Who Do We Impact
The Wheel of Life Foundation is looking to begin in Western Canadian provinces, where according to the Regional Offices of Indigenous Services Canada, there are over 280 000 people registered as Indigenous in Alberta, 165 394 registered individuals in Saskatchewan, and a population of a similar size in Manitoba (164 289). Diabetes Canada shares that due to barriers in health care, diabetes rates are 9.6 times higher in the Indigenous population than in the general population. The need for direct and culturally sensitive care is clear. The Wheel of Life Foundation addresses these concerns by establishing and maintaining easily accessible facilities driven by the understanding of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit culture.
Working with the Indigenous community, The Wheel of Life Foundation will establish a facility and head office located directly on First Nations land. Diagnostic and medical care will be provided in an inclusive environment, along with educational opportunities to help inform the communities on how to reduce their risk of and care for diabetes, skin disease, and diabetic foot ulcers. The Wheel of Life Foundation will also research and study the effects that diabetes and other illnesses have on the Indigenous community, and what type of treatment works best.
