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First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) 2008/10 (Youth)

Youth Questionnaire

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Statistical Highlights

(Not applicable: this is a standardized blank instrument used for data collection, not a results summary.)

Notable Findings

(Not applicable for findings, but the instrument is notable for addressing cultural participation, mental health balance, exposure to residential schools through family history, and social supports—creating one of the most comprehensive youth health survey tools tailored for First Nations contexts.)

Abstract

This document presented the official youth questionnaire for the 2008/10 First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS), capturing holistic health and life experience data directly from First Nations youth ages 12–17. Administered through a Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) system by local field workers, the survey included questions on physical and mental health, substance use, food security, cultural activities, experiences with violence or bullying, exposure to residential school impacts through parents and grandparents, and views on community wellness. By pairing these youth perspectives with data from adult and child questionnaires, as well as community surveys, this instrument laid critical groundwork for understanding how social, economic, and cultural conditions shape youth health outcomes.

RELEASE DATE:

May 1, 2008

CONDUCTED BY:

First Nations Information Governance Committee (FNIGC), supported by the Assembly of First Nations and 10 regional First Nations organizations.

DATA COLLECTION PERIOD:

June 2008 – November 2010 (as part of RHS Phase 2 data collection)

PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES:

Designed for youth aged 12–17 in over 230 participating First Nations communities across Canada, surveyed by trained local field workers.

LENGTH & STRUCTURE:

Approximately 25 core content pages, divided into 17 thematic sections: Personal Background, Household Environment, Languages, Education, General Health, Food & Nutrition, Physical Activity, Health Conditions, Injury, Health Care Utilization, Alcohol & Drug Use, Smoking, Sexual Habits, Personal Wellness, Residential Schools, Community Wellness, and Ending/Feedback.

Why It Matters

This questionnaire was a milestone in collecting data that centers First Nations youth voices on what makes them healthy, connected, or at risk. By asking about participation in traditional ceremonies, use of First Nations languages, connections to Elders, feelings of control over life, and even who they would turn to for help with depression or sexual health, it wove together a rich picture of youth wellness. It documented not just problems like substance use or bullying, but protective factors such as pride in culture, social support, and time spent on the land. For Mi’kmaw and other First Nations, it offered a self-determined way to learn directly from youth how policy, community programs, and family dynamics could better nurture future generations.

Key Topics

  • Mental and emotional wellness, substance use, and personal safety

  • Language use, cultural events, family and community ties

  • Health care access, traditional healing, and social support systems