Pilot Project Could Unlock Mystery of High Death Rate Among Inuit
October 3, 2007 – An art form that is distinctly Canadian – soapstone carving – may prove to be one of the reasons why more Inuit are dying of lung disease than other Canadians in the rest of the country.
This cultural activity, along with exposure to wildlife through the tradition of hunting, will be among the unique causes explored by a team from the University of Manitoba as it leads a global charge to unlock the mysteries and profound disparities in death rates from respiratory disease between overall Canadian and northern Inuit population groups.
The first of its kind, four-year pilot project will receive a $300,000 unconditional research grant from pharmaceutical firm Nycomed Canada Inc. in a partnership with the U of M’s J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit and the Inuit community of Sanikiluaq (San a kill ooo ack), population 815.
Located on the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay, Sanikiluaq is the most southern community in Nunavut and is located 100 kilometers west of Northern Quebec.
“Potentially, the findings of this pilot project could have world-wide implications and significant impacts on the quality of life for the Inuit and other aboriginal peoples living in circumpolar communities around the globe,” said Dr. Emőke Szathmáry, President, University of Manitoba. “We are grateful to the citizens of Sanikiluaq for their generous spirit and willingness to partner with us.”
Despite evidence that respiratory illness kills more people in Arctic communities than in any other part of the world, Dr. Szathmáry said there has been no scientific research on occupation-induced lung disease to date. “This alone will put the University at the forefront of an international, circumpolar movement related to respiratory disease,” she said.
The pilot project will have three distinct components which will:
- Study adults in Sanikiluaq who already have respiratory disease with medical histories and comprehensive clinical assessments undertaken to determine how prevalent the disease is across age and gender groups
- Explore linkages between cultural activities and respiratory disease
- Introduce a community-based care model to help diagnose and manage respiratory disease in Sanikiluaq
“The majority of research will be conducted in the community with a broad-based interdisciplinary team and transportable technology,’’ said Dr. Bruce Martin, Project Lead and Director of the J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit. “Our main goal is to look at disparities and find ways to improve outcomes and the quality of life for the people of Sanikiluaq,” he said.
Nycomed Canada’s President & CEO, John Suk, said the research could have wide ranging impacts on all circumpolar nations. “This community-based approach will result in an enhanced understanding of respiratory disease and help establish new capabilities to diagnose, manage and co-ordinate rehabilitation programs,” he said. “It will also allow Nycomed to build on existing chronic lung health education programs and develop best-practice guidelines to assist in future treatments.”
Once these protocols are created, Suk said Nunavut Arctic College will be engaged to create a sustained educational process for future dissemination of this information through its existing relationships and northern network.
Also attending was the Honourable Diane McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education & Literacy. “With such disparities and so little research in existence, I commend the U of M for taking such a strong leadership stand on behalf of Canadians living in our far north,” she said. “The results will no doubt pay significant dividends and have a lasting impact around the globe.”
President Szathmáry said the community of Sanikiluaq, Nunavut agreed to participate in the project because of long-time relationships between community leaders and the University of Manitoba. “This has included any number of visits to the community and a relationship that began back in the 1950’s.”
The U of M ‘Enhancing Inuit Respiratory Health: A Change Management Approach’ pilot project coincides with International Polar Year 2007 and with Canada’s plan to host the 14th Congress of the International Union of Circumpolar Health in July, 2009.
Nycomed Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Nycomed GmbH; a European based, privately owned research-based company. Through its innovative products and dedicated people, Nycomed is committed to improving the health of Canadians. In Canada, Nycomed is active in the therapeutic areas of gastroenterology, respirology and dermatology. Headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, the company employs more than 265 people across the country.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Bruce Martin, Director, J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit, telephone: (204) 789-3496
Lori Ann Horrigan, Nycomed Canada, telephone: (905) 465-4149 or 1-888-831-7999
Speakers at today’s News Conference (in order of appearance) include:
Emcee - Dr. Dean Sandham, Dean of Medicine
Dr. Emőke Szathmáry, President, University of Manitoba
Mr. John Suk, President & CEO, Nycomed Canada
Dr. Bruce Martin, Director, J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit
Honourable Diane McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education & Literacy
Mr. Johnny Cookie, Chair, Sanikiluaq Health Committee
Mr. John Jamieson, Principal, Sanikiluaq School