The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is seeking to raise $1.5 million to buy medical kits to address the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.

Native leaders declared an emergency last month in response to high rates of the virus among Native people. The rate of H1N1 infection among Natives in Manitoba is 135 in 100,000, compared to 20 in 100,000 throughout Canada.

"We can't wait," said Grand Chief Ron Evans, CBC News reported. "We have to start doing something."

The Manitoba government appointed an adviser to work with First Nations on swine flu.

Get the Story:
Manitoba's First Nations raising $1.5M to fight swine flu (CBC 7/17)
Swine flu adviser named for Man. First Nations (CBC 7/17)

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