By Trelle Burdeniuk

Research set to look at breathing problems on First Nations

Apr 24, 2012 | 5:23 PM

Helping people on First Nations breathe easier is the focus of a study announced today.

The University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and two First Nations communities are working together for the next five years as part of a research project looking at breathing problems.

The researchers will spend time at the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation and the Montreal Lake Cree Nation studying how to prevent high rates of issues such as lung disease, bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis.

“In First Nations communities, everybody knows about diabetes and it being a huge issue … but there are actually more people hospitalized with respiratory illnesses than there are with diabetes,” said Jo-Ann Episkenew, a co-principal investigator with the study.

Chief Remonda Gardipy of the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation has struggled with breathing problems her entire life. She said she believes they partially stem from the poor living conditions she endured.

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“I grew up in a log house with no power and no heat in there. Then we finally got a new house, but there was no heat,” she said.

This five-year study will cost $1.5 million, which is coming from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

First Nations people are more likely to suffer from breathing problems than the general population due to a number of factors including overcrowded housing, obesity, diet, poor air quality and limited access to health services.

Although researchers have already identified many of the root causes of breathing problems, they hope to find solutions by working directly with the communities.

“I think sometimes, particularly at the policy level, solutions are designed away from communities, without community input. Communities will know what kind of things might work there and what not,” said Episkenew.

Gardipy said she hopes this study would have wide-spread implications not only for her community, but for other First Nations.

“This is going to be a positive for all First Nations across Canada.”

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