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Urbanization and Migration Patterns of Aboriginal Populations in Canada: A Half Century in Review (1951 to 2006)

By Mary Jane Norris and Stewart Clatworthy Based on paper prepared with the support of the Office of the Federal Interlocutor Presented at: Reframing the Issues: Emerging Questions for Métis, non-status and urban Aboriginal Policy Research Hosted by: CFHSS; Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta; and, the Office of the Federal Interlocutor (OFI) for Métis and Non-Status Indians in conjunction with: The 79th Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

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Urbanization and Migration Patterns of Aboriginal Populations in Canada, 1951 to 2006: Discussion

• Overview of urbanization and migration: population and migration data from the

census for twelve major urban areas, selected censuses - 1951 to 2006

• Three key areas:
• Long-term patterns and trends in growth of Aboriginal populations in urban areas;
• Role of migration as a factor in the urbanization of Aboriginal populations; and,
• Components of recent growth of Aboriginal populations in urban areas.
• Preliminary typology of Aboriginal populations in urban areas based on:
• population size, long-term populations trends and components of growth
• Implications of long-term patterns and components of population growth for:
• characteristics, trends, needs, services of Aboriginal populations in different cities
• Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS), operating in thirteen key urban centres:

this study includes nine of the thirteen “UAS cities”

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Urbanization of Aboriginal Populations in Canada: A Half Century of Trends - Significant growth after 1951

• In 1951, Census indicated that few Aboriginal people resided in urban areas,

numbering only in the hundreds in most cities

• Between 1951 and 1961, Census reflected increases in Indian urban population
• f over 50%

“Census figures reveal that growth in the Indian urban population is substantial. …Indians are entering urban areas at an unprecedented rate.” (Nagler, 1973)

• By 1971 the numbers of Aboriginal people living in urban areas increased

significantly: "The 1971 Census indicated that there were 1,000 or more Indians in twelve urban centres in Canada. In seven of these cities there were more than 2,000 Indian residents." (Stanbury, 1974 based on Statistics Canada, Perspective)

• The share of Registered Indians living off reserve increased significantly over the

1960s, from 17% in 1959 to 28% by 1972

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Urbanization of Aboriginal Populations in Canada:

Exceptional and Rapid Growth observed over the decades

• Growth in Aboriginal populations in urban areas continued over the 1970s and 1980s,

and in the following decades, numbers increased significantly, especially for some prairie cities “By 1991, several prairie cities had very substantial populations of Aboriginal people, and it is likely that for many cities, the absolute increase between 1981 and 1991 was greater than the increase between 1971 and 1981.” (Peters, 2000)

• Aboriginal populations experienced dramatic growth in their numbers from

1981 on as highlighted in “Aboriginal Conditions in Census Metropolitan Areas, 1981-2001”

“The Aboriginal population in these cites has grown dramatically over the 20-year

• period. .. The Aboriginal population in the selected CMAs more than doubled in 20

years and in some cities quadrupled, such as in Saskatoon.” (Siggner and Costa, 2005)

• Between 1986 and 1991, the Aboriginal identity population experienced

exceptional growth overall, most notably in urban areas

“The overall exceptional growth of Aboriginal identity populations during the period 1986-91 occurred off Indian reserves, especially in urban areas: 6.6 and 9.4 percent per year respectively in rural and urban areas.” (Guimond, 2003)

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Urbanization of Aboriginal Populations in Canada, 1951 to 2006 Censuses

Selected Census years Aboriginal populations: census definitions, Aboriginal Identity -1996 on Census geography: urban areas; census metropolitan areas (CMAs) Limitations: coverage, comparability across Censuses Does not address “Urbanization” of areas with existing Aboriginal

populations

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Percentage of Total Aboriginal Population Residing in All Urban Areas, 1961 to 2006

6.6 15.9 24.0 27.7 28.7 31.2 12.9 30.7 40 49.4 50.6 53.2

10 20 30 40 50 60

1951 1961 1971 1981 1996 2001 2006

CMAs Total Urban Areas

From 1961 to 2006, the proportion of the Aboriginal population residing in urban areas has increased steadily, from just 13% to 53%; as well, increases in proportion residing in large metropolitan areas (CMAs) from 7% to 31%.

