A new survey has revealed that Indigenous communities across Canada are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events and natural disasters, with a significant number of First Nations people, Métis, and Inuit reporting disruptions to their daily lives. As the climate changes, communities may face even bigger risks, mainly due to their geographic location and limited access to emergency resources.
The data, collected between November and December 2024, provides valuable insight into the emergency preparedness and extreme weather experiences of Indigenous peoples. The survey’s goal is to improve the representation of these groups in national statistics and to address key gaps in data regarding their exposure to climate-related challenges.
The survey found that nearly 8 in 10 Indigenous people living off reserve, Métis, and Inuit have experienced an extreme weather event that caused significant disruptions to their daily lives.
In particular, winter storms were identified as the most concerning event. About 36% of First Nations people living off reserve, 33% of Métis, and 45% of Inuit expressed significant concern about winter storms affecting them or their households.
Despite the concerns, the survey also revealed that only a small percentage of respondents felt well-prepared for such events. Approximately 18% of First Nations people, 21% of Métis, and 17% of Inuit reported being “very prepared” for extreme weather.
While more than half of the respondents in each group had an emergency exit plan, the survey found that fewer than half had reviewed or practiced these plans in the past year. This suggests that while emergency preparedness plans exist, many communities may not be fully ready to act in the event of a crisis.
The survey also asked about the items people kept in their homes or vehicles for emergencies. Most respondents reported having basic items such as emergency lights, non-perishable food, and first aid kits.
Winter storms and extreme cold were the most common events that caused long-term disruptions. First Nations people living off reserve, Métis, and Inuit reported major impacts like power outages, blocked roads, and difficulties purchasing supplies.
The long-term effects were also significant. Many respondents reported needing major home repairs due to damage from extreme weather. Additionally, some Métis and Inuit lost contact with family members. Inuit communities, in particular, noted the challenges caused by the inability to hunt, fish, or gather food due to disrupted ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Indigenous communities reported relatively high levels of confidence in public services’ ability to respond to emergencies. Fire services received strong ratings, with 75% of First Nations people, 80% of Métis, and 74% of Inuit expressing high confidence in fire departments’ responses to weather-related emergencies.
About half of First Nations people and Métis expressed confidence in emergency medical services, while confidence in the military and police ranged between 40% and 45%.
The survey also highlighted the gaps in insurance coverage, especially among renters. While homeowners were more likely to have insurance for extreme weather events, nearly half of Indigenous renters reported not having coverage for personal property. 72 percent of the renters in northern regions lack insurance.