Calgary Herald (Nov 8/09) - Aboriginal transplant rates show 'two tiers' to health-care system: experts

MOOSE FACTORY, Ont. — Peter Nakogee knows the chances are not good for aboriginals seeking transplants in Canada, but the gregarious father of four has reason to celebrate.

The former mayor of a small Cree community on James Bay has finally made it onto a national waiting list. As of this week, Nakogee is in line for a new kidney that could not only transform his life, but show it’s possible to overcome what some consider a racial divide in Canada’s health-care system.

The disparities in the medical treatment received by First Nations people compared to other Canadians have attracted growing national and international attention. The latest study says aboriginal people are only one-third as likely to get a kidney transplant as Caucasian Canadians, even though they have more than twice the rate of kidney failure.

Full article at: http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/Aboriginal+transplant+rates+show+tiers+health+care+system+experts/2199807/story.html