There were over one million registered Indians in Canada as of December 2020. The region with the largest Indian population was Ontario, with 222 thousand, followed by Manitoba, which counted 164 thousand Indians. The regions with the smallest Indian populations were Yukon, and Northwest Territories.

In 2020, there were 1,021,356 registered Indians in Canada. Between 2000 and 2020, the number of registered Indians in Canada experienced an increase, going from some 670 thousand to over one million.

Registered Indians Registered Indians in Canada are all First Nations people who are, as the name suggests, registered as an officially recognized Indian by the Canadian government. No Inuit or Métis is a Registered Indian under Canadian law, leaving only certain First Nations peoples as qualifiers. The word “Indian” is a legal term in this case and has otherwise fallen out of favor. It has been replaced by First Nations, a term used to describe all Canadian aboriginal people who are neither Métis nor Inuit.

Registered Indian status affords benefits and rights not granted to non-Registered Indians including access to reserves and self-governance within them, exemption of federal and provincial taxes to those living on reserve, and postsecondary education financial assistance. The Indian Act of 1951 established the current Indian Register and was revised in 1985 to include people that had been wrongly excluded by the original law.

The number of Registered Indians has grown significantly since 2000 and currently the largest population resides in Ontario, which also has the largest overall population of aboriginal peoples in Canada. British Columbia is home to the largest number of Indian bands, at 199 in 2020.

Key information about Canada population

• The Canada population reached 41.3 million people in Jun 2024, compared with the previously reported figure of 40.1 million people in Jun 2023
• The data reached an all-time high of 41.3 million people in Jun 2024 and a record low of 14.0 million people in Jun 1950

CEIC extends history for annual Population. Statistics Canada provides Mid-year Population. Postcensal estimates, which are based on the latest Census counts adjusted for Census Net Undercoverage (CNU), including adjustment for Incompletely Enumerated Indian Reserves (IEIR) and the components of demographic growth that occurred since that census. Intercensal estimates are produced using counts from two consecutive censuses adjusted for CNU (including (IEIR) and postcensal estimates) Population prior to 1971 is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. Population is in annual frequency, ending in June of each year.


Further information about Canada population data

• In the latest reports, Canada Unemployment Rate increased to 6.6 % in Aug 2024
• Monthly earnings of the Canada population was 3,656.6 USD in Jun 2024
• Canada Labour Force Participation Rate increased to 66.2 % in Aug 2024

In 2022, almost 118 thousand Indian nationals got permanent residence in Canada. Out of this, 48 percent were women. Canada is one of the leading countries hosting Indian migrant population.

This map shows the distribution of the North American Indian population. The largest number of North American Indians live in Ontario (118 830); they make up 80% of the total Aboriginal population of that province. They are distributed in the large agglomerations of the south, but also in the north and west of the province. In British Columbia, 77% of Aboriginal people are Indians (113 315). These two provinces account for 42% of the Indian population in Canada. The three Prairie Provinces are home to another 42% of the North American Indian population.

This service shows the percentage of the population who reported an Aboriginal identity by census subdivision. The data is from the Census Profile, Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001.

Aboriginal identity refers to whether the person identified with the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. This includes those who are 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.

Users should be aware that the estimates associated with this variable are more affected than most by the incomplete enumeration of certain Indian reserves and Indian settlements in the 2016 Census of Population.

For additional information refer to the 2016 Census Dictionary for 'Aboriginal identity'.

To have a cartographic representation of the ecumene with this socio-economic indicator, it is recommended to add as the first layer, the “NRCan - 2016 population ecumene by census subdivision” web service, accessible in the data resources section below.

Historical census data (2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021) on highest certificate, diploma or degree of Indigenous populations, including percentages. Provides data for the Pan-Canadian Education Indicators Program (PCEIP).

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the population of Canadian by race. It includes the population of Canadian across racial categories (excluding ethnicity) as identified by the Census Bureau. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution of Canadian across relevant racial categories.

Key observations

The percent distribution of Canadian population by race (across all racial categories recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau): 87.26% are white, 3.30% are American Indian and Alaska Native and 9.43% are multiracial.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2018-2022 5-Year Estimates.

