Definitions

The order the definitions listed here correspond to the layout of a First Nation profile. To look up the definition or source for a piece of information, click on a category of information below:

First Nation Detail

Information Definitions Source
Official Name The official departmental name of a band as defined within the Indian Act. This name is the First Nation's name as ratified by a Band Council Resolution (BCR). Indian Registration System (IRS)
Number A unique three digit administrative code used by the Department in the Indian Register to identify a body of registered Indians. In most cases this will identify a Band, but it can also include a Self-Governing First Nation, or in some cases a sub-grouping of a larger band.

A Self-Governing First Nation is comprised of members of a band which ceased to exist under the Indian Act as the result of the passage of a Self-Governing Agreement. While the "Indian Act Band" ceased to exist, the individuals who were registered as Indians in affiliation with that former band continue to be entitled to recognition as status Indians, and are still identified collectively, despite the fact that the Band itself no longer exists.

An example of a band with members in multiple registry groups would be the Stoney Band in the Alberta Region. The Stoney Band is identified by Number 471 and it consists of three Registry Groups under which its members are registered: Chiniki (Number 433), Bearspaw (Number 473) and Wesley (Number 475).		 Indian Registration System (IRS)
Address The four lines of a postal address recognized as the First Nation's official address. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Postal code The postal code as provided by the First Nation or Canada Post Postal Code Directory. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Phone The phone number of the First Nation's Office. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Fax The fax number of the First Nation's Office. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Community Site The URL address of a First Nation's Home Page. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)

Reserves/Settlements/Villages

"Reserve" refers to reserves or settlements or villages.

Information Definitions Source
Reserve Number A unique number used to identify a particular reserve. Indian Land Registration System (ILRS)
Reserve Name The given name of an Indian Reserve. It represents a tract of land that has been set apart by Her Majesty for the use and benefit of a Band. Indian Land Registration System (ILRS)
Reserve Location A narrative description of the location of the Reserve that typically uses common points of reference. (Ex. Cassiar District, Lot 4712, on Corya Creek, 1 mile west of Moricetown C.N. Station). Indian Land Registration System (ILRS)
Hectares The surface area, in hectares, of a Reserve or Crown Land set aside for the exclusive use and benefits of the Band(s) to which it is assigned. Indian Land Registration System (ILRS)

Governance

Information Definitions Source
Membership Authority The law under which membership (or citizenship) is determined. (Ex. Indian Act, Cree-Naskapi Act, Sechelt Act, etc.).

Affiliation of an individual with a particular registry group in the Indian Registration System is based on ancestry and may not equate to local band membership rules. Membership (or citizenship) may be determined by self-government instruments operating outside of the Indian Act. As for Indian Act bands, they may choose to legally take control of their membership rules in accordance with Section 10 of the Act.		 Indian Registration System (IRS)
Election System The type of system used by a First Nation to govern its election of Chief's and Councillors. Can be under the Indian Act election system, a custom system, or under the provisions of a self-governing agreement. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Council Quorum The number of council members required for a meeting of the First Nation Council to be "duly convened". Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Title of First Nation Official A description of the role played by a First Nation Official within a First Nation. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Surname of First Nation Official The surname of the First Nation Official in a given role (i.e. Chief) within a First Nation. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Given Name of First Nation Official The given name of the First Nation Official in a given role (i.e. Chief) within a First Nation. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Appointment Date of First Nation Official The start date of the term of office for a particular First Nation Official. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)
Expiry Date of First Nation Official The end date of the term of office for a particular First Nation Official. Band Governance Management System (BGMS)

Geography

Information Definitions Source
Official Name The official departmental name of a band as defined within the Indian Act. This name is the First Nation's name as ratified by a Band Council Resolution (BCR). Band Name System
Number A unique three digit administrative code used by the Department in the Indian Register to identify a body of registered Indians. In most cases this will identify a Band, but it can also include a Self-Governing First Nation, or in some cases a sub-grouping of a larger band.

A Self-Governing First Nation is comprised of members of a band which ceased to exist under the Indian Act as the result of the passage of a Self-Governing Agreement. While the "Indian Act Band" ceased to exist, the individuals who were registered as Indians in affiliation with that former band continue to be entitled to recognition as status Indians, and are still identified collectively, despite the fact that the Band itself no longer exists.

An example of a band with members in multiple registry groups would be the Stoney Band in the Alberta Region. The Stoney Band is identified by Number 471 and it consists of three Registry Groups under which its members are registered: Chiniki (Number 433), Bearspaw (Number 473) and Wesley (Number 475).		 Band Name System
Region This is the name of the administering regional office. Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada designation
Geographic Zone Zone 1:
Located within 50 km of the nearest service centre with year-round road access.

