Indigenous communities face numerous challenges that hinder their development and quality of life. Economic disparities persist, with a significant income gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, although a slight improvement was observed in 2005.
44.2 percent of the First Nations people living on-reserve lived in homes or apartments in need of repairs.
Low income
A slight decrease of the income gap in 2005 was made, making the gap go from 27 percent to 25 percent.
there was a 25 percent income gap between the Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous people in 2015
High unemployment
the unemployment rates did not increase between 2006 and 2016
the Indigenous Peoples employment rate has been neglected in Canada throughout history.
excessive incarceration
Nearly half the youth across Canada that have been incarcerated are Indigenous
In federal custody, females accounted for 31 percent of admissions to sentenced custody compared to 23 percent for males.
Federally, Indigenous adults represented 28 percent of custodial admissions.
Indigenous adults were 26 percent of admissions to provincial and territorial correctional services but only 3 percent of the Canadian adult population.
Crowded living conditions
Flooding and other problems have reduced the number of habitable residences in indigenous communities.
Lack of housing means people are forced to live in overcrowded residences and shelters.
Low Levels of education
Very few of the teachers speak Indigenous languages
33.65 percent of Aboriginal people do not have a secondary school certificate
Poor Health
Indigenous children suffer from higher rates of respiratory problems due to their poor living conditions.
Indigenous people suffer disproportionately from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
high rate of suicide
The suicide rates within these communities are exceptionally higher than the national average
The First Nations youth have five to seven times higher suicide rates than the non-Aborigional youth.
high infant and youth mortality
Indigenous children are three to four times more likely to die from accidental injury that non-Aboriginal children of the same age.