Introduction: Aboriginal populations in northern Canada are experiencing rapid changes in their environments, which may negatively impact on health status. The purpose of our study was to compare chronic conditions and risk factors in northern Aboriginal populations, including First Nations ( FN ), Inuit and Métis populations, and northern non-Aboriginal populations.

Methods: Data were from the Canadian Community Health Survey for the period from 2005 to 2008. Weighted multiple logistic regression models tested the association between ethnic groups and health outcomes. Model covariates were age, sex, territory of residence, education and income. Odds ratios ( ORs ) are reported and a bootstrap method calculated 95% confidence intervals ( CIs ) and p values.

Results: Odds of having at least one chronic condition was significantly lower for the Inuit ( OR = 0.59; 95% CI : 0.43–0.81) than for non-Aboriginal population, but similar among FN , Métis and non-Aboriginal populations. Prevalence of many risk factors was significantly different for Inuit, FN and Métis populations.

Conclusion: Aboriginal populations in Canada's north have heterogeneous health status. Continued chronic disease and risk factor surveillance will be important to monitor changes over time and to evaluate the impact of public health interventions.