First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey

The Union of Nova Scotia Indians, UNSI, is responsible for the administration of the Nova Scotia sector of the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS). Working with all 13 First Nations communities across Nova Scotia, as well as Abeqweit and Lennox Island in Prince Edward Island and Miawpukek in Conne River Newfoundland, the Program Manager coordinates research activities pertinent to the RHS.

Designed by and for First Nations people, the RHS is a First Nations-specific survey that is applicable to on-reserve participants only. The study looks into the determinants of health such as housing, income levels, food security, mental health, family structure, residential schools, community wellness, health care access, injury, smoking, alcohol, drugs, suicide, physical activity, languages, education, water quality, social activities, etc over several cycles (also known as phases).

The RHS was launched in 1997 and became the first national survey to comply with the First Nations principals of OCAP, a stepping stone in First Nations control over research.

The RHS is taking place in ten regions across Canada using a standardized set of questions asked across the country; however, separate from the National survey, there is a Nova Scotia regional survey that asks specific questions pertinent to First Nations in Nova Scotia. The NS regional survey was designed by the NS RHS Advisory Committee, which is comprised of Health Directors and Health Practitioners from several Mi’kmaq Communities throughout Nova Scotia. The purpose of the Nova Scotia regional survey is to reveal NS RHS specific data.

The RHS Program Manager travels to all 16 communities in the region, promoting RHS and providing training to individual fieldworkers. These workers deliver the survey to four groups of on-reserve Mi’kmaq: Elders (ages 55+); Adults (ages 18 - 54); Youth (ages 12 - 17); and Children (ages 0 - 11). The surveys are delivered in the home, or at community or health centres within the community. The survey takes between 20 minutes and 45 minutes to complete depending on age category.

Participants for the survey are chosen randomly through a computer-generated formula. The questions are extensive (see survey sample) and are aimed at taking an accurate snapshot of the health determinants of each region. At the end of this survey phase, 2112 surveys will be completed.

The objective of RHS is for First Nations communities to have complete control over if and how they may use the analyzed data from the survey. Band Councils may choose to use the data to leverage funding for health-specific programming as the survey results will substantiate the need for certain programs within their communities.

The results are anticipated in 2010, when the report will be delivered to individual communities within the Nova Scotia region.

Mindy Denny
RHS Program Manager
Mindy is an accomplished scholar and advocate for First Nations rights.
Mindy attended Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, and graduated with Honours in Aboriginal Studies. She then attended Cape Breton University working towards a degree in Community Studies and Ottawa University for a Bachelor of Arts in Aboriginal Studies.

A Mi'kmaq speaker, Mindy and her three children reside in Eskasoni.