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First Nations 2024

First Nations is a term to describe the indigenous people who were the original inhabitants of the land that is now Canada. First Nations does not include the indigenous people who are Métis or Inuit. The First Nations people are sometimes referred to as Aboriginal people (not to be confused with Australia's Aboriginal peoples). The correct use of "First Nations" is as a general term, as members are more likely to define themselves as specific nations or communities within nations. Symbolically, the term designates the First Nations as "first among equals" as the founding nations of Canada (alongside the French and English, who also had a hand in the founding of modern Canada). The early First Nations commprised six main geographical groups (with many nations in each): Woodland First Nations, Iroquoian First Nations, Plains First Nations, Plateau First Nations, Pacific Coast First Nations and First Nations of the Mackenzie and Yukon River Basins.

History of the First Nations

The First Nations were the first to encounter European contact, settlement, and trade. The First Nations occupied North America for thousands of years before European explorers arrived. The first explorers were Norse, traveling from Scandinavia to Iceland, Greenland, and finally landing in Newfoundland in the 11th century. Europeans returned to North America to establish settlements during the 1500s, attracted by the plentiful fishing. These explorers were more permanent than the first.

Colonial practices and policies of the Europeans aimed to assimilate and control the Indigenous people. These policies include the Indian Act of 1876, a consolidation of previous ordinances that sought to eradicate First Nations culture in favor of assimilation into Euro-Canadian society. Another policy called the pass system controlled the movement of Indigenous people by requiring them to present an authorized travel document to leave and return to their reservations. Other oppressive policies included [reserves[(https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/aboriginal-reserves) and residential schools.

The well-being of Indigenous people has been devastated by these policies and practices in combination with segregation, loss of land, racism, and declining or unequal access to resources and public services. In 1980, hundreds of Indigenous chiefs met in Ottawa and used “First Nations” for the first time in their Declaration of First Nations. The Assembly of First Nations was formed in 1982 as the political voice for First Nations people in Canada.

First Nations of Canada (Past and Present) by Modern Province:

ProvinceNumber of First Nations
Alberta46
British Columbia203
Manitoba63
New Brunswick15
Newfoundland and Labrador4
Northwest Territories27
Nova Scotia13
Ontario128
Prince Edward Island2
Quebec40
Saskatchewan75
Yukon14

First Nations People Today

According to the 2016 census, 977,230 people in Canada identify as being of First Nations Heritage, an increase of 39.3% since 2006. As of 2020, the Canadian government recognizes 619 First Nations, speaking more than 50 languages. First Nations people today may live on or off reservations, may or may not have legal status under the Indian Act, and may or may not be registered members of a nation or band (bands function as municipalities). As aforementioned, the socio-economic status and overall well-being of First Nations (and Indigenous people in general) have been negatively impacted for years and problems persist today. Dispossession of cultural traditions, discrimination, racism, prejudice, and social inequities have led to these poor conditions for First Nations.

The gap between the socio-economic status and conditions between Indigenous people and non-indigenous is significant, although it is improving. The Assembly of First Nations co-authored a report in 2019 that revealed that about 47% of the 254,100 First Nations children in Canada live in poverty. Additionally, First Nations children are almost four times as likely to live in poverty than non-Indigenous children.]]

First Nations in Each Canadian Province

First Nations in Alberta

Alexander First NationAlexis Nakota Sioux NationAthabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Bearspaw First NationBeaver First NationBeaver Lake Cree Nation
Bigstone Cree NationBlood Tribe (Kainai Nation)Chiniki First Nation
Chipewyan Prairie First NationCold Lake First NationsDene Tha' First Nation
Driftpile Cree NationDuncan's First NationEnoch Cree Nation
Ermineskin Cree NationFort McKay First NationFort McMurray 468 First Nation
Frog Lake First NationGoodstoney First NationHeart Lake First Nation
Horse Lake First NationKapawe'no First NationKehewin Cree Nation
Little Red River Cree NationLoon River CreeLouis Bull Tribe
Lubicon Lake BandMikisew Cree First NationMontana First Nation
O'Chiese First NationPaul First NationPeerless Trout First Nation
Piikani NationSaddle Lake Cree NationSamson Cree Nation
Sawridge First NationSiksika NationSturgeon Lake Cree Nation
Sucker Creek First NationSunchild First NationSwan River First Nation
Tallcree First NationTsuut'ina NationWhitefish Lake First Nation
Woodland Cree First Nation

