Indigenous peoples in Canada and Prince Edward Island
Updated: 2026-03-30
Indigenous peoples are the first people of this land. They have lived in what is now Canada for thousands of years. Learning about their history, cultures, and contributions is an important part of understanding life in Canada.
There are three main groups of Indigenous peoples in Canada: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Each group has its own cultures, languages, and traditions. Indigenous people live across the country, in both urban and rural communities, with Inuit primarily in northern regions and First Nations and Métis in many provinces.
Indigenous peoples in Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people (sometimes spelled Mi'kmaw, pronounced MEEG-maw). The Mi'kmaq have lived in this region for more than 10,000 years and continue to have a strong connection to the land, water, and community.
"Unceded" means that the land was not given up or sold. The Mi'kmaq are part of the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which were made with the British Crown in the 1700s. These treaties did not involve giving up land. They were agreements to build peaceful relationships and share the land and its resources.
Epekwitk (pronounced Eh-buhk-witk, anglicised spelling Abegweit) is the Mi'kmaq name for Prince Edward Island.
Land acknowledgements
A land acknowledgement is a way to recognize that the land you are on has always belonged to Indigenous peoples. It shows respect for their history, culture, and connection to the land.
Many organizations, schools, and businesses in Canada use land acknowledgements, which you may see written in publications or correspondence or spoken at the beginning of events or meetings.
In Prince Edward Island, this usually recognizes the Mi'kmaq people as the traditional caretakers of the land.
Why this matters
Learning about Indigenous peoples is an important part of living in Canada.
Colonization has had lasting impacts on Indigenous peoples, including loss of land, language, and culture. For many years, Indigenous peoples also faced unfair treatment and harm, including through the residential school system.
Today, people in Canada are working toward reconciliation, which means acknowledging the historical truths, building respectful relationships and recognizing Indigenous rights.
Showing respect
You can show respect by:
- Learning about Indigenous history and cultures
- Listening to Indigenous voices and experiences
- Using correct names for Indigenous peoples and places
- Taking part in local events and learning opportunities
- Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, including wearing an orange shirt to honour survivors of residential schools
