REGINA – Aboriginal leaders are looking to Canada’s premiers for more help as First Nations’ communities struggle with the swine flu outbreak.
Beverley Jacobs, president of the Native Women’s Association, says the H1N1 pandemic will be on the agenda when the aboriginal leaders and premiers meet Wednesday in Regina.
Jacobs says her group will make recommendations as to how aboriginal women – who are often the caregivers – can play a key role in preparedness planning.
Swine flu has hit some aboriginal communities particularly hard.
Shawn Atleo, chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has said the outbreak shows that poor living conditions make aboriginal communities more vulnerable to the disease.
The meeting between the premiers and aboriginal leaders is also expected to touch on broader health and housing issues, as well as education.
