Population Identifying as Indigenous

Definition

According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous identity (referred to in Statistics Canada materials as “Aboriginal” identity) refers to people who self-identify as First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuk (Inuit) and/or those who are registered or Treaty Indians (that is, registered under the Indian Act of Canada) and/or those who have membership in a First Nation or Indian band. “Aboriginal peoples of Canada” are defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, section 35 (2) as including the “Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada” (Statistics Canada, 2017).

Why This Matters

Winnipeg has the largest population identifying as Indigenous of any major city in Canada, according to the latest census data. However, there is a significant gap between Canada’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous population when it comes to socio-economic indicators such as education, employment and income. To make sure no one is left behind in Winnipeg, it is important to have data to understand how different groups in Winnipeg are experiencing the changes in the city.

Measurements and Limitations

Some indicators use differently defined areas or boundaries. This is why different population and population estimates are available. The population presented in these indicators are based on the Statistics Canada Census of the Population. Other population or per-capita based indicators reported in Peg come from the City of Winnipeg’s economic and demographic information (City of Winnipeg, 2018).

A note from Statistics Canada states that in some cases “Aboriginal identity” may be derived or estimated to determine the population. Where the population is derived three variables are used: Aboriginal group, Registered or Treaty Indian Status and Membership in a First Nation or Indian Band. These three components are also used when estimates are made (Statistics Canada, 2017).

Data Source

Statistics Canada. 2022. (table). Census Profile. 2021 Census of Population. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2021001. Ottawa. Released December 15, 2022.

Statistics Canada. 2017. Canada [Country] and Canada [Country] (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Released November 29, 2017.

Statistics Canada. 2013. Canada (Code 01) (table). National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 99-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released September 11, 2013.

Statistics Canada. 2007. Canada (Code01) (table). 2006 Community Profiles. 2006 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Released March 13, 2007.

Data is updated on Peg as it becomes available from the data providers.

References

Statistics Canada (2017). Aboriginal Identity of a person. Retrieved from http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3Var.pl?Function=DECI&Id=59224

CBC News (2017, Oct 25). Winnipeg’s Indigenous population highest in Canada, but growth rate is slowing. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/aboriginal-population-statistics-canada-1.4371222