The First Nations and Inuit Regional Health Survey (FNIRHS) was conducted in 1997 by Health Canada. This survey collected data from First Nations people living on reserves and Labrador Inuit communities.
- 62% of First Nations and Inuit peoples are smokers.
- The smoking prevalence for First Nations and Inuit peoples is double that of the general Canadian population in many age groups.
Smoking rates are highest among young adults aged 20-24 at 72%. - Smoking rates decreased as education levels increased, but the smoking rate of 53% in the highest education group is still almost double the general Canadian population smoking rate.
- 57% of First Nations and Inuit indicated that smoking occurred in their homes.
- The Canadian Community Health Survey was conducted in 2001 by Health Canada. Aboriginal peoples were surveyed in the Territories or outside of First Nations and Inuit communities.
- 51.4% of Canada's off-reserve Aboriginal peoples are current smokers; almost double that of the general Canadian population.
- The smoking rates of off-reserve Aboriginal peoples is significantly higher than those of the non-Aboriginal population in both urban and rural areas.