In a groundbreaking effort to better understand the living conditions and experiences of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, the Government of Canada conducted the Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) in 1991, marking a significant milestone in the history of Indigenous data collection.

Prior to the APS, there was a lack of comprehensive and reliable data on the social and economic well-being of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. This data gap made it difficult for governments and organizations to develop effective policies and programs to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

The APS aimed to fill this data gap by providing detailed information on the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The survey covered a wide range of topics, including population size, age distribution, education levels, employment, income, housing conditions, health status, and cultural identity.

The findings of the APS provided valuable insights into the living conditions and experiences of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The survey revealed significant disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians in terms of income, education, employment, and health. It also highlighted the challenges faced by Aboriginal peoples in areas such as housing, language preservation, and access to essential services.

The APS has been a vital tool for researchers, policymakers, and Indigenous communities in understanding the unique needs and circumstances of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The data from the survey has been used to inform policy development, program planning, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of Aboriginal peoples and promoting reconciliation.

Aboriginal Peoples Survey 1991: A Glimpse into the Lives of Canada’s Indigenous Population

The 1991 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) stands as a pivotal moment in Canada’s history, marking a concerted effort to understand the unique circumstances and experiences of its Indigenous population. This comprehensive survey delved into a wide range of aspects, shedding light on critical issues such as demographics, language, culture, education, employment, income, health, and housing.

Understanding the Significance of the 1991 Aboriginal Peoples Survey

This groundbreaking survey marked a watershed moment for several reasons:

A Comprehensive Snapshot of Indigenous Realities

The 1991 APS provided an unprecedented level of detail about the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It captured crucial information on language use, cultural practices, education levels, employment status, income distribution, health indicators, and housing conditions. This comprehensive data painted a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous communities across the country.

A Tool for Policy and Program Development

The APS data became a valuable resource for policymakers and program developers working to address the unique needs of Indigenous peoples. By identifying areas of disparity and underscoring pressing issues, the survey findings informed policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of Indigenous Canadians.

A Foundation for Reconciliation

The survey served as a catalyst for reconciliation efforts between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. The recognition of the distinct realities and perspectives of Indigenous communities fostered a greater understanding and appreciation for their contributions to Canadian society.

Key Findings of the 1991 Aboriginal Peoples Survey

The APS revealed several significant findings that highlighted the distinct realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada:

Population and Geographic Distribution

• The survey estimated a population of 798,375 Indigenous persons in Canada, representing approximately 3% of the total population.
• The majority of Indigenous peoples resided in rural areas (62%), with significant concentrations in the Prairie provinces and the Northwest Territories.

Language and Culture

• Many Indigenous languages were spoken, with 58% of Indigenous people reporting the ability to speak an Indigenous language.
• Traditional cultural practices remained important, particularly among those living in rural areas and those with a strong sense of Indigenous identity.

Education and Employment

• Educational attainment among Indigenous peoples lagged behind the general Canadian population, with lower high school completion rates and lower participation in post-secondary education.
• Unemployment rates were significantly higher for Indigenous peoples compared to non-Indigenous Canadians.

Income and Housing

• Indigenous households had lower incomes than non-Indigenous households, and they were more likely to live in poverty.
• Housing conditions were often substandard, with overcrowding and inadequate facilities common in Indigenous communities.

Health and Well-being

• Indigenous peoples experienced higher rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, and lower life expectancy compared to non-Indigenous Canadians.
• Access to adequate healthcare services was a significant challenge for many Indigenous communities, particularly in remote areas.

Addressing the Challenges Facing Indigenous Peoples

The findings of the 1991 APS brought to light the significant disparities and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. This led to a renewed focus on addressing these issues through a range of initiatives, including:

Improved Education and Employment Opportunities

• Governments and Indigenous communities collaborated to improve educational attainment and increase access to employment opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Enhanced Healthcare Services

• Efforts were made to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved communities.

Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Title

• Significant progress was made in recognizing and affirming Indigenous rights and title, including the negotiation of self-government agreements and land claims settlements.

Conclusion: A Journey towards Reconciliation

The 1991 Aboriginal Peoples Survey marked a pivotal moment in Canada’s journey towards reconciliation with its Indigenous peoples. The survey findings provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities, leading to targeted actions to address disparities and improve their well-being. While significant progress has been made since the survey was conducted, there is still much work to be done to achieve true reconciliation and equity for Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What was the purpose of the 1991 Aboriginal Peoples Survey?

   The 1991 APS aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the demographic, cultural, social, and economic circumstances of Indigenous peoples in Canada, informing policy and program development.

2. What were some of the key findings of the survey?

   The survey revealed disparities in education, employment, income, health, and housing between Indigenous peoples and the general Canadian population, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

3. How did the survey contribute to reconciliation efforts?

   The APS data provided a foundation for dialogue and understanding between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government, contributing to the recognition of Indigenous rights and the pursuit of reconciliation.

4. What are some of the ongoing challenges facing Indigenous peoples in Canada?

   Despite progress, Indigenous peoples continue to face challenges related to education, employment, health, and housing, as well as systemic barriers and discrimination.

5. What can be done to address these challenges?

   Continued efforts are needed to address the root causes of disparities, including investments in education, healthcare, and housing, as well as the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights and self-determination.