First Peoples Lost: Determining the State of Status First Nations Mortality in Canada Using Administrative Data

Abstract

We present the most comprehensive set of estimates to date for Status First Nations mortality in Canada. We use administrative data from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada to establish a set of stylized facts regarding Status First Nations mortality rates from 1974 to 2013. Between 2010 to 2013, the mortality rates of Status First Nations men and boys are highest in nearly all age groups considered with the exception of Status girls between the ages of 10 to 14. On reserve, Status boys between the ages of 15 to 19 have mortality rates nearly four times that in the general population, while Status girls between the ages of 15 to 19 have mortality rates five times that in the general population. We demonstrate substantial regional variation in mortality rates which are correlated with economic factors. We document that there has been no improvement in mortality among Status women and girls living on-reserve in the last 30 years and relative mortality rates for all Status people on-reserve has not changed in 40 years. Mortality rates may be worsening among some age groups. JEL Classification: J15,J16,I15,I14