‘Indigenous peoples’ is a collective name for the original peoples of North America and their descendants.

The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Indigenous peoples: First Nations, Inuit and Métis. These are three distinct peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

More than 1.67 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Indigenous person, according to the 2016 Census. Indigenous peoples are:

  • the fastest growing population in Canada – grew by 42.5% between 2006 and 2016
  • the youngest population in Canada – about 44% were under the age of 25 in 2016

SOURCE:

  • Government of Canada – https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013785/1529102490303
  • Canadian Geographic – https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/mapping-indigenous-languages-canada