INDIGENOUS FUTURES SURVEY
Indian Country’s largest survey created by Native peoples, for Native peoples.
IFS 3.5 IS NOW LIVE
Over the last six months we have seen unprecedented social and political change. As we continue the planned sunset of IllumiNative, our efforts are focused on what has always been the core of our organization: research by and for Native peoples. These critical datasets, available in perpetuity, include this current iteration of the Indigenous Futures Survey.
This anonymous survey aims to capture key insights from Tribal Citizens following the last federal election. Insight summaries will be shared with Tribal Nations and Native communities and organizations to support and inform civic engagement efforts throughout Indian Country.
The survey will remain open until August 24, 2025.
A SURVEY BY NATIVE PEOPLES, FOR NATIVE PEOPLES.
The Indigenous Futures Survey (IFS) is a multi-year Native-led research project designed to illuminate the authentic experiences, systemic challenges, and priority issues of Native peoples today. This year’s survey was developed in partnership with Lake Research Partners.
ABOUT IFS: THE LARGEST RESEARCH PROJECT EVER CONDUCTED IN INDIAN COUNTRY
IFS is the first survey in Indian Country that provides an opportunity for all Native peoples to be a part of shaping our future. The purpose of IFS is to identify the critical issues impacting Indian Country and motivate change through research-informed strategies.
Since it began, IFS has conducted three surveys which have received more than 16,500 responses in total making it the largest study created by Native peoples, for Native peoples. Previous IFS reports and findings have been shared with partners, organizers, Tribes, and communities throughout Indian Country to support them in executing research-informed outreach. We will continue to ensure that Indian Country has access to the important data on our priorities, opinions, and perspectives.
The findings from these surveys have informed policy makers on key issues important to Native peoples, identified the major priorities for Indian Country in the 2022 midterm and 2024 presidential elections, and provided insight into a broad spectrum of issues including civic engagement, identity, and culture.
Download Reports
IFS 3.0: The Power of Native Representation in Entertainment (425 KB)
IFS 3.0: Native Power Benefits Everyone – How Native Communities are Protecting Lands & Waters (486 KB)
IFS 3.0: Gender Equity, Indigenous Identity & Civic Engagement (427 KB)
IFS 3.0: The Power of Native Civic Engagement (497 KB)
IFS 3.0: State Specific Civic Engagement (13.7 MB)
Findings from IFS 2.0 (286 KB)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of the Indigenous Futures Survey (IFS)?
IFS is a multi-year Native-led research project designed to illuminate the experiences, systemic challenges, and priority issues of Native peoples today. The purpose of IFS is to identify the critical issues impacting Indian Country and motivate change through research-informed strategies.
Why am I being asked to take part?
As a Native person in this country, your voice matters. For too long, inaccurate and misrepresented data has informed decisions that impact people and communities throughout Indian Country. This survey is an opportunity for you to take part in building power for Native peoples with your voice, lived experiences, opinions, and world views. Through data, IFS will help propel Indigenous-led priorities as the driving force influencing the future of Indian Country.
What will I be asked to do in this survey?
You will be asked to share your opinions, perspectives, and experiences as a Native person, and to identify priority issues for you and your community. The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete.
What are the benefits to this survey?
IFS is the largest study in Indian Country that is created by Native peoples, for Native peoples. The data collected and the priorities identified through this survey will be used to inform actions at the local, state, Tribal, and federal levels. This survey begins to fill a gap in Native-led and informed research that will influence policies and other tangible actions that impact our communities. The findings from previous surveys have informed policy makers on the key issues that are important to Native people, identified the major priorities for Indian Country in the 2022 midterm and 2024 presidential elections, and provided insight into a broad spectrum of issues including civic engagement, identity, and culture.
Will my answers be kept confidential?
YES! Your responses to survey questions will be kept confidential. Reports will describe average responses, not individual responses.
