Chief Atleo says 2011 census data underscores need to invest in potential of First Nations

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo said the data from the 2011 National Household Survey underscores the importance of investing in the potential and opportunity of First Nations in Canada. “The results… further highlight the importance of First Nations as one of the fastest growing and youngest population, and as drivers of and partners to economic development,” said Atleo. The survey reveals that the First Nation population continues to grow at a much higher rate than the non-Aboriginal population at about 23 per cent compared to 5.2 per cent. The survey further outlines that the First Nation population is much younger than the non-Aboriginal population with a median age of only 26. There is alarming news, however, with the survey reporting that Aboriginal children represent almost half of all children under 14 years of age in foster care.