Statistics Canada
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Young Aboriginal children living in larger families
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Aboriginal children aged six and younger are growing up in larger families than non-Aboriginal children. In 2006, 28% of Inuit children, 17% of First Nations children living off reserve, and 11% of Métis children were living in families with four or more children. This compares with 8% of non‑Aboriginal children in Canada.
Many people, including extended family and community members, are involved in raising young Aboriginal children. In 2006, 67% of young First Nations children living off reserve received focused attention from grandparents at least once a week; the shares were 69% for Métis children and 71% for Inuit children.
As well, 26% of young First Nations children living off reserve, 24% of Métis children, and 35% of Inuit children received focused attention from Elders (other than grandparents) at least once a week.
