One from the Heart:
MNO Citizen publishes research in Canadian Journal of Cardiology Open
With an impressive academic record and unrelenting drive to serve his community, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizen Sabastian Koprich exemplifies what it means to be a Métis scholar and researcher.
Sabastian’s academic journey is deeply connected to his Métis heritage and supported by the MNO. His research explores the enduring impact of colonialism on Métis people, particularly regarding their reluctance to seek healthcare.
Recognizing the need for a greater understanding of cardiovascular health outcomes among MNO citizens, Sabastian partnered with the MNO Healing & Wellness branch as part of his undergraduate work at Trent University. He continues this important research at the University of Toronto, where he is finishing a Master’s in Public Health, focusing on Indigenous health.
Sabastian’s research[1] was recently published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology Open. It represents the first study in nearly a decade to investigate trends in cardiovascular outcomes among MNO citizens.
The findings will help plan programs and policies and support Métis-specific advocacy in the health system.
Sabastian’s study fills gaps in research and helps the Métis community. His work with the MNO and other Métis researchers opens new paths for Métis-led research. It also leads the way in creating policies about Indigenous data ownership.
Sabastian has presented his findings at various conferences and forums, including the Canadian Society for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CSEB) in Halifax, NS; the Ted Rogers Health Symposium in Toronto, ON; and the National Graduate Student Conference (NGSC) in Sydney, NS.
In addition to supports from the MNO, Sabastian also received funding through a award for Indigenous scholars from the Heart & Stroke Foundation. This funding will allow Sabastian to continue exploring heart health in MNO citizens, with a particular focus on men’s heart health. His research includes ongoing collaboration with the MNO as well as Transform Heart Health with Dr. Heather Ross.
The MNO eagerly anticipates the ongoing impact of Sabastian’s research, which promises to improve the health and well-being of Métis citizens for generations to come.
The MNO would like to acknowledge those also contributing to the research, including MNO Healing & Wellness Director Shelley Cripps, (B.Sc.), MNO citizen Abigail J. Simms, (MPH), Noel Tsui, (MPH), Sarah A. Edwards, (PhD), and Stephanie W. Tobin, (PhD).
About Sabastian’s research:
- There are few studies on health outcomes specific to Métis people in Canada.
- An agreement between the MNO and ICES allowed linking registered MNO citizens aged 20 and older to health data in Ontario.
- The study used existing methods to find out how common heart failure and hypertension are in Métis communities.
- Hypertension rates decreased, but heart failure rates increased among MNO citizens, with the largest increase (47%) in Métis males.
- Both conditions were more common in males, older MNO citizens, and those living in the lowest income areas.
[1] “Monitoring cardiovascular disease in MNO citizens from 2012-2020”