I'd like to start by acknowledging that we're on unceded Algonquin territory today. As a member of the Micmac Nation of Gesgapegiag First Nation in the region of Quebec, I am pleased to have been asked to speak to you today about diabetes and other chronic diseases among indigenous peoples across Canada.
I'll begin by sharing some statistics with you on the prevalence of diabetes among indigenous peoples. Diabetes rates are three to four times higher among first nations than among the general Canadian population and all indigenous peoples are at increased risk of developing diabetes. Results from the last three cycles of the first nations regional health survey indicate that the prevalence of diabetes among first nations adults has remained steady, at approximately 19% to 20% over the past 14 years.
To help reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, Indigenous Services Canada provides funding of $44.5 million annually for the aboriginal diabetes initiative to support community-based health promotion and disease prevention services in over 400 first nations and Inuit communities. First nations communities in British Columbia also receive these services, through support from the B.C. First Nations Health Authority, which took over our regional health-specific operations in 2013.
Indigenous Services Canada recognizes that food security is a critical issue for indigenous peoples and that it significantly impacts the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. As part of nutrition north Canada, Indigenous Services Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada fund and support culturally appropriate community-based nutrition education activities in 111 eligible first nations and Inuit communities. Budget 2017 announced $828.2 million over five years to address key long-standing program gaps and improve health outcomes for first nations and Inuit, in areas such as primary care, home and community care, mental wellness, and many other areas.
As a concrete example, in fall 2017, the Government of Canada provided $19 million over four years to support first nation-led basic foot care services in all Manitoba first nations communities. In partnership with regional leadership councils, the first nations' basic food care program was developed to help clients in 63 Manitoba first nations communities to maintain their health and lower their risks from diabetes-related foot complications.
One significant advancement in the management of chronic disease prevention more generally is the development of a specific framework for indigenous peoples related to the prevention of chronic disease. The framework provides broad direction and identifies opportunities to improve access for individuals, families, and communities to appropriate, culturally relevant services and supports based on their needs at any point along the health continuum.
This framework was mirrored by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, which developed a specific framework to address the specific needs of Inuit in Canada.
Indigenous Services Canada has many mechanisms in place to ensure the engagement of partners. For example, engagement protocols were developed with the Assembly of First Nations and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to advance a culture of respect, transparency and reciprocal accountability in support of the First Nations and Inuit Health Strategic Plan. These have been valuable tools for building and maintaining relationships.
There are also partnership tables with first nations and Inuit in every region to support joint planning and priority setting. These tables include bilateral tables, as well as trilateral tables with provincial and territorial governments.
Indigenous Services Canada values a collaborative approach with external indigenous and other organizations to advance health initiatives for first nations and Inuit. For example, in Saskatchewan we've partnered with the Dieticians of Canada on a six-month pilot project for the operation of a dietician call centre, which will provide free access to trusted food and nutrition advice via telephone or email to all first nations communities in Saskatchewan, including more isolated and remote communities.
Through our non-insured health benefits program, a number of diabetes treatment supports are offered.
First, a total of 12 diabetes medications to date are covered, with additional medications pending decision, and are aligned with the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health's recommendations and other public drug plans.
Blood glucose test strips are an open benefit under the NIHB program. As well, a range of medical supplies and equipment is available to support clients facing complications from diabetes, such as wound-care supplies, mobility devices, and prosthetic devices.
Lastly, the non-insured health benefits program provides medical transportation coverage, including accommodations and meals, so that clients can access health services not available to them in the community where they live.
Indigenous Services Canada is working collaboratively with provinces, territories, other federal departments, and with indigenous partners to ensure that data linkages are supported where possible and that health survey data are available to inform health care planning.
More specifically, over the past 17 years, the first nations information governance centre's regional health survey has provided national, on-reserve, and Yukon first nations' prevalence rates of health status and lifestyle risk behaviours.
Through budget 2018, the federal government announced $82 million over 10 years, with $6 million per year ongoing, for the co-creation of a permanent Inuit health survey.
In summary, Indigenous Services Canada is committed to reducing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and related complications in first nations and Inuit communities across Canada.
While progress has been made, we are committed to continuing to work in partnership with indigenous peoples to address diabetes and its risk factors.
Thank you. Wela'lin.