The Injury Prevention Centre created this report based on the fundamental principle that effective injury prevention requires knowledge of the frequency and nature of injury incidents. This report examines injury-related deaths, hospital admissions, and emergency department visits of Alberta First Nations residents compared to matched Alberta non-First Nations residents. It then provides an in-depth analysis of the leading causes of injury to Alberta First Nations – Falls, Violence/Injury Purposely Inflicted, Unintentional Poisonings, Motor Vehicle-Related Injury, Suicide/Self-harm and Off-Road Vehicles.
The reasons for the differing rates of injury among Alberta First Nations are complex and beyond the scope of this report. This report is a first step in supporting Alberta First Nations affected by injuries and decision-makers in the development of coordinated, evidence-based programs and strategies to reduce and prevent injuries.