Métis Health : The Invisible Problem

Dr. Carrie Bourassa has produced a Marxist analysis of Métis health status that makes this book a must read for anyone interested in Métis or social justice issues. Using 2010 government of Canada data, that drew upon the 2006 Census, Dr. Bourassa notes that, "the Métis population increased by 33% since 2001 and 91% since 1996" (p. x). While this is an interesting fact, by itself, it becomes a concerning fact when Dr. Bourrassa adds that, "[r]esearch has consistently shown that First Nations have a much shorter life expectancy than that for Canada as a whole... The pattern is similar for Inuit. However, mortality patterns among Métis are largely unknown" (p. xi). With this book, Dr. Bourassa provides the raw data needed to prove the existence of unconscionable inequality that the Métis continue to suffer. It is hoped that this book not only demands that action be taken, but will make not taking action a non-option.