> > Canada >> Ethnicity in Canada > > Indigenous Population
Indigenous peoples in Canada
Canada is home to a rich diversity of Indigenous peoples, whose history, culture, and traditions form a vital part of the nation’s identity. Indigenous peoples include First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, each with distinct cultural and linguistic heritage.
According to the 2021 Census, approximately 1.8 million people reported Indigenous ancestry, either alone or in combination with other ancestries, representing about 4.97% of Canada’s total population. While Indigenous populations are concentrated in the northern territories, there are growing communities across all provinces, contributing to Canada’s cultural diversity and resilience.
Source: Statistics Canada 2021
Indigenous Population by Province and Territory
Indigenous population shares vary widely across Canada, with the highest concentrations found in the northern territories and the Prairie provinces.
Below is a breakdown based on the 2021 Census:
| # | Province/Territory | Indigenous Population | % of Total Population |
| 1 | Ontario | 374,395 | 2.55% |
| 2 | British Columbia | 291,500 | 5.60% |
| 3 | Alberta | 266,980 | 6% |
| 4 | Manitoba | 234,895 | 18.10% |
| 5 | Saskatchewan | 187,885 | 17% |
| 6 | Quebec | 159,500 | 1.85% |
| 7 | Nova Scotia | 55,725 | 5.50% |
| 8 | Newfoundland & Labrador | 46,545 | 9.20% |
| 9 | New Brunswick | 33,295 | 4.40% |
| 10 | Nunavut | 31,390 | 85% |
| 11 | Northwest Territories | 20,035 | 49.60% |
| 12 | Yukon | 8,810 | 22.25% |
| 13 | Prince Edward Island | 3,385 | 2.30% |
| Canada (Total) | 1,807,250 | 4.97% |
Key Insights:
The northern territories — Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon — have the highest proportions of Indigenous peoples.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan have the largest Indigenous populations outside the territories.
Provinces like Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick have smaller but culturally significant Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Subgroups in Canada
Indigenous peoples in Canada are broadly categorized into First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, each with diverse communities:
1. First Nations (North American Indian)
Largest Indigenous group in Canada. Approximately 1.04 million people identified as First Nations. Represent communities across all provinces and territories. Major concentrations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and British Columbia. The most commonly reported First Nations ancestries were Cree (about 250,000 people), Mi’kmaq (122,000), Ojibway (92,000), and Algonquin (56,000).
2. Métis
People of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. Approximately 624,220 identified as Métis, prominent in Western Canada — Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta. Recognized as one of the three distinct Indigenous groups under Canadian law.
3. Inuit
Predominantly in northern territories: Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and northern Quebec and Labrador. Approximately 70,540 identified as Inuit. Nunavut has the highest proportion, with Inuit forming 85% of the territory’s population.
A smaller number reported other Indigenous ancestries or multiple Indigenous identities. In addition, approximately 632,000 people reported “First Nations (North American Indian)” ancestry without specifying a particular nation.
Indigenous Population in Canada by Identity (Census 2021)
| Indigenous Identity | Population (2021) | Percentage of Total Population |
|---|---|---|
| First Nations | 1,048,405 | 2.89% |
| Métis | 624,220 | 1.72% |
| Inuit | 70,540 | 0.19% |
| Other Indigenous identities | 35,225 | 0.10% |
| Multiple Indigenous identities | 28,855 | 0.08% |
| Total Indigenous population | 1,807,250 | 4.97% |
Key Takeaways
First Nations remain the largest Indigenous group in Canada.
Métis populations are growing rapidly, especially in Western provinces.
Inuit are concentrated in the far north, forming the majority population in Nunavut.
Source: Statistics Canada 2021
English
Español
Português
Deutsch