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Percentage of Aboriginal Populations in Urban Areas, for Selected Census Years, 1961 to 2006:

75 78 80 81 75 69 65 40 53 41 31 23 70 73 73 68 66 60 52 59 61 13 31 49 51 46 45 50 42 34 40 40 40 35 39 39 26 27 20 37 7 16 24 28 29 22 22 18 5 6 7 8

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

1951 1961 1971 1981 1996 2001 2006

Non-Aboriginal:Total Urban Non-status Indian: Total Urban Metis: Total Urban Non-Aboriginal: CMAs Aboriginal: Total Urban Non-status Indian: CMAs

• Reg. Indian: Total Urban

Metis: CMAs Inuit: Total Urban Aboriginal: CMAs

• Reg. Indian: CMAs

Inuit: CMAs

Aboriginal groups differ in their trends and degrees of urbanization although all have experienced increasing urbanization

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Twelve Canadian Cities / CMAs with Significant Aboriginal Identity Populations in 2006

8,890 9,970 10,055 17,105 17,865 20,590 21,535 26,575 26,575 40,310 52,100 68,385

10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000

Hamilton Sudbury Thunder Bay Regina Montreal Ottawa-Gatineau Saskatoon Toronto Calgary Vancouver Edmonton Winnipeg

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Total Aboriginal Population of Twelve Selected Cities and Census Metropolitan Areas, Canada, 1951 to 2006

3,068 6,594 45,850 106,440 96,920 209,765 259,155 319,955 70,386 28,035

50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000

1951 1961 1971 1981 1981 1996 2001 2006

Total of City Aboriginal Populations, 1951to 1981 Total of CMA Populations, 1971 to 2006

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

These cities account for vast majority of Aboriginal residents in large urban areas. The proportion of the Aboriginal population residing in these twelve urban areas (Cities / CMAs) has increased steadily over the past fifty-five years, from just 2% in 1951 to 27% by 2006.

Adjusted Adjusted

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Canada’s urban areas vary significantly across regions in the growth of their Aboriginal populations over the past 50 years

In reference to the twenty years up to 1981: “The past two decades have witnessed the movement of increasing numbers of native persons from rural areas and reservations to urban centres. Although this phenomenon has occurred in all regions of Canada, it has been especially pronounced in Canada’s western provinces and has led to the very rapid growth of native populations in major prairie cities….” (Clatworthy, 1981, from Sharzer, p. 556)

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Aboriginal Population Counts, 1951 to 2006, in CMAs with an Aboriginal Identity Population of at Least 40,000 in 2006

210 616 239

1,082 995 530

3,000 16,095 6,285 6,420 5,205 7,325 16,245 13,795 16,190 16,080 15,380

68,385 52,100 40,310

4,260 4,940 11,995 13,430

45,755 31,140 32,825 55,760 36,860 40,930

10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000 80000 Winnipeg: City / CMA Edmonton: City / CMA Vancouver: City / CMA 1951 City 1961 City 1971 City 1981 City 1971 CMA 1981 CMA 1981 CMA Adjusted 1996 CMA 2001 CMA 2006 CMA

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Urban Aboriginal population growth over the past half century: occurred at varying rates among different cities

For example, while Montreal and Regina have Aboriginal populations of similar size, of about 17 to 18 thousand, in 2006, their long-term patterns and trends in growth rates tend to differ:

Over the 1981-96 period Regina saw sharp increases in

its numbers of Aboriginal residents, at 104%, compared to 27% for Montreal;

Whereas over the most recent 2001-2006 period the

population reporting an Aboriginal identity in Montreal increased by 60%, from 11,085 to 17,865,while the Aboriginal identity population in Regina increased by 9% from 15,685 to 17,105.

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Migration as a Factor in the Urbanization

• f Aboriginal Populations

To what extent has migration contributed to the rapid increase in the Aboriginal population living in large urban areas?