First Nations in British Columbia

Adams Lake Indian BandAhousaht First NationAitchelitz First Nation
Chawathil First NationCheam First NationCheslatta Carrier Nation
Coldwater Indian Band (C’eletkwmx)Cook's Ferry Indian BandDa’naxda’xw/Awaetlala First Nation
Daylu Dena CouncilDease River First NationDitidaht First Nation
Doig River First NationDzawada’enuxw First NationEhattesaht First Nation
Esdilagh (ɁEsdilagh) First Nation (Alexandria Indian Band)Esk'etemc First NationEsquimalt Nation
Fort Nelson First NationGingolx Village Government (Kincolith)Gitanmaax Band
Gitanyow Hereditary ChiefsGitga'at First NationGitlaxt'aamix Village Government (New Aiyansh)
Gitsegukla First NationGitwangak BandGitwinksihlkw Village Government
Gitxaala NationGwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw NationsGwawaenuk Tribe
Hagwilget First Nation GovernmentHaisla NationHalalt First Nation
Halfway River First NationHeiltsuk Nation (Bella Bella Indian Band)Hesquiaht First Nation
High Bar First NationHomalco First NationHupacasath First Nation
Huu-ay-aht First NationsIskut First NationK'ómoks First Nation
Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' First NationsKanaka Bar Indian Band (T'eqt''aqtn'mux)Katzie First Nation
Kispiox BandKitasoo/Xai'xais NationKitselas Nation
Kitsumkalum BandKlahoose First NationKwadacha Nation
Kwakiutl Band CouncilKwantlen First NationKwaw-kwaw-a-pilt First Nation
Kwiakah First NationKwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First NationKwikwetlem First Nation
Lake Babine NationLax Kw'alaams BandLaxgalts'ap Village Government
Leq'á:mel First NationLheidli T'enneh First NationLhoosk'uz Dene Nation
Lhtako Dene NationLil'wat NationLittle Shuswap Lake Band
Lower Kootenay Indian Band (Yaqan Nukiy)Lower Nicola Indian BandLower Similkameen Indian Band
Lyackson First NationLytton First NationMalahat Nation
Mamalilikulla First NationMatsqui First NationMcLeod Lake Indian Band
Metlakatla First NationMowachaht/Muchalaht First NationMusqueam Indian Band
N'Quatqua First NationNadleh Whut'en First NationNak’azdli Whut’en First Nation
Namgis First NationNanoose First NationNazko First Nation
Nee Tahi Buhn BandNeskonlith Indian BandNicomen Indian Band
Nooaitch Indian BandNuchatlaht TribeNuxalk Nation (Bella Coola Band)
Okanagan Indian BandOld Massett Village CouncilOregon Jack Creek Band
Osoyoos Indian BandPacheedaht First NationPauquachin First Nation
Penelakut TribePenticton Indian BandPeters First Nation
Popkum First NationProphet River First NationQayqayt First Nation (New Westminster Indian Band)
Qualicum First NationQuatsino First NationSaik'uz First Nation
Samahquam First NationSaulteau First NationsSc'ianew First Nation (Beecher Bay First Nation)
Seabird Island BandSekw’el’was (Cayoose Creek Band)Semiahmoo First Nation
Shackan Indian BandShishalh NationShuswap First Nation
Shxw'ow'hamel First NationShxwhá:y VillageSik-E-Dakh (Glen Vowell Band)
Simpcw First NationSiska Indian BandSkatin Nations
Skawahlook First NationSkeetchestn Indian BandSkidegate Band Council
Skin Tyee BandSkowkale First NationSkuppah Indian Band
Skwah First NationSnuneymuxw First NationSonghees Nation
Soowahlie First NationSplatsin First NationSpuzzum First Nation
Sq'ewlets First NationSquamish NationSquiala First Nation
Stellat'en First NationSts'ailes NationStwecem’c Xget’tem First Nation
Stz'uminus First Nation (Chemainus First Nation)Sumas First NationT'it'q'et First Nation
T'Sou-ke First NationTahltan BandTakla Nation
Taku River Tlingit First NationTk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemcTl'azt'en Nation
Tl'esqox First NationTl'etinqox-t'in Government (Anaham Indian Band)Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Tla'amin NationTlatlasikwala First NationTlowitsis Nation
Tobacco Plains Indian BandToquaht NationTs'il Kaz Koh (Burns Lake Band)
Ts'kw'aylaxw First NationTs'uubaa-asatx Nation (Lake Cowichan First Nation)Tsalalh First Nation
Tsartlip First NationTsawout First NationTsawwassen First Nation
Tsay Keh Dene NationTseshaht First NationTsetsaut/Skii km Lax Ha Nation
Tseycum First NationTŝideldel First Nation (Alexis Creek First Nation)Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Tzeachten First NationUchucklesaht TribeUcluelet First Nation
Ulkatcho First NationUnion Bar First NationUpper Nicola Band
Upper Similkameen Indian BandWe Wai Kai Nation (Cape Mudge Indian Band)Wei Wai Kum First Nation (Campbell River Indian Band)
West Moberly First NationsWestbank First NationWet'suwet'en First Nation
Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian BandWilliams Lake First NationWitset First Nation
Wuikinuxv NationXa'Xtsa Nation (Douglas First Nation)Xat'sull First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band)
Xaxli'p First NationXeni Gwet'in First Nations GovernmentXwísten (Bridge River Indian Band)
Yakweakwioose First NationYale First NationYekooche First Nation
Yunesit'in Government

