NationTalk: Edmonton, AB – The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Health Department continues to lead the way and advocate for its Citizens on critical issues such as mental health. Another significant milestone has been reached by the release of its latest report, Mental Health Status Among the Métis Population of Alberta: Epidemiological and Health Service Indicators 2009-2007.

Created through an Information Sharing Agreement with Alberta Health and funding received from the Government of Alberta, this vital resource seeks to address the research shortfalls surrounding the mental health status of Métis people. Utilizing the latest 10-year data available for Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, the report presents the first quantitative examination of the mental health status among the Métis population of Alberta.

This research is pivotal in establishing key priorities for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s development of programs, services, and resources to support Citizens’ wellness journeys as they navigate the mental health system.

“This report found that a significant and disproportionate mental health burden exists in the Métis Population of Alberta. This knowledge is essential in understanding the mental health needs of our Citizens and opportunities we can leverage to support mental wellness and recovery to our community.” – Andrea Sandmaier, President, Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

This report examines the often-overlooked prevalence of mental health diagnoses within Alberta Métis populations, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders and adjustment orders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, dementia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), emotional disorders, and conduct disorders. This knowledge is essential for empowering and developing health initiatives, such as the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Life Promotion Strategy in the coming months.

“Mental health remains a key priority for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, and this new resource grounds the work that we do in evidence-based population health data alongside community voice.” – Kaila Mitchell, Secretary of Mental Health & Addictions, Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

To access this report and learn more about the latest project updates related to mental health research, visit albertametis.com/mental-health. For questions regarding this report, please reach out to health@metis.org.

Media contact:
Kenny Trenton, Press Secretary
ktrenton@metis.org