First Nations in Ontario: 135 Recognized Communities

Ontario is home to 135 First Nation communities recognized by the Canadian government under the Indian Act, representing ~23% of all First Nations in Canada.

Key Facts

• Population: ~240,000 First Nations people in Ontario (2021 Census), ~2% of provincial population.
• Geographic Spread: From southern tip (Walpole Island) to Far North (Fort Severn, Peawanuck — fly-in only).
• Treaty Areas: Covered by Treaties 3, 5, 9, Robinson-Superior, Robinson-Huron, Williams Treaties, and unceded territories.
• Governance: Each has elected Chief & Council (2-year terms under Indian Act) or custom governance codes.
• Tribal Councils: 14 regional councils (e.g., Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Grand Council Treaty 3, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians) provide technical/political support.

Diversity

Major cultural/linguistic groups: Anishinaabe (Ojibwe, Odawa, Potawatomi), Cree (Mushkegowuk, Moose Cree), Oji-Cree, Haudenosaunee (Mohawk, Oneida), Algonquin, Delaware (Lenape). Each nation has distinct traditions, languages, and territories.

Land Base

• Reserve lands: ~1.6 million hectares (1.6% of Ontario).
• Many nations assert title to vastly larger traditional territories.

Resources

• Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) — First Nation Profiles.
• Chiefs of Ontario — Political advocacy organization.