The
HIV/AIDS disease is deadly if it is left untreated and unfortunately for some
individuals the means for detecting and treating the virus are unknown. Without this detection and treatment the
Human Immunodeficiency Virus will severely weaken the immune system making the
individual affected more susceptible to other diseases because their bodies
will simply not allow itself to fight it off (Health Canada, 2010). The AIDS disease has become increasingly
prevalent within First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities and can be attributed
to factors that are occurring today such as ongoing poverty, lack of access to
health services and more recently intravenous drug use (Health Canada,
2010).
In
my opinion the First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities of people are prime
examples of how neo-conservative ideologies have failed people instead of
fostering growth within them. When
looking at a health/social issue such as HIV/AIDS I think it is unfair and
unjust to put the responsibility of looking after oneself solely on that
individual (Mullaly, 2007) when medical, psychological and sometimes financial
assistance are needed. Also saying that
poverty is a good thing, that it teaches discipline and that it provides
incentive (Mullaly, 2007) is an illusion because in my experience it has never
been a good thing for anyone involved and the “incentive” received barely
provides the minimum and the government is unable to guarantee that it is being
used for what it is intended for.
The
HIV virus can be spread from person to person in a few different ways such as
unprotected sexual intercourse, breastfeeding, pregnancy and needle sharing
(Health Canada, 2010). Among many First
Nation, Inuit and Metis communities, intravenous drug use has become a massive
issue not only due to the addiction itself but also because with IDU many Anishnaabe
individuals are contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In fact in 2008, 63.8% of positive HIV
screenings among Aboriginal people were because of injection drug use (Public
Health Agency of Canada), this statistic is alarming.
It was mentioned
before that the First Nation communities have lack of, or limited access to
health care services (Health Canada, 2010), this statement to me, is an
acknowledgment by the conservative government that these communities are indeed
at a disadvantage. Pulling from my own
knowledge I think it is definitely unjust to ask an Anishnaabe individual dying
of HIV/AIDS and their family to take care of themselves with their acquisition of
property and savings (Mullaly, 2007) considering they themselves have minimal control
over these aspects of their lives.
Perhaps engaging in a selfish behaviour such as “shooting up” is the
only control these individuals feel anymore because they have been so
controlled for centuries. Ignorance may
cause someone to believe that the issue of drug addiction is one of their own
making and that they do not deserve intervention from the government or
responsible, honest taxpayers (Mullaly, 2007) but truly, I think at this point
something does need to happen and the realization needs to be made by everyone
that these current issues stem from generations of residential schooling and
systemic abuse. If Anishnaabe people
were given the same opportunities and were not marginalized in every aspect of
their lives they would have the chance to show they are hardworking and
responsible.
With the
HIV/AIDS disease becoming an increasing concern for Anishnaabe communities and
copious amounts of research to support this statement I think it is absurd to
say that the onus is on them and their families and the problem is their own
fault (Mullaly 2007). Throughout my
blogging and researching it has become more and more evident that the
government is committing a silent genocide (consciously or uncouciously, I do
not know). I am sure I am not the only
one who feels this way or sees it this way, so why is this all STILL happening?
Kristin*
References
Health Canada. (2010). First Nation and Inuit Health: HIV/AIDS. Retrieved
from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/diseases-maladies/aids-sida/index-eng.php
Mullaly, B. (2007). The New Structural Social Work. Canada:
Oxford University Press.
Public Health Agency of Canada.
(2010). HIV/AIDS Among Aboriginal People.
Retrieved from: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/publication/epi/2010/pdf/EN_Chapter8_Web.pdf
Your blog was very informative Kristin. On First Nations there is still a lack of preventative programs. More and more First Nations young people are being diagnosed with this disease. It is probably due to alcohol and drug abuse and having unprotected intercourse while intoxicated. Parents have to speak to their children at young ages and not be ashamed of this issue. Many families who have been affected by Residential School Syndrome don't communicate very well with their children about many issues. Your research is well documented.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Jennifer