Urban Aboriginal People and Education in Western Canada

Abstract

Rural to urban migration is a common worldwide phenomenon in the global process of industrialization and modernization. In Canada, urbanization is increasing with many Aboriginal people from rural First Nation reserves moving to cities to work, live and study. Aboriginal people are a growing part of Canada's population. According to the 2011 Census, the Aboriginal population is over 1.4 million, representing 4.3% of Canada's total population. The Aboriginal baby boom in the 1960s, combined with several other factors, brought about an increase in rural to urban migration. Aboriginal people living off-reserve are generally better educated than their on-reserve counterparts. In many urban schools, the teaching materials used do not include or reflect Aboriginal history, tradition and perceptions, or explain issues. Aboriginal women living off-reserve have more education than Aboriginal men. While China and Canada are both multi-ethnic countries with different socio-political systems and historical and cultural backgrounds, there are similarities in certain features among their Aboriginal and minority conditions.