First Nations parents of children under age 12, by highest level of education achieved, 2002/2003 and 2008/2010 – The Health of Canada’s Children and Youth

6.6.4 First Nations parents of children under age 12, by highest level of education achieved, 2002/2003 and 2008/2010

Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS) 2008/10, National report on adults, youth and children living in First Nations Communities. https://fnigc.ca/sites/default/files/docs/first_nations_regional_health_survey_rhs_2008-10_-_national_report.pdf -accessed August 15, 2017.

In 2008/2010, 51% of First Nations mothers of children under 12 years of age had less than a high school diploma, compared with 46% in 2002/03.

That was the case for 60% and 57% of fathers respectively.

In 2008/2010, one quarter of mothers and about 20% of fathers had a high school diploma – unchanged since 2002/03.

In 2008/2010, one quarter of mothers and about 19% of fathers had a college or university education, a slight decline from 2002/03.

Implications

Children’s health outcomes are influenced by parental educational attainment, with low levels of education being associated with poorer health outcomes.¹ Education produces benefits such as increased earnings, greater social supports, and the development of skills and traits associated with resilience and success in later life.¹ It thus affects the ability to find gainful employment and acquire resources important to health such as food, stable housing, transportation, and health care.

¹Zimmerman, E.B., Woolf, S.H., & Haley, A. (2015). Understanding the relationship between education and health: Review of the evidence and an examination of community perspectives. Population health: Behavioral and social science insights. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/education/curriculum-tools/population-health/zimmerman.html -accessed September 12, 2017.