Survey of People Living in First Nations Communities

Detailed information for 2009 (Pilot)

While Statistics Canada recognizes the importance of having good quality data for First Nations communities that can be used for decision making and program planning, there is currently very little data (aside from Census data) about the people living on First Nations communities across Canada. This pilot survey is an important step aimed at determining the best methods for collecting data in these communities. It will also provide an opportunity to learn aspects of survey taking that may be unique in First Nations communities, such as communications with community leaders and respondents.

Data release - No public use microdata file will be produced and data will not be made available through the Data Liberation Initiative (DLI).

• Questionnaire(s) and reporting guide(s)
• Description
• Data sources and methodology

Description

The primary objective of the Survey of People Living in First Nations Communities (Pilot 2009) is to assess the best methods and practises for data collection in First Nations communities including an evaluation of potential survey frames, an evaluation of the survey design and an evaluation of the feasibility of using a telephone method of collection on reserve. Although the main objectives of the pilot survey involve assessing methodological issues, the survey will also provide an opportunity to learn more about operational aspects that may be unique to surveying in First Nations communities.

Subjects

• Aboriginal society and community
• Indigenous peoples (formerly Aboriginal peoples)

Data sources and methodology

Target population

The target population consists of Aboriginal adults, aged 15 and over, living in First Nations communities in:
- Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 in Alberta
- Nishnawbe-Aski Nation in Ontario

For the telephone component of the survey, the survey population does not cover Aboriginal adults living in households that do not have a telephone. It also excludes households whose telephones are not covered by the Random Digit Dialling (RDD) frame.

Instrument design

As this pilot survey is being carried out primarily to assess survey methodology, the questionnaire consists of questions taken from two existing surveys; namely, the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (record number 3250) and the 2004 Survey of People Living on Reserves (record number 5069). The topics covered include education, labour force activity and income.

Sampling

This is a sample survey with a cross-sectional design.

Personal Interview Component (PAPI):
The sample is selected in three stages. In the first stage, a sample of First Nations (FN) communities is selected in each of the four groups (Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 in Alberta and Nishnawbe-Aski Nation in Ontario). This sample is stratified by three sizes of FN communities (small, medium, large) in terms of number of households with at least one Aboriginal adult. Larger FN communities are sampled at a higher rate than smaller FN communities. In the second stage, a sample of households is selected within each selected community at the first stage. The sampling fraction used in each community at the second stage is selected as to give a self-weighted design for the first two stages. In the third stage, one adult is selected within each selected household at the second stage.

Telephone Component (CATI):
In Ontario, the sample is selected in three stages. In the first stage, a sample of First Nations (FN) communities is selected among the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation communities. This sample is stratified by three sizes of FN communities (small, medium, large) in terms of number of households with at least one Aboriginal adult. Larger FN communities are sampled at a higher rate than smaller FN communities. A Random Digit Dialling (RDD) frame is constructed for the group of communities selected at the first stage. In the second stage, a sample of telephone numbers is selected from the RDD frame within the group of communities selected at the first stage. In the third stage, one adult is selected within each in-scope contacted household associated to telephone numbers selected at the second stage.

In Alberta, the sample is selected in two stages. A Random Digit Dialing (RDD) frame is constructed for each Treaty area. In the first stage, a sample of telephone numbers is selected from the RDD frame within each Treaty area, irrespectively of the communities selected for the field interviews. In the second stage, one adult is selected within each in-scope contacted household associated to telephone numbers selected at the first stage.

Data sources

Data collection for this reference period: 2009-10-05 to 2009-12-23

Responding to this survey is voluntary.

Data are collected directly from survey respondents.

The survey is being conducted using two collection methods: by telephone and through personal visits. For the telephone collection, a computer will randomly generate telephone numbers. Interviews will be conducted out of the Sturgeon Falls, Winnipeg and Edmonton regional offices. As a computer assisted telephone collection methodology is being used, data will be captured at the time of the interview.

The personal interview component will include a listing exercise. Staff hired by Statistics Canada will visit each of the selected communities to list all the houses and put them on a map. A sample of households will then be selected from the lists and these households will be interviewed in person. Interviewers will record respondent answers on a paper questionnaire which will be sent back to Head Office to be scanned.

A communication plan was put in place to contact the Chiefs of the selected First Nations communities prior to the data collection. A brochure and radio scripts were developed for use as communication tools for the survey.

For both collection methods, proxy interviews will be allowed in cases where the respondent will be absent for the complete duration of the survey.

View the Questionnaire(s) and reporting guide(s) .

Disclosure control

Statistics Canada is prohibited by law from releasing any information it collects which could identify any person, business, or organization, unless consent has been given by the respondent or as permitted by the Statistics Act. Various confidentiality rules are applied to all data that are released or published to prevent the publication or disclosure of any information deemed confidential. If necessary, data are suppressed to prevent direct or residual disclosure of identifiable data.

No public use microdata file will be produced by Statistics Canada and data will not be made available through the Data Liberation Initiative (DLI).

Revisions and seasonal adjustment

This methodology does not apply to this survey.