This research proposal consists of three parts. The objective of Part I is to document the response to anti-viral treatment for CHC among treatment-naïve FN and Metis and Caucasian (hereafter referred to as non-FN) patients residing in three urban Western Canadian centres (Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Regina). Demographic, clinical and response to treatment data in a total of 160 patients (80/group) will be collected at the above centres and transferred to the Section of Hepatology at the University of Manitoba for statistical analyses. In Part II, the applicants will document and compare the immune responses to HCV proteins throughout the course of therapy in FN, Metis and non-FN patients. In the final part, direct economic costs of CHC care in FN, Metis and non-FN patients will be ascertained and future costs predicted.