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Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS)
Overview
Questionnaires
Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) Archives
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Overview
The Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) provides data on the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal people in Canada. It was conducted previously in 1991 and in 2001.
Background
In 2006, information is being collected on Aboriginal people, 6 years of age and older. The survey is holistic in nature and collects information on a wide range of topics focusing on issues such as health, language, employment, income, schooling, housing and mobility. The survey also collects data that cannot be found elsewhere and may help answer a wide variety of questions about issues such as community planning, program development and health care priorities.
The survey was designed and implemented in partnership with national Aboriginal organizations.
Target population
The survey collects information on First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, 6 years of age and older, living in Canada. The Aboriginal Children’s Survey is a separate survey collecting information for children under the age of six.
A sample of about 60,000 people was selected from the 2006 Census.
Data collection
Data collection is taking place between October 2006 and February 2007. Interviews are conducted in person in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories (except for Yellowknife) and in remote areas. Elsewhere across Canada interviews are conducted over the telephone. A paper questionnaire is used to record the responses for both the telephone and the in-person interviews.
Survey development and content
The survey was developed by Statistics Canada and an Implementation Committee (IC), consisting of members from various national Aboriginal organizations. This committee was established to provide guidance on the development of the survey.
The 2006 APS uses the 2001 questionnaire as a base. For children and youth aged 6 to 14, data on health and health care utilization, activities of daily living and medical conditions, physical injuries, dental care, nutrition, education, social activities and relationships, language and general information about the household are being collected.
For adults aged 15 and over, data on education, language, labour activity, health, communication technology, mobility and housing are being collected for all Aboriginal groups across Canada. Additional data are being collected for Inuit on household and harvesting activities, personal wellness, community wellness and social participation. For the Métis, data on family background, child welfare, social interaction and health are also being collected.
Questionnaires
If you would like to obtain a copy of the questionnaires for reference only, please click on the following links:
- Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2006 (Children and Youth - ages 6 to 14)
- Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2006 and Arctic Supplement (Adults - aged 15 and over)
- Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2006 and Métis Supplement (Adults - aged 15 and over)
Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) Archives
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the Aboriginal Peoples Survey?
Why is it important?
How was the survey developed?
How many people will be surveyed?
How were people chosen to participate? Where did this information come from?
Is Census information confidential?
Who will be asked to respond?
Where will the survey be conducted?
Are you surveying on reserves?
If a person has participated in a Statistics Canada survey already, how are they selected for another one?
Are the data confidential?
When will the survey take place?
When will the results be available?
Who will use the data?
Is participation optional?
Are Aboriginal people involved in the survey process?
Where can I find out more information about the Aboriginal Peoples Survey?
What is the Aboriginal Peoples Survey?
This is a national survey of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and will provide valuable data on the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Why is it important?
Data from the survey will provide information specific to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and can be used to:
- provide a picture of the current situation
- honour and acknowledge cultural values and diversity
- raise awareness of strengths and challenges
- track changes over time
- allow good policy decision-making regarding services for people
- assist in advocating for resources.
How was the survey developed?
The survey was developed by Statistics Canada in partnership with national Aboriginal organizations and federal and provincial/territorial governments.
How many people will be surveyed?
About 60,000 people will be interviewed across Canada.
How were people chosen to participate? Where did this information come from?
A list of people was obtained from the 2006 Census and people were selected from that list.
Is Census information confidential?
Census information is confidential.
The Census form indicated that Census information may be used to select respondents for some Statistics Canada surveys. The Aboriginal Peoples Survey is one of these surveys.
Using names from the Census enables us to identify respondents who might otherwise be difficult to locate. By doing this, the costs involved are greatly reduced.
Who will be asked to respond?
Parents or guardians will be asked questions about their children aged 6 to 14. Children 15 to 17 years of age will respond to questions with the parent’s permission. Adults 18 years of age and over will be asked to respond to questions about themselves.
Where will the survey be conducted?
Information will be collected about Aboriginal peoples living off reserve in urban, rural and remote locations throughout Canada.
Are you surveying on reserves?
Statistics Canada plans to conduct the survey on reserves at a later time and is currently having discussions with First Nations leadership to determine the process.
If a person has participated in a Statistics Canada survey already, how are they selected for another one?
This can happen because survey participants are randomly selected. Sometimes the characteristics we seek from one survey to another may overlap.
Each survey has its own distinct objectives and the different information collected help in good decision-making on various programs and services.
Are the data confidential?
Statistics Canada recognizes the trust that you place in us to protect your data. That is why the Agency follows strict rules to ensure the confidentiality of your information.
Under the Statistics Act, employees must take an oath of secrecy. Only employees who need to work with the data files have access to them. When survey data are released your answers are combined with those of other participants. No information is ever released that could identify you or your family.
When will the survey take place?
Information will be collected from October 2006 until February 2007.
When will the results be available?
Survey data will be available in the fall of 2008.
Who will use the data?
The information will be used by Aboriginal communities, organizations, service providers, researchers, the general public, and governments.
Is participation optional?
This is a voluntary survey and your participation is important to make sure the data provide a useful and accurate picture of the current situation of Aboriginal peoples.
Are Aboriginal people involved in the survey process?
Aboriginal people are involved in all aspects of the survey. For example:
- Aboriginal people have been involved in developing the content of the questionnaire.
- A representative from each of the five national Aboriginal organizations is part of the survey’s Implementation Committee. This committee has been involved in all aspects of the survey including content, publicity, types of output, and dissemination of results to Aboriginal communities and groups.
- Aboriginal people have been hired and trained as interviewers and in other survey-related positions.
Where can I find out more information about the Aboriginal Peoples Survey?
For more information about the Aboriginal Peoples Survey, contact Statistics Canada by email at sasd-dssea@statcan.gc.ca or call 1 (800) 263-1136
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