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Trends in Registered Indian Average Annual Net Migration Rates by Location, Canada, 1966-71 to 2001-2006

Recent 2006 Registered Indian net migration patterns for reserves are generally consistent with longer-term trends, such that:

Reserves continued to gain population through migration as since 1966. Rural areas and small urban centres continue to post net outflows of migrants. Major urban areas have experienced more recently relatively smaller impacts

• f migration; especially in

contrast with the larger net inflow to cities observed

• ver the 1966-1971 period.
• 6
• 5
• 4
• 3
• 2
• 1

1 2 3

Rate (per 100)

Reserves Rural Urban non- CMAs Urban CMAs 1966-1971 1976-1981 1981-1986 1986-1991 1991-1996 1996-2001 2001-2006

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Migration as Component of Growth over period of Aboriginal Urbanization: Major factor at beginning, but declining thereafter

At beginning of urbanization, migration significant component of urban growth

Over the 1961–71 period, migration possibly accounting for about a quarter

• f growth of Registered Indian population in large urban areas

“Clearly, the vast increases in the urban Indian population cannot be attributed to any other factor than migration from reserve areas.” (Nagler,

1973)

Migration not a major factor over later periods, with large urban areas experiencing either small net inflows or net out-flows of migrants*

Net in-migration of Aboriginal migrants to large urban CMA areas accounted

for just 7% and 4% of the growth of Aboriginal populations in urban CMAs over the 1986-1991 and 2001-2006 periods respectively, and;

Net out-migration, losses of Aboriginal migrants from urban areas overall

during 1986-1991 & 1991-1996 periods, even though large increases in urban populations

*(Guimond, 2003 a and b; Norris and Clatworthy 2003; Clatworthy and Norris, forthcoming)

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Indirect Contribution of Migration to Aboriginal Urbanization through Natural Increase

Even though direct effects of net migration may be small, the impact of migration on age-gender composition of urban population could affect growth in urban areas through natural increase (births minus deaths):

The inflow to cities of young adult Aboriginal migrants of child- bearing ages could contribute to growth in urban areas through natural increase

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Components of Aboriginal Population Growth in Urban Areas

Migration, Natural Increase, Legislative changes (Indian Act), Ethnic Mobility …

Ethnic mobility (i.e. changes in self-reporting of identity over censuses) has been identified as the most important factor in explaining the relatively recent dramatic growth of Aboriginal populations in urban areas… not the migration from reserves to cities. Census-based demographic research demonstrates the extent of ethnic mobility among Aboriginal populations overall, especially in urban areas, as highlighted in Guimond et al. “Aboriginal Populations in Canadian Cities: Why are They Growing so Fast?”:

“Estimates produced for the 1986-2001 period show that nearly 42,000

Indians living off-reserve in 2001 did not self-report as Indian in 1986, or one

• ff–reserve Indian in eight (13%), and over 101,000 Métis in 2001 did not

report as Métis in 1986, which amounts to four Métis in ten enumerated in 2001 (Guimond 2009). Moreover analysis reveals that over 90% of ethnic transfers took place in urban areas.”

(Guimond, Robitaille and Senécal, 2009, pp. 15-16)

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Ethnic Mobility, Natural Increase & Migration Share (%) of Aboriginal Population Growth*, Selected Major CMAs, 1996 -2001

46.6 30.1 22.8 25.1 54.4 23.6 80 14.8 20.4 62.6 31.6 5.6

• 14.2

9.9

• 28.3
• 31.7
• 5.8

24.8 11.8 47.8 58.1 61.7 35.6 51.7 78.9 85.4 56.6 6.3 13.2 11.8 12.6 91.4 104.7

• 40
• 20

20 40 60 80 100 120

Winnipeg Edmonton Vancouver Calgary Saskatoon Toronto Regina Ottawa-Hull Montreal Thunder Bay Hamilton

• Est. Natural Increase

Net Migration

• Est. Ethnic Mobility
• For most cities migration tends not to be the major

contributor to growth

• Cities vary in significance of ethnic mobility to growth
• For some cities natural increase also important factor

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010 *Note: Estimates take into account growth due to differential net under coverage (not shown).

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Typology of Aboriginal Population Growth Patterns and Components in Urban Areas

Not only has Aboriginal population growth among different urban areas occurred at varying rates, growth among these urban areas has also resulted from different processes or components.