First Nations in Manitoba

Barren Lands First NationBerens River First NationBirdtail Sioux Dakota Nation
Black River First NationBloodvein First NationBrokenhead Ojibway Nation
Buffalo Point First NationBunibonibee Cree NationCanupawakpa Dakota Nation
Chemawawin Cree NationDakota Plains Wahpeton First NationDakota Tipi First Nation
Dauphin River First NationEbb and Flow First NationFisher River Cree Nation
Fox Lake Cree NationGambler First NationGarden Hill First Nation
God's Lake First NationHollow Water First NationKeeseekoowenin First Nation
Kinonjeoshtegon First NationLake Manitoba First NationLake St. Martin First Nation
Little Grand Rapids First NationLittle Saskatchewan First NationLong Plain First Nation
Manto Sipi Cree NationMarcel Colomb First NationMathias Colomb Cree Nation
Misipawistik Cree NationMosakahiken Cree NationNisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Northlands Denesuline First NationNorway House Cree NationO-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation
O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree NationOpaskwayak Cree NationPauingassi First Nation
Peguis First NationPimicikamak Cree NationPinaymootang First Nation
Pine Creek First NationPoplar River First NationRed Sucker Lake First Nation
Rolling River First NationRoseau River Anishinabe First NationSagkeeng First Nation
Sandy Bay Ojibway First NationSapotaweyak Cree NationSayisi Dene First Nation
Shamattawa First NationSioux Valley Dakota NationWar Lake First Nation
Skownan First NationSt. Theresa Point First NationSwan Lake First Nation
Tataskweyak Cree NationTootinaowaziibeeng Treaty ReserveWasagamack First Nation
Waywayseecappo First NationWuskwi Sipihk First NationYork Factory First Nation

