Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba
Learn about the Indigenous Peoples of this province, political organizations and treaty areas.
First Nations in Manitoba
As of October 14, 2025, 182,197 people in Manitoba were registered under the Indian Act. Of this number, 97,251 people, or 53.4%, live on a reserve.
There are 63 First Nations in Manitoba, including 6 of the 20 largest bands in Canada. Manitoba is second to Ontario in total population living on reserve and in total First Nation population.
17 First Nations are not accessible by an all-weather road. This accounts for about half of all First Nations people who live on reserve in Manitoba.
Geographic isolation has segregated certain First Nations communities, socially and economically, from mainstream Manitoba. This has created unique challenges in the region related to economic development and the delivery of services.
There are 5 First Nations Peoples in Manitoba:
- Anishinaabeg
- Ininiwak
- Anisininewuk
- Dakota Oyate
- Dene
There are 7 First Nations treaties in the province. Some First Nations are not signatory to any treaty with Canada, such as:
- Birdtail Sioux
- Sioux Valley
- Canupawakpa
- Dakota Tipi
- Dakota Plains
To see where the First Nations and treaty areas are located across the region, please consult the First Nations and Treaty Areas in Manitoba map.
Learn more:
- The Numbered Treaties (1871-1921)
- Treaty land entitlement in Manitoba
- Urban reserves in Manitoba
- First Nation Profiles
- Focus on Geography Series: Manitoba
First Nations political organizations
There are 7 First Nations tribal councils in Manitoba:
- Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council
- Interlake Reserves Tribal Council
- Island Lake Tribal Council
- Keewatin Tribal Council
- Southeast Resource Development Council
- Swampy Cree Tribal Council
- West Region Tribal Council
First Nations in Manitoba are represented by 3 active provincial political organizations divided on a north-south basis:
Related organizations include