Hamilton's aboriginal population has increased 22.4 per cent in five years, rising five times faster than the rest of the community.
Statistics Canada's 2006 census data released yesterday shows 8,890 people in the Hamilton census area -- which includes Hamilton, Burlington and Grimsby -- identified themselves as aboriginal, an increase of 22.4 per cent from 2001.
That, says Jane Badets, director of the social and aboriginal statistics division of Statistics Canada, is a "significant increase."
"Hamilton has a relatively fast growing (native) population."
Of those 8,890 aboriginal people, seven out of 10 identified themselves as First Nations, the rest Metis.
There are several possible reasons for the population increase, but Badets said the data doesn't pin down which is behind the increase.
It could be due to the aboriginal birth rate, which is higher in a younger population than other groups; increased pride and self-awareness causing more census respondents to self-identify as native; or aboriginal people are moving from reserves to municipalities in search of better opportunities.
Nationally, the 2006 census shows 54 per cent of aboriginal people live in an urban centre, a 4 per cent jump in 10 years.
The Six Nations reserve did not participate in the census -- which might have showed a population shift. Elected Chief William Montour says natives are leaving reserves in search of better opportunities.
"A lot of people are going to the cities for work and education," he said. "There's a lot more opportunity there than on the reserve."
Montour would like to see Six Nations participate in the census in future. He says he used to feel aboriginals should have nothing to do with the federal government's survey. Now he believes Six Nations needs the kind of data the census can provide.
"We've got to convince the community we need these kinds of numbers. It gives us the ability to argue for more programs and services," he said.
Montour is not overly concerned about migration.
"Canada is our homeland," he said. "We have the right to migrate back and forth as the people need."
Across Canada, 22 of the country's 1,123 reserves -- including Six Nations which claims 22,800 population -- refused to participate in the census. There will be no penalties although the Statistics Act carries a maximum $500 fine or three months in jail for refusing to complete the questionnaire
Sixty-four people not living on reserves were charged with not completing the 2006 census. Almost all later completed the forms rather than go to jail.
Badets says Statistics Canada prefers to use a "very positive approach" to get compliance rather than charges. "We have done this for 20 years and certainly it is having results," she said.
"We work with community leaders over time during the censuses and between and talk about how important it is to participate and the benefits," she said.
She said Montour's change of heart is "a positive thing" and Statistics Canada would "look forward to working with him."
With files from Drew Edwards, The Spectator and Spectator wire services