Suggests that Aboriginal populations can differ significantly across urban areas with respect to their:

Long-term patterns and components of growth; Size and age-gender composition; Generations of urban residents; Aboriginal Group composition (First Nations, Métis, Inuit); and, Socio-economic composition M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Typology of Long-term (1951 to 2006) Patterns and Recent (1996-2001) Components of Aboriginal Identity Population Growth for Selected Major Urban Centres (CMAs)

Long-term growth Patterns, over 1951- 2006 period Current (1996-2001) Components of Population Growth Aboriginal Population, 2006 CMAs with pattern & component characteristics Rapid growth at beginning; differentials between past & recent growth; significant increases in absolute numbers over 1981-96 Natural increase is a major component, accounts for at least practically half of growth in prairie cities At Least 40,000 Winnipeg Between 20,000 and 30,000 Saskatoon Between 8,000 and less than 20,000 Regina Generally highest growth at beginning; some cities differentials

• ver time, and ‘81-’96

increases less pronounced; recent high growth Both natural increase and net in-migration contributors to growth At Least 40,000 Edmonton Between 20,000 and 30,000 Calgary, Ottawa-Hull/Gatineau Between 8,000 and less than 20,000 Thunder Bay, Hamilton Ongoing and continued growth – some cities with recent high growth Ethnic mobility accounts for at least 80% of growth; negative net migration (net outflow of migrants) At Least 40,000 Vancouver Between 20,000 and 30,000 Toronto Between 8,000 and less than 20,000 Montreal

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Implications of long-term growth patterns, components and size of Aboriginal populations in major urban areas

Cities with long established and large Aboriginal populations reflecting significant past growth, like Winnipeg, perhaps more likely to have:

• Third, fourth successive generations of urban residents: born & raised in city
• Urban Aboriginal community/neighbourhood organizations, services, infrastructure
• Reduced migration to /from reserves as urban Aboriginal communities develop
• Programming requirements for older, as well as younger, generations

Urban areas experiencing more recent growth and gains of Aboriginal populations through migration perhaps more likely to have:

• Newcomers from non-urban Aboriginal communities (Reserves; settlements)
• Requirements for infrastructure, service delivery, housing
• Ongoing migration to / from communities of origin

In case of smaller (non-CMA) cities - continued long-term net out-migration may reflect less availability for new infrastructure, services, organizational capacity

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Implications of components of growth for Aboriginal populations in major urban areas

Migration: apart from direct impact of net gain or loss of migrants:

Indirect effects on urban population growth through natural increase due to impact on age-

gender composition from influx of youth, young adult migrants

Effects of “Churn” high rates in / out migration and residential mobility Implications needs / services of young families (e.g. housing, health, education)

Ethnic mobility: factors/consequences for population growth and composition:

Regional variations in Aboriginal origin /identity populations; cultural, historical, political Earlier generations of migrants to cities indicating their Aboriginal identity at a later time (e.g.

1986 to 2001)

Could shape demographic and socio-economic composition and trends of Aboriginal

populations in different cities - implications for interpretation:

“High rates of change in ethnic affiliation can affect not only the size of a population but also its composition, particularly if the socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. educational attainment, employment earnings, family size) of the pool of ethnic drifters are markedly different from those of the base population”. (Guimond, Robitaille and Senécal, 2009)

First Nation, Inuit, Métis composition of different urban populations

Variations in composition, levels and trends of urbanization outcomes of different processes of

growth (e.g.reinstatements - 1985 legislative changes to Indian Act)

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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Conclusion and considerations

Patterns and trends of Aboriginal urbanization and migration over past 50 years still hold considerable relevance for the characteristics and state of Aboriginal populations in urban areas today, including UAS cities For cities across Canada this analysis suggests not only has urban Aboriginal population growth occurred at varying rates among different urban areas, but that growth among these urban areas has also resulted from different processes Typology of urban Aboriginal populations: Identifies different patterns and processes shaping growth across different cities Could serve to help better interpret /understand effects of various components (e.g. ethnic mobility) on Aboriginal populations in different cities in relation to:

composition and trends in socio-economic and demographic characteristics;

implications for needs and services of Aboriginal populations

Could be extended to incorporate other dimensions:

age-gender structure, generations of urban residents; Aboriginal group (First Nation,

Métis, Inuit) composition; socio-economic characteristics and trends

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, June, 2010

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References

• Clatworthy, Stewart. 1981 “Patterns of Native Employment in the Winnipeg Labour Market”,

Technical Study prepared for the Task Force on Labour Market Development. Ottawa.

