First Nations Statistics
A relatively recent document providing some excellent statistical reference material on First Nations.
Here is some of the more interesting information:
– In Canada, 1,172,785 persons identify as Aboriginal, and 698,025 identify as First
Nations.
– Aboriginal youth are the fastest growing demographic. The First Nations population
grew 3.5 times faster than the non-Aboriginal population in 2006.
– Approximately 30% of the First Nations adult population is less than 30 years of age
while 13% are 60 years of age and older.
– There are 633 First Nation communities across Canada with 11 language families and
over 60 language dialects that tend to be specific to local communities.
– Approximately 88% of First Nations schools offer some type of Indigenous language
programming. 17% offer full Indigenous language immersion programming.
– Approximately 91% of First Nations schools offer some type of periodic cultural
activities, while 57% offer regular and on-going cultural programming.
– Approximately 92% of First Nations schools partially integrate cultural teachings into
the curriculum, while 26% of schools have cultural teachings fully integrated into
the curriculum.
I believe the numbers are important in understanding First Nations. Aboriginal youth is the fastest growing demographic in Canada. In the future, this could mean that the percentage of Aboriginals as a part of Canadian population will increase dramatically, particularly due to the higher birth rate for aboriginals.
Also, the high percentage of schools that integrate cultural teachings. I believe this is directly correlated to the high percentage of aboriginal youth that feel a strong connection to their culture and their want to protect their culture for future generations.