List of Indian reserves in Canada facts for kids

Canada is home to many First Nations people. For a long time, the Canadian government set aside special areas of land for these communities. These areas are called Indian reserves. They were mostly created by a law called the Indian Act back in 1876. Over the years, some reserves have changed in size. Sometimes, people mistakenly call them "reservations," which is a term used in the United States.

What are Indian Reserves?

Indian reserves are lands that the Canadian government holds for the use and benefit of First Nations communities. These lands are meant to be places where First Nations can live, practice their cultures, and govern themselves. Each reserve is connected to a specific First Nation band, which is a group of First Nations people recognized by the government.

Why were Reserves Created?

Indian reserves were mainly created through treaties between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. These treaties were agreements where First Nations shared their traditional lands. In return, the government promised to set aside smaller areas for them to live on, along with other benefits. The Indian Act of 1876 played a big role in how these reserves were managed. This Act also defined who was considered an "Indian" under Canadian law.

Life on a Reserve Today

Life on a reserve can be very different from other communities in Canada. Many First Nations communities on reserves work hard to keep their unique languages, traditions, and ceremonies alive. They often have their own local governments, schools, and health services. However, some reserves face challenges like limited resources or housing issues. First Nations leaders and community members are always working to improve life on their lands.

Reserves Across Canada

Canada has many Indian reserves spread across its provinces and territories. Each reserve has its own history and is home to different First Nations groups.

Reserves in Different Provinces and Territories

Each province and territory in Canada has its own list of Indian reserves. These lists show the names of the reserves and the First Nations who live there.

Alberta's Reserves

Alberta has many Indian reserves. These lands are home to various First Nations communities, including Cree, Blackfoot, Stoney Nakoda, and Dene peoples. Each reserve plays an important role in the lives of its community members.

British Columbia's Reserves

British Columbia has the largest number of Indian reserves in Canada. These reserves are spread across the province's diverse landscapes. They are home to many different First Nations groups, each with their own unique cultures and histories.

Manitoba's Reserves

In Manitoba, there are many Indian reserves where First Nations communities live. Some of the groups include Cree, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, and Dakota peoples. These communities are located throughout the province, from the southern plains to the northern forests.

New Brunswick's Reserves

New Brunswick is home to Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy First Nations. They have several reserves across the province. These communities work to preserve their traditions and languages.

Newfoundland and Labrador's Reserves

In Newfoundland and Labrador, there are a few Indian reserves. These lands are home to Mi'kmaq, Innu, and Naskapi First Nations. These communities are important cultural centers for their people.

Nova Scotia's Reserves

Nova Scotia has several Indian reserves, mostly home to the Mi'kmaq First Nation. These communities are spread across the province and play a key role in preserving Mi'kmaq culture and heritage.

Northwest Territories' Reserves

The Northwest Territories has a few official Indian reserves. These include Hay River Dene 1, Salt River 195, and Salt Plains 195. Many other Indigenous communities in the NWT are known as Indian settlements, not reserves. The main groups here are Dene, Métis, and Inuit.

Ontario's Reserves

Ontario has many Indian reserves, home to a wide variety of First Nations groups. These include Ojibwe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Algonquin, Mohawk, and Anishinaabe peoples, among others. Many of these reserves are located in northern Ontario.

Prince Edward Island's Reserves

Prince Edward Island has a few Indian reserves, primarily for the Mi'kmaq First Nation. These communities are important cultural hubs on the island.

Quebec's Reserves

Quebec is home to many First Nations and Inuit communities. There are numerous Indian reserves across the province, where different Indigenous groups like the Mohawk, Cree, Innu, and Anishinaabeg live.

Saskatchewan's Reserves

Saskatchewan has many Indian reserves, home to Cree, Saulteaux, Nakoda, and Dakota Sioux First Nations. These communities are spread across the province and are important centers for Indigenous culture and governance.

Yukon's Reserves

In the Yukon, Indigenous communities are often referred to as First Nations or self-governing nations. While they have land agreements, the term "Indian reserve" is less commonly used here.

See also

• List of Indian reserves in Canada by population
• List of place names in Canada of Aboriginal origin
• List of First Nations governments
• List of First Nations peoples
• Classification of indigenous peoples of the Americas