Migration into and out of Indian Reserves Between 2011 and 2016: a Study Using Census Data Linkage

Abstract

The impact of migration on the sizes, composition, and well-being of First Nations communities and the motivations that triggered such migrations have long been a topic of interest among researchers. Exploiting a new data source, linkages of consecutive censuses, this study aims to portray migration into and out of Indian reserves, with a focus on the Indigenous population. Between 2011 and 2016, migrations into and out of reserves resulted in net losses for reserves. These migratory losses, however, did not prevent the population on reserve to continue growing. From a socioeconomic point of view, migrations had a net positive impact on reserves by contributing to increase the proportions of individuals who are employed, with relatively high incomes or relatively high education. Looking at the determinants of migration, and taking advantage of a multilevel framework, it is found that migration into and out of reserves is multidimensional, being influenced by factors at both individual and community levels. Out-migration seems to be governed mainly by the propensity of individuals at certain stages of life to leave the reserve, permanently or not. In contrast, in-migration appears more influenced by reserves’ characteristics, and its prevalence varies greatly from one reserve to another.