Final answer:
The life expectancy of most Canadians is higher than that of Indigenous peoples in Canada, affected by factors such as healthcare access and environmental issues. Indigenous groups such as the Inuit face significant health disparities due to various social and economic challenges. Improving health determinants for Indigenous populations could enhance their life expectancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The life expectancy for most Canadians is generally higher than that for Indigenous peoples. The disparity in life expectancy between the two groups can be attributed to various social, economic, and health-related factors. Sociological studies indicate that while Indigenous societies often revere their elders, they encounter challenges such as limited access to healthcare and environmental factors that can negatively impact their health, for example, high levels of mercury in traditional diets.
For instance, according to a report, Inuit and other Indigenous groups in Canada have a lower life expectancy compared to the non-Indigenous population. Poor nutrition, health care, and sanitation are some of the factors that negatively affect life expectancy among Indigenous communities. Moreover, while the Canadian constitution recognizes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, they still face disparities in treaty rights and social services which may contribute to these health outcomes.
It's important to note that life expectancy is an average and does not capture the individual experience of aging. However, it remains a vital indicator of the overall health and well-being of a population. Efforts to address the determinants of health among Indigenous peoples could improve their life expectancy rates.