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National Report of the First Nations Regional Health Survey Phase 3: Volume One

20 Years of First Nations Data

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Statistical Highlights

  • Nearly 24,000 surveys completed, exceeding all prior RHS phases.

  • Data covers diverse topics such as chronic conditions, mental health, oral health, impacts of residential schools, and socioeconomic indicators.

Notable Findings

For the first time, selected trends over time could be examined, providing comparative insights across multiple RHS phases

Abstract

This report presents national-level results from the third phase of the First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS), encompassing health, social determinants, and well-being data of First Nations children, youth, and adults living on-reserve and in Northern communities across Canada. Developed by FNIGC with its regional partners, the RHS Phase 3 represents the culmination of a multi-year effort to gather culturally relevant data under First Nations control. It was uniquely structured to uphold OCAP® principles and involved comprehensive participation of community members as fieldworkers and data stewards. This volume, the first of two, allows for historical comparisons with previous phases, offering a rich data source to guide policy, program development, and future research tailored to First Nations priorities.

RELEASE DATE:

March 2018 (Revised July 2018)

CONDUCTED BY:

First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) in collaboration with its 10 Regional Partners, funded by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of Health Canada, with support from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada

DATA COLLECTION PERIOD:

2015–2016, with data gathered through child (0–11), youth (12–17), and adult (18+) surveys administered across participating First Nations communities

PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES:

More than 250 First Nations communities across Canada participated, completing nearly 24,000 surveys — the largest response in the RHS’s 20-year history

LENGTH & STRUCTURE:

181 pages, organized into 6 chapters (Socioeconomic Conditions, Chronic Health Conditions, Mental Health and Substance Use, Oral Health, Indian Residential Schools), plus appendices listing authors and participating communities.

Why It Matters

This report stands as a landmark in Indigenous-led health research, not only due to its scale but because it embodies First Nations data sovereignty and self-determination in research. By using First Nations-developed cultural frameworks, the RHS ensures that health and well-being are measured in a way that reflects the “total health of the total person within the total environment,” a concept deeply rooted in First Nations worldviews. The extensive data gathered here equips communities, leadership, and partners with evidence needed to support culturally appropriate health policies and interventions. It also sustains momentum in reclaiming ownership and control over how data is used to tell the stories of First Nations lives today.

Key Topics

  • Socioeconomic conditions, including employment, income, and education

  • Chronic and mental health conditions, substance use, and oral health

  • Impacts of Indian Residential Schools and intergenerational wellness