First Nations in New Brunswick

Buctouche First Nation (also Buctouche MicMac Band or Tjipogtotjg)Eel Ground First Nation (also Natoaganeg)Elsipogtog First Nation
Esgenoopetitj First Nation (formerly Burnt Church First Nation)Fort Folly First NationIndian Island First Nation
Kingsclear First NationMadawaska Maliseet First NationMetepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation
Oromocto First Nation (also Welamukotuk First Nation)Pabineau First NationSaint Mary’s (Wolastoqiyik) First Nation
Tobique First Nation (also Neqotkuk)Ugpi'Ganjig First Nation (also Eel River Bar First Nation)Woodstock First Nation

First Nations in Newfoundland and Labrador

Miawpukek First NationMushuau Innu First Nation
Qalipu Mi'kmaq First NationSheshatshiu Innu First Nation

First Nations in the Northwest Territories

Acho Dene Koe First NationBehchokǫ̀ Community GovernmentBehdzi Ahda First Nation
Deh Gáh Got'ie Dene First NationDélı̨nę Got’ı̨nę GovernmentDeninu K'ue First Nation
Ehdiitat Gwich’in CouncilGamètı̀ Community GovernmentGwichya Gwich'in Council (see Tsiigehtchic)
K'asho Got'ine Charter CommunityK'atlodeeche First NationKa'a'gee Tu First Nation
Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First NationŁútsël K’é Dene First NationNahɂą Dehé Dene Band
Nihtat Gwich'in CouncilPehdzeh Ki First NationSalt River First Nation
Sambaa K'e First NationSmith's Landing First NationTeetl'it Gwich'in Band Council (see Fort McPherson)
Tthets’éhk’edélı̨ First NationTulita DeneWekweètı̀ Community Government
West Point First NationWhatı̀ First NationYellowknives Dene First Nation

First Nations in Nova Scotia

Acadia First NationAnnapolis Valley First NationBear River First Nation
Eskasoni Mi’kmaw NationGlooscap First NationMembertou First Nation
Millbrook First NationPaqtnkek Mi'kmaw NationPictou Landing First Nation
Potlotek First Nation (formerly Chapel Island)Sipekne'katik First Nation (formerly Indian Brook/Shubenacadie)Wagmatcook First Nation
We'koqma'q First Nation

