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Review of the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey

Independent Review of the 2002/2003 RHS – Final Report

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Statistical Highlights
  • 22,602 usable survey responses across Adults, Youth, and Children
  • Achieved 80% of original sample target; 84% response rate among approached individuals​
  • Partial non-response was significantly lower in CAPI (computer-assisted) surveys than paper-based ones​
Notable Findings
  • RHS 2002/03 was the only Indigenous health survey reviewed that used Indigenous-owned sampling frames and fully embedded OCAP principles
  • Community interviewers and Indigenous-led design dramatically improved trust and data quality
  • Challenges included limited inclusion of small/off-reserve communities, staff turnover, and tech barriers in rural areas

Abstract

This independent review, led by the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, assessed the 2002/03 First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS) for both technical validity and adherence to First Nations OCAP principles. Using literature reviews, comparative analysis, and interviews with stakeholders, the reviewers evaluated the survey’s sampling design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. They found the RHS to be methodologically sound, with high response rates, representative sampling, and strong Indigenous ownership of both the process and the data. The survey stood out globally for its use of community-based interviewers, CAPI technology, regional stewardship, and culturally grounded questionnaire design.

As the first independent assessment of the RHS, this report validated the model’s quality and called for increased funding and infrastructure to address ongoing challenges and strengthen future rounds.

RELEASE DATE:

May 2006

CONDUCTED BY:

Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, on behalf of the First Nations Information Governance Committee (FNIGC) and the First Nations Centre at the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO)

DATA COLLECTION PERIOD:

Review conducted between 2004–2006; assessing RHS data collected August 2002 – November 2003.

PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES:

Assessment based on survey implementation in 238 First Nations communities across 10 regions. Review engaged stakeholders from Health Canada, Statistics Canada, regional coordinators, FNIGC staff, and health directors.

 

LENGTH & STRUCTURE:

77 pages, structured into six main sections: Executive Summary, Introduction, Methods, Sampling Design, Data Collection, Data Analysis and Dissemination. Appendices include comparative analysis methods, stakeholder interview guides, and reviewed materials.

Why It Matters

This review offered independent, third-party validation of the First Nations RHS model—something rarely granted in Indigenous data work. It found that the 2002/03 RHS upheld both the technical rigour of survey science and the political, ethical, and cultural commitments embodied in OCAP. That’s a significant achievement, particularly when compared against international benchmarks.

Among all surveys reviewed (including Australia’s NATSIHS and Canada’s APS), RHS was the only one using community-defined membership lists and Indigenous-led sampling strategies. It used CAPI technology with community interviewers, supported interpretation by First Nations analysts, and built feedback loops for training and regional access to findings. However, the report also made clear that funding shortfalls, staff turnover, and the exclusion of smaller communities still limited its reach. For Mi’kmaw and other Indigenous leaders, this review reinforced the RHS model not just as “good enough” science—but as a globally leading example of self-determined research in practice.

Key Topics

  • Indigenous research ethics and OCAP application
  • Sampling, data collection, and analysis quality in national surveys
  • Community control and capacity in health data governance

“Short Testimonial here to provide context. Use the Quotation Marks here.”