OTTAWA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Wildfires in Canada have caused a disproportionate impact on indigenous populations, according to the latest survey and analytical report released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday.
The report, titled "Wildfire experiences among Indigenous Peoples," noted that indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) represent about 5 percent of Canada's total population. Despite the small share, 42 percent of all wildfire evacuees in 2023 were from communities where more than half the population was indigenous.
Between 1980 and 2021, 16 communities in Canada were evacuated at least five times, 14 of which were First Nations reserves, said the report.
According to the report, wildfires present significant challenges for all individuals and communities in Canada, with implications for financial, physical, mental and cultural well-being. Indigenous communities and individuals tend to be disproportionately impacted by wildfires, which can include loss of access to hunting grounds, trapping lines and reduced opportunities to gather wild plants and berries, which could have long-term consequences.
The report said indigenous peoples are often evacuated far from their home communities and, in some cases, family or extended family members are displaced to separate locations, contributing to additional disruption and psychological stress.
Due to Canada's colonial history with indigenous peoples, such as the residential school system, displacement can intensify social, mental well-being and health challenges for indigenous communities. These impacts may become more prevalent given the projected increase in the frequency and duration of wildfires in Canada associated with climate change, added the report.
Furthermore, wildfire smoke poses a serious health risk to indigenous peoples. According to the 2022 Indigenous Peoples Survey, asthma rates among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit were 17 percent, 15 percent, and 16 percent respectively, compared to an average of 8 percent among non-indigenous populations between 2015 and 2020.
Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke may be linked to an elevated risk of lung cancer and brain tumors. With wildfire seasons becoming more severe, individuals with respiratory conditions are likely to experience heightened impacts. The risk is particularly pronounced for indigenous communities, many of which are located in remote areas of Canada, the report said. ■