Racial categories include:

• White
• Black or African American
• American Indian and Alaska Native
• Asian
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
• Some other race
• Two or more races (multiracial)

Variables / Data Columns

• Race: This column displays the racial categories (excluding ethnicity) for the Canadian
• Population: The population of the racial category (excluding ethnicity) in the Canadian is shown in this column.
• % of Total Population: This column displays the percentage distribution of each race as a proportion of Canadian total population. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Canadian Population by Race & Ethnicity. You can refer the same here

Passenger Traffic: International: To India: Canada data was reported at 191,445.000 Person in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 131,038.000 Person for 2017. Passenger Traffic: International: To India: Canada data is updated yearly, averaging 43,891.500 Person from Mar 1998 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 191,445.000 Person in 2018 and a record low of 190.000 Person in 2000. Passenger Traffic: International: To India: Canada data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Transportation, Post and Telecom Sector – Table IN.TA035: Aviation Statistics: Passenger Traffic: International: by Country: To India.

Indians departing to the north American country of Canada accounted for over 779 thousand in 2022. A linear rise in the number of Indians traveling to Canada was seen over the years from 2009 till 2019.

Indigenous identity by Registered or Treaty Indian status, age and gender for the population in private households, Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations with parts.

The provide detailed statistical tables for 18 scenarios by single year of the projection period (2001 to 2017). For each of the scenarios, data are available for persons who identify with each of the following three groups: the North American Indian population, the Métis or the Inuit. All three groups were projected separately for each of the ten provinces and three territories. However, the subprovincial and subterritorial level shown for the three groups varies as it depends on the groups' size. For the North American Indians, future numbers were calculated for the urban parts of all census metropolitan areas (CMAs), urban areas outside CMAs, rural areas and reserves. For the Métis, places of residence were grouped into urban parts of CMAs, urban areas outside CMAs and rural areas, which also include reserves. Because of their relatively small size, the Inuit population was projected separately for urban and rural locations only. This information is further broken down by age and sex. The 18 scenarios, as well as scenario-specific assumptions on the future trend in fertility and internal migration, are presented in the table below. In addition to these two components of population growth, all scenarios assumed declining mortality and negligible importance of international migration to the change of the size of three Aboriginal groups. The statistical tables of this CD-ROM are organized into three sections: Aboriginal groups - The projected population by Aboriginal group, type of residence, province/territory and sex for the 18 scenarios by single year from 2001 to 2017; Age and sex - The projected population by Aboriginal group, type of residence, age group and sex for the 18 scenarios by single year from 2001 to 2017; and Province/territory - The projected total Aboriginal population by province/territory, age group, sex and type of residence for the 18 scenarios for 2001 and 2017. The statistical tables are supplementary to the publication Projections of the Aboriginal populations, Canada, provinces and territories: 2001 to 2017 (catalogue no. 91-547).

This table contains 69696 series, with data for years 2012 - 2012 (not all combinations necessarily have data for all years). This table contains data described by the following dimensions (Not all combinations are available): Geography (11 items: Canada; Atlantic; Quebec; Ontario; ...) Aboriginal identity (6 items: Total, Aboriginal identity; First Nations (North American Indian); First Nations (North American Indian), Registered or Treaty Indian; First Nations (North American Indian), not a Registered or Treaty Indian; ...) Age group (4 items: Total, 15 years and over; 15 to 24 years; 25 to 54 years; 55 years and over) Sex (3 items: Both sexes; Male; Female) Making handcrafted goods (22 items: Total, made clothing or footwear in the last year; Made clothing or footwear in the last year; Made clothing or footwear at least once a week in the last month; Made clothing or footwear less than once a week but at least once in the last month; ...) Statistics (4 items: Number of persons; Percent; Low 95% confidence interval; High 95% confidence interval).

The provide detailed statistical tables for 18 scenarios by single year of the projection period (2001 to 2017). For each of the scenarios, data are available for persons who identify with each of the following three groups: the North American Indian population, the Métis or the Inuit. All three groups were projected separately for each of the ten provinces and three territories. However, the subprovincial and subterritorial level shown for the three groups varies as it depends on the groups' size. For the North American Indians, future numbers were calculated for the urban parts of all census metropolitan areas (CMAs), urban areas outside CMAs, rural areas and reserves. For the Métis, places of residence were grouped into urban parts of CMAs, urban areas outside CMAs and rural areas, which also include reserves. Because of their relatively small size, the Inuit population was projected separately for urban and rural locations only. This information is further broken down by age and sex. The 18 scenarios, as well as scenario-specific assumptions on the future trend in fertility and internal migration, are presented in the table below. In addition to these two components of population growth, all scenarios assumed declining mortality and negligible importance of international migration to the change of the size of three Aboriginal groups. The statistical tables of this CD-ROM are organized into three sections: Aboriginal groups - The projected population by Aboriginal group, type of residence, province/territory and sex for the 18 scenarios by single year from 2001 to 2017; Age and sex - The projected population by Aboriginal group, type of residence, age group and sex for the 18 scenarios by single year from 2001 to 2017; and Province/territory - The projected total Aboriginal population by province/territory, age group, sex and type of residence for the 18 scenarios for 2001 and 2017. The statistical tables are supplementary to the publication Projections of the Aboriginal populations, Canada, provinces and territories: 2001 to 2017 (catalogue no. 91-547).

