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The importance of relationships in Métis culture

These three tools illustrate the importance of relationships in Métis culture. We as humans are also interconnected in our relationships with other living organisms, the natural environment, and the land. The complexity of our relationships means there are many ways climate change can directly or indirectly impact our health.

Our health and well-being affect us as individuals, but also as members of our family and community. This tool shows a web of relationships, and the ways Métis people experience health impacts holistically: spiritually, physically, mentally, culturally, and emotionally.

Our holistic health is interconnected to and influences our family’s and community’s overall wellness. Knowing this helps us support one another in the face of climate change. This tool is tailored from data specific to Métis culture.

The infinity symbol represents Métis culture and our infinite connection to the land. As seen in this tool and in our research, the land is not just the place we live on; it gives us our identity, livelihood, resources, and culture as Métis people.

It is important for us to think about our relationship to the land as reciprocal. The health of the land around us affects our own health. The impacts of climate change, such as natural disasters, pollution, and changes in animal and plant populations, strongly affect the land.

Protecting the land from climate change is a way to protect who we are as Métis.

The earth shows how humans, living organisms, and the natural environment’s well-being are all interconnected. A change in one affects the others.

This tool is an example of the importance of interconnectedness in Métis culture. Our health as humans is affected by other living organisms and the natural environment, just as climate is affected by the natural environment, other living organisms, and humans.

Climate change impacts for Métis people

This series goes through different ways climate change affects important elements of Métis people’s lives, including our health. We can draw strength from our resilient Métis culture to mitigate climate change risks.

This tool shows the top 10 concerns about health and climate change we heard from Citizens at climate change engagements in late 2018 and early 2019. This information helps us understand your concerns and the areas you focus on in your life and in those in your community.

Traditions and culture, which are important to Métis Albertans, can be tools to support your physical and mental health and the health of fellow community members in the face of climate change.

As seen in this tool, it is also key to consider the health of the environment around you.

This tool highlights the connection between climate change impacts and the effect on Métis health and well-being.

• Natural disasters can decrease animal and plant populations, reducing food sources and the number of traditional plants where you harvest and gather.
• Water contaminants caused by climate change are a health risk for Métis who harvest in the contaminated area.
• Warmer temperatures from climate change can further spread invasive plants and animals, bringing in disease and threatening existing plants and animals used for food or traditional practices.
• Severe weather events, such as wildfire smoke, can threaten Métis people’s physical health and worsen preexisting medical conditions.

This tool, based heavily on Métis-specific data, shows our Métis community’s risks and resiliencies when dealing with health and climate change issues. Climate change brings risks, not only for the natural environment, but also has a deep impact on marginalized groups.

By understanding these risks and resiliencies, each of us can reflect on the risks we face and find strength in ourselves and our Métis community.

Actions to support Métis health influenced
by climate change

This section of the toolkit provides culturally-relevant actions to support Métis people’s physical and mental health when climate change is involved, such as eco-anxiety. It is important to be aware of physical health risks and find solutions that work for you and your abilities.

When you act on climate change, you may feel overwhelmed and start to experience what’s called eco-anxiety. This tool shows you different ways to relieve your stress and cope with the mental health effects of climate change. Wellness comes in many forms and everyone’s journey looks a little different.

These culturally-relevant techniques were developed by the Métis Nation of Alberta’s Health department.

This tool offers supportive information for Métis health risk factors gathered from earlier Citizen engagements.

According to our summary, here is how to take action against these Métis health risk factors, starting clockwise from the top left:

• Dependence on harvesting – Climate change affects the plants and animals Métis people harvest for food. To cope with this, you can research, take relevant courses, and speak with Métis knowledge holders on sustainable harvesting practices.
• Age – People of older age may have chronic disease and low immunity. It is important to recognize and support the needs of our Elders and older individuals.
• Location of residence (urban/rural) – Residence location affects access to resources and supports. You can raise awareness about community members living in remote areas and form a support network or provide resources.
• Use of a particular area – This is a risk factor for those who use areas likely to be severely impacted by climate change (e.g., contaminated water sources, wildfire-prone forested areas). It is important to raise concerns about these specific areas and warn others through signage or education about the health risks when using polluted areas. You can also check the news to learn more about polluted areas.
• Access to medical support – People with preexisting or chronic health conditions are more at risk to have their health affected by climate change. Searching for medical support or preparing for these effects can lessen your risk.

Toolkit Sources

Relationships of Well-Being in the Face of Climate Change

Métis People’s Connections to the Land

Interconnectedness of Health and Climate Systems

Top 10 Citizen Concerns About Health and Climate Change

Source

1.     Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) internal engagement data. Organized themes of data were based on the research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These eight themes are: food supply impacts; water quality impacts; environmental degradation; changes in vector ecology; severe weather; air pollution; extreme heat; and increasing allergens. Jim Frehs Consulting presented on this material to the Métis governing bodies in early 2020.

See Community-Based Climate Monitoring Initiative Engagement Phase 2018-2019 Highlights for a summary of the data.

Climate Impacts and Métis Health Concerns

Source

1.    Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) internal engagement data. See Community-Based Climate Monitoring Initiative Engagement Phase 2018-2019 Highlights for a summary of the data.

Risks and Resiliencies of Métis Communities

Support Métis Health

Source

1.    Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) internal engagement data. See Community-Based Climate Monitoring Initiative Engagement Phase 2018-2019 Highlights for a summary of the data.

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