NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area, Sahtu Settlement Area, Dehcho Region, North Slave Region, South Slave Region

Tags: health, health care evaluation, aboriginal community, public policy, Inuit, devolution

Objective(s): The First Nations and Inuit Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS) is designed, directed and implemented by First Nations principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP) as they apply to research and data management. The RHS has produced important innovations in data sharing protocols, research ethics, methodology and culturally appropriate questionnaire content. The project is designed to: maximize individual and institutional capacity development; support the generation of and effective dissemination (sharing) of knowledge; impact policies and processes that affect health and promote healthy changes at all levels. The RHS is a longitudinal survey mandated by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Chiefs Committee on Health to occur every 4 years. The first wave of the survey was done in 1997 with the exception of the NWT, Yukon and James Bay area. The RHS is designed to deliver quality health and health determinant information tailored to First Nation (FN) needs. The information will work towards improving health status and health care delivery for FN and help FN governments get a better long term picture of their community, region and country as the survey is carried out over 4 years. There are 3 age-specific survey instruments for adults, adolescents and children which holistically address priority issues in First Nations. Community participation has been determined through community interest combined with random selection.