Developing methodologies for First Nations community surveys: Considerations for the external researcher

Indigenous communities require good data for the advancement of self-determination, planning and development. Unfortunately, there is a lack of disaggregated data available for Indigenous peoples in Canada, especially at the community level. First Nations community surveys provide a tool to address this data gap by collecting culturally relevant community-specific data. However, although survey research methods are well documented in the literature, there is little information specific to survey methods in the Indigenous context. This research provides considerations and guidelines for methodologies specific to First Nations community surveys based on four case studies and a literature review of the general survey research methods. Findings illustrate that the survey guidelines from the literature cannot be applied directly to First Nations community surveys without modification. Recommended modifications include community involvement and modifying methods to incorporate and reflect the specific characteristics and interests of the First Nations community.