Based on 2021 Census data, the following infographic shows population statistics for First Nations people, Métis and Inuit in Canada.
Description - First Nations people, Métis and Inuit in Canada
In 2021, the Census of Population counted more than 1.8 million (1,807,250) Indigenous people in Canada, making up 5% of the country’s total population.
The Indigenous population grew by 9.4% from 2016 to 2021.
First Nations population count: 1,048,405
Growth (2016 to 2021): +9.7%
Among the 753,110 First Nations people with Registered or Treaty Indian status, 41% lived on reserve and 59% lived off reserve.
| Geography | Distribution of the First Nations population |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2.7% |
| Prince Edward Island | 0.2% |
| Nova Scotia | 2.7% |
| New Brunswick | 2.0% |
| Quebec | 11.1% |
| Ontario | 23.9% |
| Manitoba | 12.9% |
| Saskatchewan | 11.6% |
| Alberta | 13.9% |
| British Columbia | 17.2% |
| Yukon | 0.7% |
| Northwest Territories | 1.2% |
| Nunavut | 0.0% |
Métis population count: 624,220
Growth (2016 to 2021): +6.3%
224,655 people reported membership in a Métis organization or settlement.
| Geography | Distribution of the Métis population |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 1.2% |
| Prince Edward Island | 0.1% |
| Nova Scotia | 3.4% |
| New Brunswick | 1.6% |
| Quebec | 9.8% |
| Ontario | 21.6% |
| Manitoba | 15.5% |
| Saskatchewan | 10.1% |
| Alberta | 20.4% |
| British Columbia | 15.7% |
| Yukon | 0.2% |
| Northwest Territories | 0.5% |
| Nunavut | 0.0% |
Inuit population count: 70,545
Growth (2016 to 2021): +8.5%
The majority of Inuit lived in Inuit Nunangat (69.0%).
| Geography | Distribution of the Inuit population |
|---|---|
| Inuit Nunangat | |
| Nunatsiavut | 3% |
| Nunavik | 18% |
| Nunavut | 44% |
| Inuvialuit region | 4% |
| Outside Inuit Nunangat | 31% |
Note: The growth rates for the period from 2016 to 2021 were adjusted for incompletely enumerated reserves and settlements.
Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021.
Contact information
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