Medical study - Aboriginal Canadians at higher risk of sustaining severe trauma
The April 12, 2005, Vol.172, Issue 8 of the Canadian Medical Association Journal contains a research article entitled "Epidemiology of severe trauma among status Aboriginal Canadians: a population-based study". The Calgary based study found that the treaty status aboriginal Canadians in that region were nearly four times more likely to suffer a serious traumatic injury.
The study included the Calgary Health Region encompassing the city of Calgary and its surrounding areas which includes the three large First Nations (Stoney, Siksika and Sarcee [Tsuu Tina]). All adults (16 years of age or older) experiencing severe trauma (1779 patients) living in the health region between Apr. 1, 1999, and Mar. 31, 2002, were included in the study.
Aboriginal Canadians were found to be at significantly increased risk of njuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes, assault and traumatic suicide. They are twice as likely to die as a result of their injuries.
From the CBC coverage of this report ...
The numbers don't come as a shock to Jason Goodstriker, the Alberta regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations. He has heard countless stories of injury and death among his people.
"Obviously there's a huge sense of disappointment," he said of the study.
"We've heard these numbers before and Canada – whether it's the population or the government – has had a tough time in dealing with that."
Goodstriker said First Nations communities need between $3 billion and $4 billion to address health and social concerns like the one addressed in the study.