Local Research Aims At Helping Indigenous Health Across Canada

By: Nick Liard

The federal government is investing one million dollars into Indigenous Health and more specifically, Indigenous people living with or at risk of developing dementia.

$500,000 will go to an approach that mixes traditional practices with Western technologies to empower caregivers supporting older indigenous people, led by Dr. Janet McElhaney.

Another $500,000 will go to a national study of dementia in Indigenous populations led by Dr. Jennifer Walker.

Scientific Director for the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health, Carrie Bourassa says the initiatives will contribute to the global pursuit of finding a cure or effective treatment for dementia by 2025.

The research will be done in partnership with Health Sciences North and Laurentian University.