Appendix B
Demographic Trends
All statistics are based upon 1996 Canada Census unless otherwise indicated. (Note: A number of First Nations in Alberta chose not to be enumerated in the 1996 Canada Census.)
Growth of the Aboriginal Population. Across Canada recent estimates suggest that the Aboriginal population is growing at an average annual rate of about 2%, more than twice the rate of the rest of the Canadian population. Studies undertaken for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples have forecasted Alberta to be tied with Ontario in having the largest Aboriginal population of any province or territory by the year 2016. First Nation, Métis and Inuit people currently represent approximately 6% of Alberta's total population.
Large Aboriginal Youth Population. In 1996, almost half (46%) of Aboriginal people in Alberta were under 20 years of age, compared with 29% of the province's overall population.
Mobility of the Aboriginal Population. During 1991 to 1996, about 75% of Aboriginal people in Alberta reported having moved their place of residence, compared to 53% of those individuals who did not report Aboriginal ancestry on the Census.
Urban Population. Approximately one half of Alberta's First Nation, Métis and Inuit population reside in urban centers. Edmonton and Calgary account for one third of Alberta's Aboriginal population.
High School Graduation. The high school graduation rate for First Nation, Métis and Inuit learners remains 15% less than those individuals who did not report Aboriginal ancestry on the Census.
Post-Secondary Graduation. About 4% of First Nation, Métis and Inuit learners complete university compared to about 14% of individuals who did not report Aboriginal ancestry on the Census.
Income Levels. About 41% of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people reported income less than $20,000 compared to about 22% for other Albertans. About 34% reported no employment income compared to 26% for those individuals who did not report Aboriginal ancestry on the Census.
High Percentage of Single Parent Families in Urban Centers. In Calgary and Edmonton in 1996, a lone parent led 40% to 50% of First Nation, Métis or Inuit families with children under 14 years compared to 14% to 17% for families who did not report Aboriginal ancestry on the Census.
Institutionalization. In 1998, Aboriginal youth accounted for about 37% of the total child welfare caseload in Alberta (Alberta Family and Social Services). The Aboriginal incarceration rate in provincial correctional institutions was reported as 39% of all sentenced admissions in 1996/1997 (Alberta Justice).
Health Issues. According to the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, over 30% of Aboriginal persons have disabilities that may limit both their physical wellness and their ability to participate fully in economic activities. Across Canada the incidence of disability among Aboriginal youth was about 1.7 times higher than among youth who did not report Aboriginal ancestry on the Census.
