The Qanuippitaa? National Inuit Health Survey Program
The Qanuippitaa? National Inuit Health Survey (QNIHS) is the only Inuit-controlled health survey program to include Inuit of all ages and from all communities across the four Inuit regions, including some urban centres. This program collects up-to-date information required by communities, Inuit organizations and decision makers to better understand Inuit health strengths and challenges at the regional and national levels.
The Qanuippitaa? National Inuit Health Survey Working Group (NIHSWG), in partnership with Regional Inuit Health Survey Steering Committees, leads all stages of the QNIHS development and implementation. The NIHSWG has representatives from:
- Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
- Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
- Makivik Corporation
- Nunatsiavut Government
- Government of Nunavut
- Government of the Northwest Territories
- Labrador Grenfell Health
- Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
- Inuit Circumpolar Council – Canada (ex-officio)
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ex-officio)
- National Inuit Youth Council (permanent observer)
- Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada (permanent observer)
What is Inuit-determined, quality health data?
For the purposes of our program, Inuit-determined data are data gathered through indicators and processes that are approved by Inuit organizations and informed by the insights of Inuit in each region.
Quality data are data that are:
- Useful for planning action to support Inuit health and well-being;
- Representative of the health challenges and the health strengths of Inuit, which have ensured Inuit resilience through difficult times;
- Produced through rigorous data collection methods, guided by Inuit knowledge, values, and worldview and the latest health sciences research; and,
- Comparable across time and across regions.
The research methods combine Inuit knowledge and academic research, taking the “best of both worlds” to create a rigorous, Inuit-specific, and ethical approach to health research.
The Qanuippitaa? National Inuit Health Survey (QNIHS) will collect up-to-date information to help program and policy makers at the local, regional and national levels better understand how the health status of Inuit is changing as well as guide Inuit health program development. The focus of the survey is on Inuit Health and the Social Determinants of Health, including housing, food security, mental wellness, health services, safety and security, education, income, livelihoods, and culture and language.
Survey results will cover Inuit health and the social determinants of Inuit health and will be available for use by Inuit first. If approved by Inuit, results will also be shared and used by others, such as government policy makers and academic researchers. Reliable data and results that are owned and directed by Inuit will enhance health programs for Inuit and ultimately improve the health and well-being of Inuit.