The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples: Indians (more commonly referred to as First Nations), Inuit and Métis. These are three distinct peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
More than 1.67 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, according to the 2016 Census. Aboriginal peoples are:
Canada's Indigenous populations, whether living in rural communities or in urban centers are at significantly higher risk of developing chronic disease than non-Indigenous Canadians. The gap in the health status of Canada's Indigenous people is a matter of ongoing concern for HealthPartners and our 16 trusted health charities, and we have worked to recognize and understand the unique social determinants for Indigenous peoples associated with their cultures, histories and colonization, and the current social, economic, political context.
More than 1.67 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, according to the 2016 Census. Aboriginal peoples are:
- the fastest growing population in Canada – grew by 42.5% between 2006 and 2016
- the youngest population in Canada – about 44% were under the age of 25 in 2016
Canada's Indigenous populations, whether living in rural communities or in urban centers are at significantly higher risk of developing chronic disease than non-Indigenous Canadians. The gap in the health status of Canada's Indigenous people is a matter of ongoing concern for HealthPartners and our 16 trusted health charities, and we have worked to recognize and understand the unique social determinants for Indigenous peoples associated with their cultures, histories and colonization, and the current social, economic, political context.