Results of United Nations Human Index Development and its impact on Ingenious people

The United Nation Human Development Index (UNHDI) is a statistic composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. Canada ranks 13th in the world as based on the report released on December 9, 2019 based on data collected in 2018. In 2007 living conditions on a Canadian reserve are at the same level as those in a country with a ranking of 78 on the UNHID. This is gradually increasing.

The difference in social economics between non-Indigenous and Indigenous in relationship to the HDI can be correlated to the Indian Act. The act controlled the educational delivery, health, standard of living, freedom of movement and economic development. This document will show the connection to the current situation.

Health -Life Expectancy at Birth

In 2017 the life expectancy for the total Canadian population is projected to be 79 years for men and 83 years for women. The Indigenous populations have life expectancies, at 73-74 years for men and 78-80 years for women. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca Can this be attributed to standards of living, be restricted by the Indian Act? Indigenous people have a higher rate of diabetes, unsatisfactory living conditions such as housing, potable water, resettlements and many other factors which were controlled under the Indian Act. Changes are happening and a good example is the Akwesasne new Water Treatment plant.

Education

In 2011, 45% of the First Nation people had a certificate, diploma or degree while the proportion for non-Aboriginal people in the same age group was 65%

The proportion of Indigenous people aged 25 to 64 with a high school diploma or equivalent as their highest level of educational attainment was 22.8%. source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca

In 2011, the high school completion rate among Indigenous people was 18.5 percentage points below the non-Indigenous rate. The university completion rate was 15.6 percentage points lower among the Indigenous population, relative to non-Indigenous.

IN 2011, 33% of the First Nation people 'no certificate, diploma or degree' while the proportion for non-Aboriginal people in the same age group was 12.1%.

Things are changing: Enrollment in adult high school levels show more Indigenous adults are enrolled in high school than non-Indigenous. The same applies to College with 28.5% Indigenous and non-Indigenous at 19.8 % enrolled. A higher education creates more opportunities for employment. The higher the level of education also creates an opportunity to earn a higher income level.

What may contribute to the increase in enrollment for adult learning? Access to education on the reserve in a safe space with a welcoming environment.

Living standards

The median total income of the Indigenous population aged 25 to 54 in 2005 was just over $22,000, compared to over $33,000 for the non-Aboriginal population in the same age group.

First Nations people with a median income of approximately $19,000 in 2005. For First Nations people living off reserve, the median income was about $22,500, compared to just over $14,000 for Indigenous people living on reserve https://www150.statcan.gc.ca

The average annual income among Indigenous people (with income, aged 15 years and older) was found to be 27.5% below that of non-Indigenous people, or more than $11,000 a year less. Women have a lower income than men. Source; http://www.naedbcndea.com/reports/naedb_report_reconciliation_27_7_billion.pdf

These numbers are reflective of a lifestyle of being controlled by the Indian act, where education, economic development, opportunities all impacted due to the control and suppression to earn income.

Currently changes are happening, as the situation in Akwesasne are having positive change with results. There is now control and input by Mohawk Council of Akwesasne to health care, education and opportunities for economic development. There are schools on the reserve, employment opportunities, infrastructure and traditional/modern health access.

In 1999 "Entewatathá:wi – We Will Govern" was created by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne for the process to review and redefine Akwesasne governance and jurisdiction. It is to review the Indian Act and the effects on the Akwesasne community. This department will assist the MCA in building internal governance structures to better suit the needs of its membership and improve the HDI. The consultation with community members will allow the community to be informed and decide its future on self-government.