis, cocaine and solvents. A survey reveals that illicit drug use is more than four times higher than that observed in the rest of Canada. The survey also shows that the rates of drug use have clearly increased over the past decade. In Nunavik, Cannabis is the most commonly used drug; used by over 80% of males aged 15 to 24. Its use is also widespread among females and in the overall population under the age of 45.
OTHER ISSUES
Suicide
The loss of human life through suicide is a tragic reality in First Nations and Inuit communities. These two communities experience six to 11 times the Canadian average. In Nunavut, 27% of all deaths since 1999 have been suicides. This is one of the highest suicide rates in the world, and it continues to rise, especially among youth.
Depression
Depression is a common and life-changing mental illness among the Canadian population. This is especially true for First Nations people, who experience major depression at twice the national average. A 1997 survey found that 16% of First Nation adults living on reserve experienced major depression affecting their life, compared to 8% of the general Canadian population.
Alcohol
Alcohol use is of great concern to people in First Nations and Inuit communities.
Surveys show that:
- Around 75% of all residents feel alcohol use is a problem in their community
- 33% indicate that it’s a problem in their own family or household
- 25% say that they have a personal problem with alcohol
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Declares that addressing the needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis is a CCSA priority
They maintain that. as a result of the history of colonization, isolation, poverty and language barriers, the abuse of substances is more common in northern and remote communities. These communities are also more vulnerable to suicide, violence and poor performance in schools.
Health Canada in a 2008 survey reported in 2011 that First Nations communities listed alcohol and drug abuse as the number one challenge for on-reserve community wellness. This issue was followed by housing and employment.
They conclude that tackling these complex issues requires different governments and organizations to work together to implement cross-sector solutions that draw upon the strengths and input from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
Nelson David White has built a nearly complete community rehab facility. He wants the federal Liberals live up to their promise of working with indigenous people to help complete and staff the centre.
White reiterates that, although the Akwesasne First Nation is in a declared state of crisis over addiction, few rehabilitation centres exist in this part of Ontario located about an hour southeast of Ottawa. At any that do exist, none incorporate indigenous traditions. White is seeking funding from provincial and federal governments to help staff services that will fill that gap. He has hit a wall of bureaucracy, despite trying to reach politicians and officials.
Controversy
The following content is documented in an article in the National Post written by Elizabeth Payne of the Ottawa Citizen.
Toronto’s United Health Network reveals that a big gap exists between supply and demand of livers for transplant. As a result, it is crucial to determine which candidates are most likely to have successful transplants.
As a young Indigenous advocate fights for her life in an Ottawa hospital room, her friends and family are fighting a system that has ruled she does not qualify for a potentially life-saving liver transplant. She doesn’t qualify because Delilah Saunders has had alcohol in the past six months.
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| Delilah Saunders |
Saunders’ mother, Marian, said a physician told her Tylenol poisoning caused her daughter’s liver failure. The family wants to file an injunction against the so-called six-month rule for liver transplants.
Every week, 1.5 patients die on waiting lists for livers at Toronto’s University Health Networks, one of the biggest liver transplant centres in North America
THE QUESTION:
The Saunders’ case raises some ethical questions revolving around how a limited supply of donor organs should be doled out. What say you?
THE LEMON:
A Florida man has been sentenced to three consecutive life sentences — followed by 495 years in prison — after a jury found him guilty of repeatedly raping a 3-year-old boy and sharing images of the abuse.
A Florida man has been sentenced to three consecutive life sentences — followed by 495 years in prison — after a jury found him guilty of repeatedly raping a 3-year-old boy and sharing images of the abuse.
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| CHARLES McCONNELL |
THE QUOTE:
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." Pele
THE CLIP:
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