The Inuit, First Nations, and Metis people represent the Indigenous populations in Canada, facing numerous challenges that significantly impact their quality of life. Inadequate housing and crowded living conditions contribute to higher rates of chronic diseases, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases among these groups.
The unemployment rate for
Indigenous people did not raise
between 2006 to 2016 in Canada.
As of 2016, 33.65% of Indigenous people have no secondary school or equivalency certificate.
Inadequate housings and crowded living conditions make Indigenous people more likely to get chronic diseases, respiratory problems and infectious diseases.
First Nations suicide rates are 6 times the national average while Inuit suicide rates are 10 times the national average. Causes of suicide may be: depression, drug/substance abuse, lack of housing, lack of food and many more.
Mold, bugs infestations, no source of proper heating and contaminated water are problems that Indigenous people that live in reserve face a lot.
19.4% of Indigenous people live in houses that need major repairs.
Indigenous people's income is below the
Canadian average compared to non-indigenous people.
Residential schools:
- were created by Christian churches and the Canadian government as a way of converting Indigenous youth and assimilate them into Canadian society.
- in these schools, Indigenous kids were abused (physically and sexually), left starving and even killed.
- last school was closed in 1996.
- there are 2,800 known kids that have died in residential schools but numbers may be higher, going above 6,000.
Indigenous Women:
- are paid less for their work
- make up 33% of all women serving federal prison sentences
- are 5 times for likely to go missing or to be murdered.
First Nations
First Nations people mainly occupy
territories south of the Arctic.
Metis
Metis people mainly live in the
Prairie provinces or in Ontario
and some other provinces.
Inuits
The Inuit mainly live in the northern
regions of Canada.
As of 2016, there were 1.6 million
Indigenous people which is 4.9%
of Canada's population.
The term Indigenous or Aboriginal refers
to First Nations, Metis and Inuit people.
How to help:
One way to help would be to educate yourself first. Do research, read articles/ books watch movies and documentaries.
I recommend reading the book "Spirit Bear and Children Make History: Based on a True Story. It talks about Indigenous rights
Participate in national and local Indigenous awareness events such as Orange Shirt Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Bear Witness Day, Secret Path Week, etc.
You can help by donating to Indigenous charities and fundraisers.
Audience:
This is the best format because it's easy to use and can be easily understood and accessed by many individuals.
I'll let them know by sharing my knowledge and research with them through a website.
Because they need to be aware of what's happening in this world and that Canada is not as perfect as it seems.
People who live Canada or are Canadian and are not already aware of this injustice.
Big Idea:
I'm advocating for Indigenous People and their rights.