First Nations in Ontario

AamjiwnaangAlderville First NationAlgonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
Animakee Wa Zhing #37 (formerly Northwest Angle 37)Animbiigoo Zaagi igan AnishinaabekAnishnaabeg of Naongashiing (or Big Island First Nation)
Aroland First NationAsubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (or Grassy Narrows First Nation)Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
Attawapiskat First NationAundeck-Omni-Kaning First NationBatchewana First Nation
Bearskin Lake First NationBeausoleil First Nation (or G’Chimnissing)Beaverhouse First Nation
Big Grassy River First Nation (or Mishkosiminiziibiing)Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (or Pic River First Nation)Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (or Rocky Bay First Nation)
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (formerly Sand Point First Nation)Brunswick House First NationCaldwell First Nation
Cat Lake First NationChapleau Cree First NationChapleau Ojibwe First Nation
Chippewas of Georgina IslandChippewas of Nawash Unceded First NationChippewas of Rama First Nation
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (or Deshkan Ziibiing)Constance Lake First NationCouchiching First Nation
Curve Lake First NationDeer Lake First NationDelaware Nation at Moraviantown (formerly Moravian of the Thames)
Dokis First NationEabametoong First Nation (or Fort Hope)Eagle Lake First Nation
Flying Post First NationFort Albany First NationFort Severn First Nation (or Wasaho Cree Nation)
Fort William First NationGarden River First NationGinoogaming First Nation (formerly Long Lake Reserve #77)
Gull Bay First Nation (or Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek)Henvey Inlet First NationHiawatha First Nation (Michisaagiig of Rice Lake)
Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation (formerly Shoal Lake #39)Kasabonika Lake First NationKashechewan Cree First Nation
Kee-Way-Win First NationKettle & Stony Point First Nation (formerly Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point)Kingfisher Lake First Nation
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (formerly Big Trout Lake First Nation)Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation (or the Community of Nezaadiikaang)Lac La Croix First Nation
Lac Seul First NationLong Lake #58 First NationM'Chigeeng First Nation (formerly West Bay)
Magnetawan First NationMarten Falls First NationMatachewan First Nation
Mattagami First NationMcDowell Lake First NationMichipicoten First Nation
Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation (formerly Osnaburgh First Nation)Missanabie Cree First NationMississauga First Nation
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First NationMississaugas of the Credit First NationMitaanjigamiing First Nation (formerly Stanjikoming First Nation)
Mohawk Council of AkwesasneMohawks of the Bay of Quinte (see also Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory)Moose Cree First Nation
Moose Deer Point First NationMunsee-Delaware NationMuskrat Dam Lake First Nation
Naicatchewenin First Nation (formerly Northwest Bay First Nation)Naotkamegwanning First Nation (formerly Whitefish Bay First Nation)Neskantaga First Nation
Netmizaaggamig Nishaabeg (formerly Pic Mobert First Nation)Nibinamik First Nation (formerly Summer Beaver Band)Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation (formerly Red Gut First Nation)
Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation (formerly Dalles First Nation and Ochiichagwe'Babigo'Ining Ojibway Nation)Nipissing First NationNorth Caribou Lake First Nation (formerly Weagamow Lake First Nation or Round Lake First Nation)
North Spirit Lake First NationNorthwest Angle #33 First NationObashkaandagaang First Nation (formerly Washagamis Bay First Nation)
Ojibway Nation of Saugeen (formerly Savant Lake First Nation)Ojibways of Onigaming First NationOneida Nation of the Thames
Pays Plat First Nation (or Pawgwasheeng)Pikangikum First NationPoplar Hill First Nation
Rainy River First NationsRed Rock Indian BandSachigo Lake First Nation
Sagamok AnishnawbekSandy Lake First NationSaugeen First Nation (or Chippewas of Saugeen)
Seine River First NationSerpent River First NationShawanaga First Nation
Sheguiandah First NationSheshegwaning First NationShoal Lake #40 First Nation
Six Nations of the Grand River * Slate Falls Nation #259Taykwa Tagamou Nation (formerly New Post First Nation)
Temagami First NationThessalon First NationWabaseemoong Independent Nations
Wabauskang First NationWabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (or Waabigonii Zaaga’igan Anishinaabeg)Wahgoshig First Nation (formerly Abitibi)
Wahnapitae First NationWahta MohawksWalpole Island First Nation
Wapekeka First NationWasauksing First NationWauzhushk Onigum Nation (or Rat Portage)
Wawakapewin First NationWebequie First NationWeenusk First Nation
Whitefish River First NationWhitesand First NationWiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Wunnumin Lake First NationZhiibaahaasing First Nation (formerly Cockburn Island First Nation)
  • Note: Six Nations of the Grand River is a Haudenosaunee First Nation with several member nations that share an administrative office, and in some cases, reserve lands. These member nations include:
  • Bearfoot Onondaga First Nation
  • Delaware Nation
  • Konadaha Seneca First Nation
  • Lower Cayuga First Nation
  • Lower Mohawk First Nation
  • The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
  • Niharondasa Seneca
  • Oneida Nation
  • Onondaga Clear Sky First Nation
  • Tuscarora Nation
  • Upper Cayuga First Nation
  • Upper Mohawk First Nation
  • Walker Mohawk First Nation

