Data from the 1981 Census of Canada were used to gain an overview of the demographic and social characteristics of the aboriginal populations in Alberta and to compare the situations of aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples with regard to age and geographical distribution, educational attainment, labor force activity, and income. Census figures showed Alberta's Native population to be young and fast growing. In 1981, 42% of Alberta's Natives were under the age of 15 compared to 24% of non-Natives, and the Native population was increasing at 3 times the rate for the Canadian general public. Over 40% of the total Native population resided in Alberta's major urban centers. Non-Natives were significantly better educated than Natives even though Natives are achieving higher levels of education over time. The labor force participation rate for Native persons was 51.8% compared to 71.7% for all Albertans. Unemployment rates for rural Natives were nearly four times higher than those of rural non-Natives. The average income for Native private households was $20,555 compared with $28,186 for non-Native households. Rural Natives tended to have lower incomes than did urban Natives. Significantly, 27% of rural Natives reported no income compared with less than 16% among urban dwellers. (JHZ)