Truth & Reconciliation

Arthritis affects Indigenous peoples more significantly and more severely than non-Indigenous populations. Specifically, Indigenous peoples in Canada experience:

• Higher rates of inflammatory arthritis such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis;
• Worse disease outcomes in early rheumatoid arthritis compared to non-Indigenous patients. This means slower improvements in pain and swelling and less likelihood of achieving remission;
• Fewer visits to specialists than the non-Indigenous population as well as significantly more hospitalizations due to arthritis complications; and,
• Lower rates of evidence-based inflammatory arthritis therapies being used among Indigenous people despite the disease being more severe (Source, Journal of Canadian Rheumatology Association).

While treatments and supports to reduce the likelihood of long-term disability resulting from arthritis exist, so do barriers to healthcare for Canadian Indigenous peoples (Source, In Plain Sight).

Our mission at Cassie + Friends is to transform the lives of all children and families affected by Juvenile Arthritis and other childhood rheumatic diseases which includes committing to reconciliation and upholding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Health Calls to Action #18-24, respecting Indigenous ways of knowing and care, educating ourselves about Canada’s colonial history, and advocating for change.

We invite our community to join us in learning about Indigenous peoples and practices by visiting the websites below:

Cassie + Friends acknowledges that our work is situated on the unceded and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.