More health crises to come for First Nations long after H1N1 disappears: chief
<!-- sphereit start -->
November 10, 2009 2:15 p.m.
WINNIPEG - Canada's national aboriginal chief says the swine flu is just the first of more health crises that First Nations communities will face.
Shawn Atleo says aboriginals will continue to be hard hit by illnesses until living conditions on reserves improve.
He says reserves are overcrowded, lack clean drinking water and don't have easy access to medical facilities.
Atleo says he hopes the H1N1 pandemic will prompt more action to fix chronic social problems experienced by First Nations.
Gina Wilson, deputy minister with the Indian Affairs Department, says the government is working to improve living conditions on reserves.
Atleo and federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq took part in a virtual summit on aboriginals and the swine flu Tuesday.
<!-- sphereit start -->
November 10, 2009 2:15 p.m.
WINNIPEG - Canada's national aboriginal chief says the swine flu is just the first of more health crises that First Nations communities will face.
Shawn Atleo says aboriginals will continue to be hard hit by illnesses until living conditions on reserves improve.
He says reserves are overcrowded, lack clean drinking water and don't have easy access to medical facilities.
Atleo says he hopes the H1N1 pandemic will prompt more action to fix chronic social problems experienced by First Nations.
Gina Wilson, deputy minister with the Indian Affairs Department, says the government is working to improve living conditions on reserves.
Atleo and federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq took part in a virtual summit on aboriginals and the swine flu Tuesday.