Cancer, diabetes, heart disease and respiratory diseases are increasing at an alarming rate among First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations. The report, Path to Prevention – Recommendations for Reducing Chronic Disease in First Nations, Inuit and Métis, provides evidence-based policy recommendations on four key chronic disease risk factors in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities:
- commercial tobacco use
- alcohol consumption
- physical inactivity
- unhealthy eating
To read the full report and supporting documents, email the Indigenous Health Unit for a digital copy.
Summary of Recommendations
Commercial tobacco use
- Develop a coordinated plan to prevent commercial tobacco use among First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and youth
- Establish commercial tobacco cessation programs and services in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities
- Support the development of resources to address second- and third-hand smoke
- Support community-initiated and managed tobacco control measures while respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis rights
Alcohol consumption
- Ensure that culturally acceptable and relevant alcohol prevention and treatment programs for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are available
- Broaden the impact of alcohol intervention strategies
- Incorporate alcohol interventions into existing tobacco control initiatives
Healthy eating
- Develop a First Nations, Inuit and Métis food and nutrition strategy
- Reduce barriers that prevent access to healthy foods for First Nations, Inuit and Métis
- Address environmental issues for First Nations, Inuit and Métis foods
- Develop traditional food and nutrition skills
Equity
- Develop a plan to address First Nations, Inuit and Métis health equity
- Implement the plan to achieve First Nations, Inuit and Métis health equity goals
- Implement a plan to achieve equity in access to primary care
- Build First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural competency and safety within government
Collaboration
- Support an integrated, cross-sectoral and whole-of-government approach
- Promote a coordinated approach to the delivery of First Nations, Inuit and Métis health promotion programming in communities
- Establish a coordinated system for surveillance, research, measurement and evaluation
Report Background
These policy recommendations were developed through extensive engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, the Government of Ontario and non-government organizations. There was a process for validation by First Nations, Inuit and Métis to ensure the recommendations accurately reflects the priorities of their communities.
The report is a key part of our third Aboriginal Cancer Strategy and a companion report to Taking Action to Prevent Chronic Disease: Recommendations for a Healthier Ontario.
Next Steps
Although the report’s emphasis is on policy actions for the Government of Ontario, implementing the recommendations will involve the participation of key stakeholders. This includes participation from First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, and other organizations. Moving forward, we will create a collaborative structure that includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, and other partners to develop, plan, implement and evaluate progress.
Contact the Indigenous Health Unit
If you have questions, email the Indigenous Health Unit.