There are about 1.8 million Indigenous people in Canada, representing roughly 5% of the country’s population , based on the most recent national census data from 2021.

Current population (latest census)

  • The 2021 Census counted 1,807,250 Indigenous people in Canada.
  • This is about 5.0% of the total Canadian population.

Main Indigenous groups

Canada’s Indigenous population is diverse, but three constitutionally recognized groups make up the large majority:

  • First Nations : About 1,048,405 people.
  • Métis : About 624,220 people.
  • Inuit : About 70,540–70,545 people.

All of these figures come from the 2021 Census of Population , which is still the baseline reference in early 2026 while new 2026 census data are being prepared and collected.

Growth and trends

  • The Indigenous population grew by about 9.4% between 2016 and 2021 , which is faster than the non‑Indigenous population.
  • Projections suggest the Indigenous population could reach around 2.5–2.8 million people (about 6% of Canadians) by the 2030s–2040s , if current trends continue.

Mini “forum-style” reflection

When people ask “how many Indigenous people in Canada,” it’s not just a number; it’s a reminder that more than 1.8 million First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people are here today, reshaping politics, culture, and conversations about land, reconciliation, and rights.

TL;DR: Around 1.8 million people (about 5% of Canadians) identify as Indigenous, mostly First Nations, followed by Métis and Inuit, according to the 2021 census.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.