• Clatworthy, S.J. 1994 The Migration and Mobility Patterns of Canada’s Aboriginal Populations,

INAC.

• Clatworthy, S.J. and M.J. Norris, 2007. Aboriginal Mobility and Migration in Canada: Trends, Recent

Patterns and Implications, 1971 to 2001 in Aboriginal Policy Research: Moving Forward, Making a Difference, Volume IV, (editors: J.P. White, S. Wingert, D. Beavon, and P. Maxim), Toronto, Thompson.

• Clatworthy, S.J. and M.J. Norris, forthcoming. Aboriginal Mobility and Migration in Canada: Trends,

Recent Patterns and Implications, 1971 to 2006 in Aboriginal Population in Transition: Social Demographic Dimensions, (editors: Frank Trovato and Anatole Romaniuc), University of Toronto Press.

• Guimond, E. 2003, a. “Fuzzy Definitions and Population Explosion: Changing Identities of Aboriginal

Groups in Canada” in Not Strangers in These Parts: Urban Aboriginal Peoples, (ed. David Newhouse and Evelyn Peters) Policy Research Initiative, Ottawa, Guimond, 2009 (Canadian Issues);

• Guimond, E. 2003, b. “Changing Ethnicity: The Concept of Ethnic Drifters in Aboriginal Conditions:

Research as a Foundation for Public Policy, (ed. J. White, P. Maxim, D. Beavon), Vancouver, UBC Press.

• Guimond, E. 2009. “Aboriginal People in Canadian Cities: Why are They Growing so Fast?” in

Canadian Issues, Winter 2009, Canadian Heritage.

• Nagler, Mark, 1973 “Indians in the City: A Study of the Urbanization of Indians in Toronto”. 2nd Ed.

University of Ottawa.

• Norris, M.J. 1985. “Migration Patterns of Status Indians in Canada, 1976–1981”, paper prepared for

the Demography of Northern and Native Peoples in Canada, Canadian Population Society session, Statistics Canada, June, 1985

• Norris, M.J. and Dan Beavon, 2000. “Aboriginal Migration and Migration: The Urban Experience,

1991 to 1996”, INAC.

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, October, 2009

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References, continued

• Norris, M.J. and S.J. Clatworthy, 2003: “Aboriginal Mobility and Migration within Urban Canada:

Outcomes, Factors and Implications” in Not Strangers in These Parts: Urban Aboriginal Peoples, (ed. David Newhouse and Evelyn Peters) Policy Research Initiative, Ottawa.

• Norris, M.J., Marty Cooke, and Stewart Clatworthy, 2003: “Aboriginal Mobility and Migration Patterns

and the Policy Implications” in Aboriginal Conditions: Research as a Foundation for Public Policy, (ed.

• J. White, P. Maxim, and D. Beavon), Vancouver, UBC Press.
• Peters, Evelyn. 2000. “Aboriginal People in Urban Areas” in Visions of the Heart, Canadian Aboriginal

Issues, Second Edition (editors David Long and Olive Patricia Dickason), Harcourt Canada.

• Siggner, A. J., 1977. “Preliminary Results from a Study of 1966-1971 Migration Patterns Among Status

Indians in Canada”, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Ottawa,

• Siggner, A.J. and Rosalinda Costa 2005 “Aboriginal Conditions in Census Metropolitan Areas, 1981-

2001”, Statistics Canada

• Sharzer, Stephen. “Native People: Some Issues” in Commission on Equality,…
• Stanbury, W.T. 1974. “Poverty among British Columbia Indians living off reserves”, Canadian Welfare,

50:20-21,31-32.

• Statistics Canada, 1981 Census of Canada, “Language, ethic origin, religion, place of birth, schooling,

Catalogue nos. 93-929-93-935 Volume 2, (Provincial series)

• Statistics Canada, 1971 Census of Canada, Ethic groups, Catalogue no. 92-723 Volume 1 – Part: 3
• Statistics Canada, 1974 Perspective Canada: a compendium of social statistics / prepared in the Office
• f the Senior Advisor on Integration, Statistics Canada. Catalogue no. 11-507E

M.J. Norris and S. Clatworthy, October, 2009

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Mary Jane Norris E-mail: mjnorris@videotron.ca Stewart Clatworthy E-mail: sclat@mts.net

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