The Saskatchewan Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre is saddened but not surprised by a Statistics Canada report that shows First Nations adults are much more likely to die prematurely from preventable causes than non-aboriginals.
The 15-year study was compiled using census data between 1991 and 2006. The study catalogued what it called avoidable deaths from things like injuries, disease, and alcohol and drug abuse.
The overall death rate for First Nations men before the age of 75 was twice that of non-aboriginal men, while the rate for First Nations women was two and a half times higher.
The executive director of the Indigenous Health Research Centre, Dr. Jo-Ann Episkenew, said she believes racism is a factor that has to be considered.
“I think racism affects people’s ability to get employment, their experience in educational settings, and their ability to get decent housing,” she said.
The study found that poverty and lack of education were key factors in the higher mortality rate for First Nations people.