About Native People

Native People

 

Canada's First Nations number just over one million people (about 4% of the overall population) and inhabit virtually all regions of the country. Linguistically, there are 11 separate language families, which comprise 53 spoken, distinct indigenous languages. In Canada, seven major culture areas can be identified: Algonkian (Eastern and Central Woodlands), Iroquoian (Southeastern Ontario), MacKenzie River (Mackenzie River system and woodlands north of the Churchill River), Plains (Canadian Prairies), Plateau (interior plateau of British Columbia and Yukon), Pacific Coast (coast of British Columbia) and Arctic (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Quebec, Labrador). Wherever possible, the current usage of tribal names is followed.