Harvesting and cultural activities among Indigenous children

Release date: January 29, 2025
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Infographic: Harvesting and cultural activities among Indigenous children
Description: Harvesting and cultural activities among Indigenous children

Cultural connections and a strong sense of belonging are linked to a person’s well-being.
In 2022, 70% of Indigenous children aged 1 to 5 (excluding those living on reserve) had participated in at least one harvesting or cultural activity in the previous 12 months.

  • Seasonal activities such as gathering goose eggs or wild plants
  • Hunting, fishing, trapping or camping
  • Traditional activities such as singing, drum dancing, fiddling, or ceremonies

Since 2006, participation at least once a month in seasonal activities such as gathering goose eggs or wild plants has increased among Indigenous children aged 1 to 5.

Table 1 Table summary
This table displays the results of Table 1 , calculated using (appearing as column headers).
  2006 2022
First Nations children living off reserve 8% 13%
Métis children 7% 11%
Inuit children 17% 28%

Participation in harvesting activities depends on where children live. In 2022, Indigenous children in rural areas and Inuit Nunangat were more likely to participate in these activities.

Indigenous children aged 1 to 5 who participated in seasonal activities such as gathering goose eggs or wild plants at least once a month

Table 2
Indigenous children aged 1 to 5 who participated in seasonal activities such as gathering goose eggs or wild plants at least once a month Table summary
This table displays the results of Table 2 Indigenous children aged 1 to 5 who participated in seasonal activities such as gathering goose eggs or wild plants at least once a month, calculated using (appearing as column headers).
  Rural areas Urban areas
First Nations children living off reserve 22% 11%
Métis children 22% 7%
  Inuit Nunangat Outside Inuit Nunangat
Inuit children 35% 8%

Indigenous children aged 6 to 14 who participated in hunting, fishing, trapping or camping at least once a month

Table 3
Indigenous children aged 6 to 14 who participated in hunting, fishing, trapping or camping at least once a month Table summary
This table displays the results of Table 3 Indigenous children aged 6 to 14 who participated in hunting, fishing, trapping or camping at least once a month, calculated using (appearing as column headers).
  Rural areas Urban areas
First Nations children living off reserve 36% 17%
Métis children 38% 22%
  Inuit Nunangat Outside Inuit Nunangat
Inuit children 55% 26% Table 3 Note 1

Source: Arriagada, P. and A. Racine, 2024, “First Nations children living off reserve, Métis children, and Inuit children and their families: Selected findings from the 2022 Indigenous Peoples Survey,” Reports from the Indigenous Peoples Survey, Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 89-653-X.

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Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2025

Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue no. 11-627-M

Frequency: Occasional

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