First Nations on Prince Edward Island

Abegweit First NationLennox Island First Nation

First Nations in Quebec

Algonquins of Barriere Lake (also Mitchikanibikok Inik)Atikamekw d'OpitciwanCommunauté anicinape de Kitcisakik
Conseil de la Nation Anishnabe du Lac SimonConseil de la Première Nation AbitibiwinniConseil de la Première Nation Innus Essipit
Conseil des Abénakis d'OdanakConseil des Abénakis de WôlinakConseil des Atikamekw de Manawan
Conseil des Atikamekw de WemotaciConseil des Innu de EkuanitshitConseil des Innus d’Unamen Shipu
Conseil des Innus de Pessamit (formerly Betsiamites)Cree First Nation of WaswanipiCree Nation of Chisasibi
Cree Nation of EastmainCree Nation of MistissiniCree Nation of Nemaska
Cree Nation of WaskaganishCree Nation of WemindjiGesgapegiag (formerly Micmacs of Gesgapegiag)
Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-UtenamKebaowek First NationKitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
La Nation Innu Matimekush-Lac JohnLa Nation Micmac de GespegListuguj Mi'gmaq Government
Long Point First NationMohawk Council of Kahnawá:keMohawk Council of Kanesatake
Montagnais de Pakua Shipi (or Pakuashipi)Naskapi Nation of KawawachikamachNation Huronne Wendat
Oujé-Bougoumou Cree NationPremière nation de WhapmagoostuiPremière Nation des Innus de Nutashkuan
Première Nation des PekuakamiulnuatshPremière Nation Wolastoqiyik WahsipekukTimiskaming First Nation
Wolf Lake First Nation

First Nations in Saskatchewan

Ahtahkakoop Cree NationBeardy's and Okemasis' Cree NationBig Bear Band
Big Island Lake Cree NationBig River First NationBirch Narrows Dene Nation
Black Lake Denesuline First NationBuffalo River Dene NationCanoe Lake Cree First Nation
Carry the Kettle Nakoda NationChacachas First NationChakastaypasin First Nation
Clearwater River Dene NationCote First NationCowessess First Nation
Cumberland House Cree NationDay Star First NationEnglish River First Nation
Fishing Lake First NationFlying Dust First NationFond Du Lac Denesuline First Nation
George Gordon First NationHatchet Lake Denesuline First NationJames Smith Cree Nation
Kahkewistahaw First NationKawacatoose First NationKeeseekoose First Nation
Kinistin Saulteaux NationLac La Ronge Indian BandLittle Black Bear First Nation
Little Pine First NationLucky Man First NationMakwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation
Ministikwan Lake Cree NationMistawasis First NationMontreal Lake Cree Nation
Moosomin First NationMosquito Grizzly Bear's Head Lean Man First NationMuscowpetung First Nation
Muskeg Lake Cree NationMuskoday First NationMuskowekwan First Nation
Nekaneet First NationOcean Man First NationOchapowace First Nation
Okanese First NationOne Arrow First NationOnion Lake Cree Nation
Pasqua First NationPeepeekisis Cree NationPelican Lake First Nation
Peter Ballantyne Cree NationPeter Chapman First NationPheasant Rump Nakota Nation
Piapot First NationPoundmaker Cree NationRed Earth First Nation
Red Pheasant First NationSaulteaux First NationShoal Lake Cree Nation
Standing Buffalo Dakota NationStar Blanket Cree NationSturgeon Lake First Nation
Sweetgrass First NationThe Key First NationThunderchild First Nation
Wahpeton Dakota NationWaterhen Lake First NationWhite Bear First Nations
Whitecap Dakota First NationWitchekan Lake First NationWood Mountain Lakota First Nation
Yellow Quill First NationYoung Chippewayan First Nation (Stony Knoll Band)Zagime Anishinabek First Nation

First Nations in Yukon

Carcross/Tagish First NationChampagne and Aishihik First NationsFirst Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
Kluane First NationKwanlin Dün First NationLiard First Nation
Little Salmon/Carmacks First NationRoss River Dena CouncilSelkirk First Nation
Ta’an Kwäch’än CouncilTeslin Tlingit CouncilTr’ondëk Hwëch’in
Vuntut Gwitchin First NationWhite River First Nation
  • First Nations is a term used to describe Indigenous peoples in Canada who are distinct from Métis or Inuit.
  • First Nations totals shown are the best available counts, but it is possible that an original source could have overlooked some current or historic nations.

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Country
# of Nations (Past & Present)
Canada630

Why are people called First Nations?

First Nations' is a term used to describe the people who originally lived in a country before it was officially established as a country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources