Exploring First Nation Community Well-being in Canada: The Impact of Geographic and Financial Factors

Abstract

First Nation community well-being is examined with a lens on the role of geographic location and financial indicators as potential determinants of well-being. Regression analysis makes use of data from the 2016 Canadian Census and First Nation government financial statements to examine six well-being indices for 446 First Nation communities. The results suggest that geographic location is the most critical factor explaining well-being with more remote and northern communities experiencing relatively lower levels of measures of well-being, with the exception of Indigenous language. Numerous well-being distinctions are also identified among the Canadian provinces and regions. The financial indicators assessing transfer revenue from First Nation entities and Nation-owned business activity are found to be positively associated with community well-being. These insights are valuable to public policy-makers and Indigenous leaders, in Canada and other countries, as they shape policy for the benefit of First Nation people.