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Aboriginal peoples

Aboriginal peoples were the first people to live in Canada. They had many different spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. They lived in every region of the country. Often their survival in Canada's harsh climate depended on cooperation, sharing and respect for the environment.

Respecting the rights and meeting the special needs of Aboriginal communities is a top priority for Canada. In 2003, $172.5 million over 11 years was allocated to support Aboriginal languages and culture and $17 million over 2 years was committed to work with partners to explore new ways to better meet the needs of Aboriginal people living in urban centres.

The Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes three main groups of Aboriginal peoples in Canada: the First Nations (once called "Indians"), the Inuit (formerly known as Eskimos), who were the first Aboriginal groups in Canada, and the Métis, who emerged after the settlement of Canada.

In the last five years, Canada's native population has grown by 22.2% due to a high birth rate and greater feeling of belonging. In 2001, 976,305 people identified themselves as aboriginal. The Inuit number about 55,000 and live along the northern coastline and in the Arctic islands. In recent years, native people have made considerable socio-economic progress, especially in health, education and economic development.