Misi Yehewin (big breath): a cross-sectional survey series of Métis health and wellbeing during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, Canada

TL;DR

This study surveyed Métis people in Alberta during the early pandemic to understand their health, wellbeing, and socio-economic challenges.

Contribution

The study provides Métis-specific data on health and wellbeing during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta.

Findings

High rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress were reported across all survey waves.

Food insecurity increased from 39.4% in Wave 1 to 52.9% in Wave 3.

Strong Métis identity was reported by ~89% of participants across all waves.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected Indigenous populations, yet Métis-specific data remain limited. We described COVID-19-related experiences, physical and mental health, health behaviours, and socio-economic wellbeing among Métis people in Alberta (Canada) during the early pandemic.

Misi Yehewin was a cross-sectional survey series conducted with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta. Self-identified Métis aged ≥16 years completed surveys in three phases: December 2020–January 2021 (Wave 1), March–April 2021 (Wave 2), and November–December 2021 (Wave 3). Each wave included an independent sample of participants. We calculated weighted proportions for 28 key items and compared estimates across waves.

Overall, 2,439 participants completed the surveys. Confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported by 5% of participants in Wave 1 and 15% in Wave 3. Reports of worsening physical and mental health were less frequent in later phases; yet, across waves, 41% screened positive for depressive symptoms, 47% for anxiety, and 68% for high perceived stress. Food insecurity was reported by 39.4% of participants in Wave 1 and 52.9% in Wave 3. Reduced family time and cultural activities were common, particularly in earlier waves. Reports of financial strain (~56%), racism (~25%), and strong Métis identity (~89%) was similar across waves.

Findings highlight ongoing structural inequities influencing Métis health during COVID-19. Despite fewer reports of worsening overall health in later phases, symptom-based measures showed persistently high perceived stress and widespread food insecurity. Métis-led, culturally grounded strategies are needed to address both immediate and long-term determinants of health.

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