When reconciliation overshadows rights: The Métis’ continued fight for health data and recognition

Abstract

In 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Act received royal assent in Canada, further affirming inherent rights for Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis). Despite this and a constitutional recognition of Aboriginal rights in 1982, the Métis have yet to have their right to health recognised. The prioritisation of pan-Indigenous approaches to addressing inequities in Canada neglects to recognise the collective rights (exercised through a governing body, nation, tribal community, etc.) that diversifies Indigenous rights from other human rights. Métis critically need accurate health data that are conducted using distinctions-based approaches, as they remain stuck in data dependency. However, a considerable barrier to Métis data collection is that Indigenous health research funding in Canada predominantly favours pan-Indigenous approaches, rendering the Métis insignificant in their fight for health recognition.