Reports

Research

Understanding the Opioid Crisis in Red River Métis: Evidence to Support Interventions (2024)

This report brings together firsthand experiences of Red River Métis (RRM) Citizens with historical health data to highlight the impacts of the ongoing opioid crisis on RRM individuals, families, and Communities. Stories collected from Citizens can be used alongside the historical data to inform policy makers, governments, and any interested party of the unique challenges faced by the RRM. These challenges require solutions specific for RRM Citizens, and this report will be a guide to create effective and culturally appropriate programs to help address the impacts of opioids on the RRM Community.

Full Report

The Red River Métis Cancer Strategy (2024)

Informed by the lived experiences and needs expressed by our Citizens, the Red River Métis Cancer Strategy cultivates a distinctions-based and culturally safe path forward for Red River Métis enduring a cancer journey in Manitoba. With the goal of improving the cancer journey for our Citizens, the Strategy provides action items, tools, and resources for MMF partners, health authorities and policy makers to guide future policy change and program implementation.

Full Report

The Red River Métis Cancer Journey in Manitoba (2023)

The Red River Métis Cancer Journey research project was undertaken by the Manitoba Métis Federation - Health & Wellness Department to gain an understanding of the experiences of our Citizens going through a cancer journey in Manitoba, generating evidence to inform culturally relevant health policies, programs, and resources to benefit Red River Métis Citizens and their families dealing with cancer. Perspectives and experiences of Red River Métis Citizens and Key Informants working in the Manitoba cancer care system were investigated. Citizens participated in virtual discussion groups, and Key Informants were interviewed individually. The findings and recommendations presented in this report not only guide the future work of Manitoba Métis Federation-Health & Wellness Department to support Citizens dealing with cancer, but also establish the National Government of the Red River Métis as a trailblazer in developing evidence-based policy. This study serves to amplify Red River Métis voices and perspectives, contributing to a distinctions-based Red River Métis Cancer Strategy that includes culturally grounded policy recommendations and proposed cancer care programming.

Full Report

Riel and Resilient: the impact of climate change on Red River Métis health

The project "Riel and Resilient: the impact of climate change on Red River Métis health" was launched by the Manitoba Métis Federation's Health and Wellness Department to gather perspectives of Red River Métis Citizens on the impact of climate change on their health and well-being, to collect their perceptions of positive environment, and to identify potential association between shifts in environmental conditions and the course of infectious diseases. The self-administered survey composed of open-ended and Likert-scale questions was utilized to identify the key opinions regarding these topics. The analysis revealed seven central themes, including: the importance of the environment to the health and well-being of Red River Métis; the perception of the positive environment; the impact of climate change on health and well-being; how the environment affects the body's response to infectious diseases; experiences with infectious diseases; changes to the environment that can prevent infectious diseases; and Red River Métis traditional lifestyles and infection prevention. The project's findings will inform policies and programs tailored to the unique needs of the Red River Métis Community, with the potential for broader applications within the Indigenous Community Research and Policymaking.

Full Report

Unpacking Cannabis and Mental Health among Red River Métis in Manitoba (2023)

This project begins to address the limited information regarding cannabis use among Red River Métis in Canada. Given the differing lived experiences of Citizens compared to other Canadians, it is important to identify how these differences can affect outcomes relating to substance use and mental health.

Full Report

Engaging with Metis Citizens to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Understanding and Uptake

The Manitoba Métis Federation's Health and Wellness Department launched the project titled "Fully and Meaningfully" to combat vaccine hesitancy among the Red River Métis population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, the project conducted surveys and focus groups to identify the key factors contributing to hesitancy.

The analysis revealed seven central themes, including a lack of information, information overload, limited vaccine resources in remote areas, complex medical terminology, fear-based communication, perceived lack of choice in vaccination, and diminished trust in the healthcare system. The project's findings promise to inform policies and programs tailored to the unique needs of the Red River Métis population, with the potential for broader applications to support Red River Métis and underserved communities.

Full Report

It's a Long Way from Here - Health Consumer Experiences of Northern Métis (2013)

This research began because Métis in The Pas MMF Region felt it was important to better understand the experience of accessing health services for Métis citizens in their region. During this study we spoke with a number of Métis citizens who live in communities in The Pas MMF Region. We also spoke with several nurses and doctors who provide health care in communities in that region.

From listening to the stories and experiences of those we spoke with, we learned that many of the issues they face are similar to other northern residents. In particular challenges such as transportation, distance to specialized health services, access to healthy foods, and need for programming in communities are common to many residents of the north.

Experiences we heard about that were unique to Métis were that Métis receive more informal than formal support with respect to health care. Often, friends and family are the primary supports for health care and travel to access health care. Participants also spoke about the impact of Bill C-31 on Métis communities as well as the support that many Métis receive from their Locals.

This study presents the first Métis-specific information about access to health services for Métis who live in northern Manitoba. It is hoped that this report will assist in the improvement of the health and well-being of Métis in Manitoba.

Depression, Anxiety Disorders, and Related Health Care Utilization in the Manitoba Métis Population (2013)

Mental health issues are experiences by many Métis in our province. In the Profile of Métis Health Status and Healthcare Utilization in Manitoba report, rates of depression (22.0% vs. 20.4%) and anxiety disorders (9.4% vs. 8.0%) were reported in Métis compared to other Manitobans. Some areas of the province had much higher rates than others. This report is the result of concerns voiced by Métis for more detail on depression and anxiety disorders than was available in the first report. In the current study age- and sex-specific rates of depression, and anxiety disorders, as well as co-occuring diseases, health service and medication use will be presented.

This study will present important information about mental illnesses, illnesses that affect many Métis families today. It is hoped that this report will help us to continue this discussion in our communities and to assist in the improvement of the health and well-being of Manitoba Métis.

