6.5.4 Percentage of Indigenous children and youth aged 6 to 14 years who take part in cultural activities, by Indigenous identity, Canada, 2006
Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from the National Collaborating Centre on Aboriginal Health. 2016. Infographic: Culture and language as social determinants of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis health.
In 2006, 56% of Inuit children and youth aged 6 to 14 years participated in cultural activities.
That was the case for 43% of First Nations (off-reserve) children and youth and 33% of Métis children and youth.
Implications
Research has indicated that strong cultural identity contributes to resilience and is a protective factor for at-risk Indigenous communities.1 Building a positive cultural identity should begin early in order for children to grow to become healthy contribute to their community in a positive way, and to ensure the survival of their culture.2 Participation in traditional activities is a cornerstone of building a positive cultural identity.
1Chandler, M.J., & Lalonde, C. (1998). Cultural continuity as a hedge against suicide in Canada’s First Nations. Transcultural Psychiatry, 35, 191-219; McIvor, O., Napoleon, A., & Dickie, K.M. (2009). Language and culture as protective factors for at-risk communities. Journal of Aboriginal Health, November, 6-25.
2Government of Canada. (2013). Aboriginal children: The healing power of identity. Ottawa, ON: Government of Canada, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/childhood-adolescence/programs-initiatives/aboriginal-head-start-urban-northern-communities-ahsunc/aboriginal-children-healing-power-cultural-identity.html -accessed September 23, 2017.