Global InformationIndigenous peoples in Canada information
 Indigenous peoples in Canada and the U.S., % of population by area | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,807,250 5.0% of the Canadian population (2021)[1] | |
| Languages | |
| Indigenous languages, Indigenous English, Canadian English and Canadian French | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (mainly Roman Catholicism and Anglican), Traditional Indigenous beliefs, Inuit religion, Mythologies of the indigenous peoples of the Americas | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Native Americans in the United States, Greenlandic Inuit, Indigenous peoples of the Americas |
| Indigenous peoples in Canada |
|---|
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|
 Indigenous North Americas Canada portal |
Indigenous peoples in Canada (also known as Aboriginals)[2] are the indigenous peoples within the boundaries of Canada. They comprise the First Nations,[3] Inuit[4] and Métis.[5] Although "Indian" is a term still commonly used in legal documents, the descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" have fallen into disuse in Canada, and most consider them to be pejorative.[2][6][7] "Aboriginal" as a collective noun[8] is a specific term of art used in some legal documents, including the Constitution Act, 1982, though in some circles that word is also falling into disfavour.[9][10]
Old Crow Flats and Bluefish Caves are some of the earliest known sites of human habitation in Canada. The Paleo-Indian Clovis, Plano and Pre-Dorset cultures pre-date the current Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Projectile point tools, spears, pottery, bangles, chisels and scrapers mark archaeological sites, thus distinguishing cultural periods, traditions, and lithic reduction styles.
The characteristics of Indigenous culture in Canada included permanent settlements,[11] agriculture,[12] civic and ceremonial architecture,[13] complex societal hierarchies, and trading networks.[14] Métis nations of mixed ancestry originated in the mid-17th century when First Nations and Inuit people married European fur traders, primarily the French.[15] The Inuit had more limited interaction with European settlers during that early period.[16] Various laws, treaties, and legislation have been enacted between European immigrants and First Nations across Canada. Aboriginal Right to Self-Government provides opportunity to manage historical, cultural, political, health care and economic control aspects within first people's communities.
As of the 2021 census, the Indigenous population totalled 1,807,250 people, or 5.0% of the national population, with 1,048,405 First Nations people, 624,220 Métis, and 70,540 Inuit.[1] 7.7% of the population under the age of 14 are of Indigenous descent.[17] There are over 600 recognized First Nations governments or bands with distinctive cultures, languages, art, and music.[18][19] National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples to the history of Canada.[20] First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of all backgrounds have become prominent figures and have served as role models in the Indigenous community and help to shape the Canadian cultural identity.[21]
- ^ a b Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2022-09-21). "Indigenous identity by Registered or Treaty Indian status: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations with parts". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
indianwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Civilization.ca-Gateway to Aboriginal Heritage-Culture". Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. Government of Canada. May 12, 2006. Archived from the original on October 20, 2009. Retrieved September 18, 2009.
- ^ "Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada)-ICC Charter". Inuit Circumpolar Council > ICC Charter and By-laws > ICC Charter. 2007. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved September 18, 2009.
- ^ Todd, Thornton & Collins 2001, p. 10.
- ^ "Words First An Evolving Terminology Relating to Indigenous peoples in Canada". Communications Branch of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. 2004. Archived from the original on November 14, 2007. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
- ^ Olson & Pappas 1994, p. 213.
- ^ "Indigenous or Aboriginal: Which is correct?". September 21, 2016. Archived from the original on September 22, 2016. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
McKaywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Native American, First Nations or Aboriginal? | Druide". www.druide.com. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- ^ Darnell, Regna (2001). Invisible genealogies: a history of Americanist anthropology. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. ISBN 978-0-8032-1710-2. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
- ^ Cameron, Rondo E (1993). A concise economic history of the world: from Paleolithic times to the present. Oxford University Press. p. 92. ISBN 978-0-19-507445-1. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
- ^ Kalman, Harold; Mills, Edward (September 30, 2007). "Architectural History: Early First Nations". The Canadian Encyclopedia (Historica-Dominion). Retrieved November 27, 2013.
- ^ Macklem, Patrick (2001). Indigenous difference and the Constitution of Canada. University of Toronto Press. p. 170. ISBN 978-0-8020-4195-1. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
testtwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
warinwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ [Indigenous peoples in Canada: Key results from the 2016 Census]
- ^ 2011 National Household Survey: Indigenous Peoples in Canada: First Nations People, Métis and Inuit
- ^ "Civilization.ca-Gateway to Aboriginal Heritage-object". Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. May 12, 2006. Archived from the original on October 15, 2009. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
historywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "National Aboriginal Achievement Award Recipients". National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. Archived from the original on October 11, 2009. Retrieved October 7, 2009.