National conference to showcase release of first results from third phase of historic First Nations health survey

The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) is pleased to announce a not-to-be-missed two-day conference that will feature the official release of data from the First Nations Regional Health Survey Phase 3, FNIGC’s foundational survey process.

On March 13 & 14, 2018, “20 years of First Nations Data: The Path to RHS Phase 3” will bring FNIGC’s Regional Partners, field workers, First Nations leaders, researchers, academics and guest speakers together in Ottawa for a first-look at the latest data from the landmark First Nations Regional Health Survey (FNRHS, or RHS).

Taking place at the Delta Ottawa City Centre Hotel, the conference will include presentations of regional and national-level data and selected trends from the RHS Phase 3, alongside discussions about the RHS survey development process, the evolution of the RHS over the past 20 years, and the impact the RHS has had in First Nations communities over time.

“The RHS was the first—and is still the only—national health survey created, conducted and carried out by First Nations people for First Nations people, and we want to take this opportunity to help celebrate its social and cultural impact over the past two decades,” says Jonathan Dewar, FNIGC’s Executive Director.

“Further, this third phase of the survey promises to be the most important and exciting, as it will allow us for the first time to look at selected RHS data trends over time.”

Founded in 1997, the RHS is FNIGC’s original survey process. Rooted in Traditional and Western understandings of health and well-being, the survey gathers information in First Nations reserve and Northern communities across Canada.

RHS Phase 3, the latest phase of the survey, began data collection in April 2015 and wrapped up 18 months later finishing with more than 24,000 surveys completed in 253 First Nations communities, or 78 percent of its target number—a record in the history of the survey.

In addition to spotlighting the latest release of data from the RHS, FNIGC’s national conference will also serve as a celebration of the hard-work and dedication of FNIGC and its Regional Partner organizations that have contributed to the success of the milestone First Nations survey over the past two decades. This will culminate in an evening celebration on Tuesday, March 13, featuring food and live music.

FNIGC will also be live-streaming the entire conference on its Facebook Page (Facebook.com/FNIGC) to ensure that as many people as possible can take part.

Come join FNIGC for a healthy debate and help celebrate the continued success of this unique First Nations survey.

Registration is $150 ($50 for students) and includes all meals and refreshments. Space is limited to 150 spots. Registration can be completed online at FNIGC.ca/RHS3Conference.

For more information please contact Lyndsy Gracie at [email protected].