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National Aboriginal Day... by the numbers
2012
The first day of summer—June 21—also marks National Aboriginal Day, a day of celebration for the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada.
Aboriginal Peoples of Canada include North American Indian (referred to as First Nations people), Métis and Inuit. These three groups are recognized by the Constitution and each has its own distinct history, culture and traditions.
Here are some selected facts on Aboriginal Peoples.
To learn more about National Aboriginal Day, see the page National Aboriginal Day History on the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada website.
Upcoming
The 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey is a survey dedicated to obtaining information about the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of Aboriginal populations in Canada. The survey is currently underway, with results scheduled for release in 2013.
National Household Survey data on Aboriginal Peoples will be released on May 8, 2013.
A fast-growing population
The growth of the Aboriginal population can be attributed to demographic factors such as higher birth rates, and the fact that more individuals are identifying themselves as an Aboriginal person.
45% — The percentage increase in the Aboriginal population between 1996 and 2006. This rate of increase is nearly six times faster than the 8% rate of increase for the non-Aboriginal population.
389,785 — The number of Métis in Canada in 2006.
698,025 — The number of First Nations people in Canada in 2006.
50,485 — The number of Inuit in Canada in 2006.
Source: 2006 Census, Aboriginal peoples data.
Aboriginal population projections*
Between 1.7 million and 2.2 million — The projected number of Aboriginal identity people in Canada in 2031, up from 1.2 million in 2006.
Between 1.1% and 2.2% – The projected average annual growth rate of the Aboriginal identity population in Canada from 2006 to 2031. This compares with a projected annual growth rate of 1.0% for the non-Aboriginal population in Canada.
Between 4.0% and 5.3% – The projected percentage of the Canadian population with an Aboriginal identity in 2031, up from 3.9% in 2006.
*Source: The above population projections are based on scenarios developed for “Population Projections by Aboriginal Identity in Canada, 2006 to 2031,” published on December 7, 2011.
Search for more data and analyses on Canada’s Aboriginal populations by using the keyword Aboriginal in Statistics Canada’s search module, or look up various topics in Statistics by subject, under Aboriginal peoples.
For more information about this page or for help finding more data, contact Media Relations.
See previous features on this and on other subjects in Previous By the numbers.