In 2023, over 11 thousand Indian nationals applied for asylum in Canada. This was a significant increase as compared to the previous year and the highest during the recorded period. Canada is one of the leading countries for Indian migrants.

This table is part of a series of tables that present a portrait of Canada based on the various census topics. The tables range in complexity and levels of geography. Content varies from a simple overview of the country to complex cross-tabulations; the tables may also cover several censuses.

The provide detailed statistical tables for 18 scenarios by single year of the projection period (2001 to 2017). For each of the scenarios, data are available for persons who identify with each of the following three groups: the North American Indian population, the Métis or the Inuit. All three groups were projected separately for each of the ten provinces and three territories. However, the subprovincial and subterritorial level shown for the three groups varies as it depends on the groups' size. For the North American Indians, future numbers were calculated for the urban parts of all census metropolitan areas (CMAs), urban areas outside CMAs, rural areas and reserves. For the Métis, places of residence were grouped into urban parts of CMAs, urban areas outside CMAs and rural areas, which also include reserves. Because of their relatively small size, the Inuit population was projected separately for urban and rural locations only. This information is further broken down by age and sex. The 18 scenarios, as well as scenario-specific assumptions on the future trend in fertility and internal migration, are presented in the table below. In addition to these two components of population growth, all scenarios assumed declining mortality and negligible importance of international migration to the change of the size of three Aboriginal groups. The statistical tables of this CD-ROM are organized into three sections: Aboriginal groups - The projected population by Aboriginal group, type of residence, province/territory and sex for the 18 scenarios by single year from 2001 to 2017; Age and sex - The projected population by Aboriginal group, type of residence, age group and sex for the 18 scenarios by single year from 2001 to 2017; and Province/territory - The projected total Aboriginal population by province/territory, age group, sex and type of residence for the 18 scenarios for 2001 and 2017. The statistical tables are supplementary to the publication Projections of the Aboriginal populations, Canada, provinces and territories: 2001 to 2017 (catalogue no. 91-547).

India IHIS: Percentage of Hotel Guest Arrivals: Heritage: Canada data was reported at 4.200 % in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.500 % for 2017. India IHIS: Percentage of Hotel Guest Arrivals: Heritage: Canada data is updated yearly, averaging 3.200 % from Mar 2000 (Median) to 2018, with 19 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.900 % in 2005 and a record low of 1.600 % in 2002. India IHIS: Percentage of Hotel Guest Arrivals: Heritage: Canada data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Hotel Sector – Table IN.QHB015: Indian Hotel Industry Survey: Percentage of Hotel Guest Arrivals: by Major Countries.

India IHIS: Percentage of Hotel Guest Arrivals: Independent Hotels: Canada data was reported at 2.800 % in 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.600 % for 2017. India IHIS: Percentage of Hotel Guest Arrivals: Independent Hotels: Canada data is updated yearly, averaging 3.450 % from Mar 2001 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.300 % in 2011 and a record low of 2.800 % in 2018. India IHIS: Percentage of Hotel Guest Arrivals: Independent Hotels: Canada data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Hotel Sector – Table IN.QHB015: Indian Hotel Industry Survey: Percentage of Hotel Guest Arrivals: by Major Countries.

Canada Foreign Exchange Rate: Daily Average: Indian Rupee data was reported at 0.016 INR/CAD in Feb 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.017 INR/CAD for Jan 2025. Canada Foreign Exchange Rate: Daily Average: Indian Rupee data is updated monthly, averaging 0.017 INR/CAD from Jan 2017 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 98 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.021 INR/CAD in May 2017 and a record low of 0.016 INR/CAD in Jul 2023. Canada Foreign Exchange Rate: Daily Average: Indian Rupee data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of Canada. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.M013: Foreign Exchange Rate.