This infographic highlights challenges that arise in using and collecting data about Indigenous Peoples, for example:

• Data comparability: Data collected may not enable comparison among First Nations, Inuit and Métis or between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, since it is not always collected using the same definitions or time periods, and individuals may self-identify as Indigenous.
• Coordinating data collection and information sharing: Challenges related to coordinating data collection and information sharing between jurisdictions contribute to inconsistent program and service evaluations.
• Participation: Not all Indigenous Peoples and communities participate in data collection.
• Adequate sample sizes: Data collected in small communities and remote areas is difficult to disaggregate while respecting individual privacy.
• Disaggregated data: Disaggregated data is not always available to understand the experiences of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis or diverse groups, such as Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other sexually- and gender-diverse communities (2SLGBTQI+).
• Access to data: Data is scattered across federal departments and owned by the Government of Canada which makes decisions about the use, disposal and sharing of Indigenous data.
• Relevance: Aligning data collection with the needs and priorities of Indigenous Peoples and communities poses challenges.
• Data indicators: Data indicators may not be culturally appropriate or aligned with the world view of Indigenous Peoples and communities. Data may emphasize deficit-based indicators rather than focusing on the strengths of Indigenous Peoples and measuring progress towards desired objectives. Some argue that a focus on deficits perpetuates negative stereotypes.