About what share of Aboriginal people in Canada are First Nations?
- About 35%
- About 4%
- About 58%
- About 90%
Answer: About 58%
In the 2021 Census, about 58% of Aboriginal people were First Nations, 34.5% Métis and 3.9% Inuit. First Nations are the largest of the three groups. Discover Canada gives older shares of about 65%, 30% and 4%.
Learn more: Aboriginal origins and rights
- The ancestors of Aboriginal peoples are believed to have migrated from Asia many thousands of years ago.
- Aboriginal and treaty rights are in the Canadian Constitution.
- Territorial rights were first guaranteed through the Royal Proclamation of 1763 by King George III.
- The Royal Proclamation set the basis for negotiating treaties with the newcomers. These treaties were not always fully respected.
- On First Nations reserves, band chiefs and councillors have major responsibilities, including housing, schools and other services.
- Provincial, regional and national Aboriginal organizations speak for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people with federal, provincial and territorial governments.
- Today Aboriginal peoples enjoy renewed pride and confidence, with significant achievements in agriculture, the environment, business and the arts.