Lesson Three: Reserve Statistics

Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6 Lesson 7 Lesson 8

Teacher Information:

A simple and interesting way to infuse the mathematics curriculum with Aboriginal concepts, ideas, culture, and lifestyles is to use information that pertains to this cultural group. There are many statistics available through the Canadian Census, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, or through the Indian Act.

Provided below are some statistics regarding Aboriginal reserves.

Discuss with students how many Aboriginal communities are reserve communities. Define the term “reserve” as follows:

Parcels of land throughout Canada that were set aside and held in trust for the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada after Confederation. Established in a series of numbered Treaties and held in trust for the Aboriginal population by the government through the Department of Indian Affairs, these parcels of land were integrally connected to official “Indian” status and rights.

Today, many Aboriginal People still live on reserves or regard their reserve as their home, even if they live in an urban setting.

Some basic facts about reserves

• 2,500 reserves in Canada
• 614 Aboriginal bands in Canada, forty-one Bands in Alberta
• 58 percent of the Aboriginal population live on reserves
• Reserves make up less than 1 percent of the land base in Canada
• Many reserves were created through treaties. In Alberta, Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 were signed
• Most reserves are rural and have been home to many families for a number of generations
• Reserves are regarded as home by many Aboriginal People even if they live in the city
• Approximately 386,000 people live on reserves across Canada with 237,000 living off of their reserve. However, these people still consider their reserve their home.
• Reserves vary in size and location. Many reserves have thousands of members, while some have only a few families
• According to the Census, 84,990 Aboriginal People live in Alberta

Main Lesson:

The above information can be used in a variety of equations and analysis for students.

For example:

• Approximately 643, 000 Aboriginal People live on reserves or consider reserves their home across Canada. They represent about 58 percent of the people identified by the Indian Act as Status Indian. How many people identified as Status Indian do NOT live on reserves?
• Of the 641 Aboriginal bands in Canada, forty-one reside in Alberta. What percentage of bands are in Alberta?
• Of the 643,000 Aboriginal people who live on reserves in Canada, 84,990 reside in Alberta. What percentage of people live in Alberta?

You may wish to use the following website for access to more additional statistical information regarding Aboriginal People in Canada.