Nunavut’s Population Demographics by Ethnicity

Nunavut, Canada’s northernmost and newest territory, is distinct for having the highest proportion of Indigenous peoples in the country. The 2021 Census highlights that 85.7% of Nunavut’s population is Indigenous, primarily Inuit, reflecting the territory’s deep cultural and ancestral ties.

Key Insights on Nunavut’s Demographics:

• Indigenous peoples form the overwhelming majority in Nunavut at 85.7%, making it the most Indigenous-dominated region in Canada.
• White residents make up 10% of the population, the second-largest group.
• Visible minorities such as Black (1.5%) and Filipino (0.8%) populations are small but present.
• The territory’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in Inuit traditions, language (Inuktitut), and community life, influencing governance and education.

Nunavut’s Cultural Landscape

Nunavut was established in 1999 to provide a self-governed territory for the Inuit population. The region prioritizes the preservation of Indigenous languages, customs, and knowledge systems, distinguishing it from other provinces and territories in Canada.

Nunavut Population by Ethnicity (2021)

Ethnicity	Population	% of Population
White	3,655	10.0%
South Asian	165	0.5%
Chinese	60	0.2%
Black	540	1.5%
Filipino	300	0.8%
Arab	35	0.1%
Latin American	60	0.2%
Southeast Asian	10	0.0%
West Asian	0	0.0%
Korean	0	0.0%
Japanese	0	0.0%
Other ethnicities	250	0.7%
Two or more ethnicities	150	0.4%
Indigenous peoples	31,360	85.7%

FAQ

What is the largest ethnic group in Nunavut?
The largest ethnic group in Nunavut is Indigenous peoples, representing 85.7% of the territory’s population, primarily Inuit.

What percentage of Nunavut’s population is White?
Approximately 10% of Nunavut’s population identifies as White, making it the second-largest ethnic group in the territory.

Are there visible minorities in Nunavut?
Yes, visible minorities exist in Nunavut, but in small numbers. The Black community represents 1.5%, while the Filipino community accounts for 0.8% of the population.

Source:

Statistics Canada. Table 98-10-0324-01  Visible minority and population group by generation status: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations with parts