Ischemic Heart Disease and Related Health Care Utilization in Métis in Manitoba (2012)

In the Profile of Métis Health Status and Healthcare Utilization in Manitoba (the first comprehensive Métis-specific report of its type in Canada) cancer and diseases of the circulatory system (including heart disease) were the leading causes of death. In that study 26.9% of deaths in Métis were due to diseases of the circulatory system. Métis also had much higher rates of heart disease than did other Manitobans. Based on that information Métis citizens wanted to know more about heart disease in our population. In the current study, age- and sex-specific rates of heart disease, as well as rates of heart attack, stroke, and hypertension are presented. Additional information about hospital and physician use is provided.

This report will further build the Métis chronic surveillance program and assist in the improvement of the health and well-being of Manitoba Métis.

"There's No Place Like Home": The Experience of Métis Aging in Place (2012)

Aging in place refers to the ability of an individual to remain in their home and home community as they age. This research began because Métis citizens felt it was important to better understand the experience of their seniors aging in place, and to become informed of any unmet needs for Métis seniors currently aging in place.

In this study we gathered stories from 45 Métis seniors, as well as paid and unpaid caregivers, in the Northwest MMF Region. We heard that there were many benefits of staying in one's own home. We also heard that the influence of Métis culture, their families, and community, plays an important role for seniors aging in place. We also were told that there were some challenges including house and yard maintenance, transportation, and lack of services in rural areas. Despite the challenges, participants felt that there really is "no place like home".

This study presents the first Métis-specific information about aging in place. It is hoped that this report will help us to continue to support our seniors and to assist in the improvement of the health and well-being of Manitoba Métis.

Cancer and Related Health Care Utilization in the Manitoba Métis Population (2011)

In the Profile of Métis Health Status and Healthcare Utilization in Manitoba (the first comprehensive Métis-specific report of its type in Canada) cancer was the leading cause of death in Métis. In that study 30.6% of deaths in Métis were due to cancer. Métis citizens wanted to know more about cancer in our population. In the current study age- and sex- specific rates of five types of cancer, as well as overall non-invasive cancer, are presented. Additionally information about what point cancer was diagnosed and cancer treatment is also provided.

This is the first study in which the Manitoba Métis Federation Health & Wellness Department has collaborated with CancerCare Manitoba. This report will further build the Métis chronic disease surveillance program and assist in the improvement of the health and well-being of Manitoba Métis.

Diabetes and Related Health Care Utilization in the Manitoba Métis Population (2011)

This report is the result of concerns voiced by Métis for more detail on diabetes than was available in the first Métis population health report in Canada, the Profile of Métis Health Status and Healthcare Utilization in Manitoba where a higher rate of diabetes in Métis compared to all Other Manitobans (11.8% vs. 8.8%) was seen. In the current study age- and sex- specific rates of diabetes and some co-occurring diseases are presented.

This is the first independent study that the Manitoba Métis Federation Health & Wellness Department has done. It is hoped that this report will assist in the improvement of the health and well-being of Manitoba Métis.

Profile of Métis Health Status and Health Care Utilization in Manitoba: A Population-Based Study (2010)

This study presents health information for 73,000 Métis people in Manitoba. It is the first of its kind in Canada and provides a comprehensive and scientifically reliable baseline for planning and monitoring trends in health status of Métis over time.

Métis Experience with Chronic Disease in Manitoba: A Discussion Paper

Rates of chronic disease in the world are increasing. Until recently little was known about chronic disease in Métis in Manitoba. The recently released Profile of Métis Health Status and Healthcare Utilization in Manitoba: A Population-Based Study (Métis Atlas), showed higher prevalence rates of many chronic diseases in the Métis population compared to all other Manitobans. In order to supplement the empirical data from the Métis Atlas, the Manitoba Métis Federation - Health & Wellness Department (MMF-HWD) sought additional sources of information to better understand the risk and protective factors for chronic disease in the Métis population.

Using a Métis-specific holistic approach, Wellness Workshops were structured to gather Métis stories and experiences with chronic disease and the health system. Participants in the workshops were Métis individuals (youths, adults, or seniors) who had experience with a chronic disease. Some were living with the disease; others were family members and caregivers of individuals with the disease. Participants were asked questions based on Wellness Areas© and their responses are reflected as such in this discussion paper. Several individuals took the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, some for the first time.

The information gained from the Wellness Workshops was analyzed and themes were identified and linked to risk and protective factors. Behavioural limitations, influential family and friends, barriers to risk modification, ineffective programs and services, gaps in support services, medical personnel related factors, and a limited understanding of the chronic disease were each identified and in many cases were found to act as a deterrent to seeking help to prevent complications and disability related to their disease. Protective factors included family and friends, health system supports and services, self-help groups, cultural competency, educational resources for understanding chronic disease, and advocacy.

MMF-HWD led a working group to further analyze these themes. The working group adjusted its focus from risk and protective factors, found to be confining, to a broader analysis of the health and wellbeing of Manitoba Métis through the inclusion of the Wellness Areas©. Utilizing the Wellness Areas© facilitated the application of a holistic approach to Métis knowledge deriving key observations and determining action that addressed all areas of experience. Based on our findings conclusions and recommendations were defined according to corresponding Wellness Areas©.

Combining experiential knowledge with the findings from the Métis Atlas has resulted in a more holistic base of information to provide direction to Knowledge Networks to work toward improving the health and wellbeing of Métis in Manitoba. We will have opportunity to confirm and build on these ideas as we continue to engage with Métis citizens in Manitoba about chronic disease in future Wellness Workshops and in knowledge mobilization with regional Knowledge Networks.

Full Discussion Paper

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