More Than 75 Per Cent Of First Nation People Over The Age Of 40 Live With A Disability

Wednesday, 02 December 2009 18:00

(Saskatoon, SK) FSIN Vice Chief, Edward (Dutch) Lerat wants to recognize the special needs facing First Nation individuals who live with a disabilities today, the International Day For The Disabled. It is estimated that 75 percent of First Nations over the age of 40 live with a disability. The majority of Saskatchewan First Nations living with disabilities end up having to move from their reserve to the city in order to function and access the appropriate programs and services not offered on reserve, due to lack of funding.

 “Living with a disability should not guarantee a life of financial, emotional or spiritual poverty,” says Vice Chief Edward (Dutch) Lerat. “We need to ensure the disabled can live their lives with hope, respect and dignity instead of a system of disadvantages.”

According to a study by the First Nations Longitudinal Health Survey chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis is at least one and a half per cent higher in the First Nation community compared to the general population. These chronic conditions can lead to disabilities. For example, First Nations with diabetes can suffer limb amputations, blindness and require renal dialysis.

“The FSIN Office of Disabilities is in partnership with advocacy groups to address the poverty of disabled individuals to establish a program that is separate from social assistance and addresses their concerns and special needs,” says Vice Chief Edward (Dutch) Lerat. “It is nice to have a day set aside for the disabled, but we should recognize the challenges the disabled face on a daily basis.”

In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 3 the International Day of Disabled Persons with an aim to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.
The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

 
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