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. 2015 Apr;105(4):644-52.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.301994. Epub 2014 Sep 11.

Indigenous mortality (revealed): the invisible illuminated

Jane Freemantle  1 , Ian Ring, Teshia G Arambula Solomon, Francine C Gachupin, Janet Smylie, Tessa Louise Cutler, John A Waldon
Affiliations

Indigenous mortality (revealed): the invisible illuminated

Jane Freemantle et al. Am J Public Health. 2015 Apr.

Abstract

Inaccuracies in the identification of Indigenous status and the collection of and access to vital statistics data impede the strategic implementation of evidence-based public health initiatives to reduce avoidable deaths. The impact of colonization and subsequent government initiatives has been commonly observed among the Indigenous peoples of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. The quality of Indigenous data that informs mortality statistics are similarly connected to these distal processes, which began with colonization. We discuss the methodological and technical challenges in measuring mortality for Indigenous populations within a historical and political context, and identify strategies for the accurate ascertainment and inclusion of Indigenous people in mortality statistics.

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References

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