Zone 2:
Located between 50 and 350 km from the nearest service centre with year-round road access.

Zone 3:
Located over 350 km from the nearest service centre with year-round road access.

Zone 4:
The First Nation has no year- round road access to a service centre and, as a result, experiences a higher cost of transportation.

 Band Classification Manual
Sub-zone Used with Geographic Zone 4 only to indicate the distance, measured directly, from a service centre.

Sub-zone 0: distance < 50 km (classified as Zone 2)

Sub-zone 1: 50 km <= distance < 160 km

Sub-zone 2: 160 <= distance < 240 km

Sub-zone 3: 240 <= distance < 320 km

Sub-zone 4: 320 <= distance < 400 km

Sub-zone 5: 400 <= distance < 480 km

Sub-zone 6: distance >= 480 km
 Band Classification Manual
Environmental Index Relates the geographic location of a First Nation to the local climate.

Index A: geographic location < 45° latitude

Index B: 45° latitude <= geographic location < 50° latitude

Index C: 50° latitude <= geographic location < 55° latitude

Index D: 55° latitude <= geographic location < 60° latitude

Index E: 60° latitude <= geographic location < 65° latitude

Index F: geographic location >= 65° latitude		 Band Classification Manual
City A major population centre where various economic indices can be defined for calculating operation and maintenance (O&M) funding requirements for departmentally funded capital assets. Each First Nation is assigned a city centre based on the proximity of the city centre to the most populated site of the First Nation. In cases where two city centres are located approximately the same distance from the most populated site, the city centre that best reflects the economic activities of the most populated site shall be chosen. Band Classification Manual
Service Center The nearest community to which a First Nation can refer to gain access to government services, banks and suppliers.

The nearest community would have the following services available:

  • (a) suppliers, material and equipment (i.e., for construction, office operation, etc.);

  • (b) a pool of skilled and semi-skilled labour; and

  • (c) at least one financial institution (i.e., bank, trust company, credit union, etc.);

as well, the following services would typically be available:

  • (d) provincial services (such as health services, community and social services, environment services); and

  • (e) federal services (such as Canada Post, Employment Centre).
 Band Classification Manual
Most Populated Site The First Nation reserve/ settlement/ village with the largest population out of all reserves/settlements/villages belonging to that First Nation. Band Classification Manual

Registered Population

"Reserve" refers to reserves or settlements or villages.

Information Definitions Source
Registered Males On Own Reserve The number of Male Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on their own Reserve. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Females On Own Reserve The number of Female Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on their own Reserve. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Males On Other Reserves The number of Male Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on another Reserve. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Females On Other Reserves The number of Female Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on another Reserve. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Males On Own Crown Land The number of Male Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on their own Crown Land. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Females On Own Crown Land The number of Female Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on their own Crown Land. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Males On Other Band Crown Land The number of Male Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on another band's Crown Land. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Females On Other Band Crown Land The number of Female Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on another band's Crown Land. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Males On No Band Crown Land The number of Male Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on Crown Land not assigned to a First Nation. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Females On No Band Crown Land The number of Female Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living on Crown Land not assigned to a First Nation. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Males Off Reserve The number of Male Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living Off-reserve. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Registered Females Off Reserve The number of Female Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s) who show in the Register as living Off-reserve. Indian Registration System (IRS)
Total Registered Population The number of Registered Indians affiliated to the indicated First Nation(s). Indian Registration System (IRS)

Tribal Council Detail

Information Definitions Source
Tribal Council Operating Name The name of the Tribal Council. Indian Government Support System (IGSS)
Tribal Council Corporate Registration Name that the tribal council has registered as a legal corporation. Indian Government Support System (IGSS)
Tribal Council Number A unique number assigned to a Tribal Council by the department. Indian Government Support System (IGSS)
Tribal Council Address The address for postal purposes representing the official Tribal Council address. Indian Government Support System (IGSS)
Tribal Council City Centre The city portion of the Tribal Council's official address. Indian Government Support System (IGSS)
Tribal Council Postal Code The postal code portion of the Tribal Council's official address. Indian Government Support System (IGSS)

Census Data

Information Definitions Source
Registered Indian According to the Census of Population, the Registered Indian population represents all individuals who selected "Yes, Status Indian (Registered or Treaty)" as their response to Question 20 "Is this person a Status Indian (Registered or Treaty Indian as defined by the Indian Act of Canada)?" on the 2016 ‘Long Form’ Questionnaire, regardless of their responses to other questions. Census
Language Knowledge The language in which a respondent can conduct a conversation. Census
Marital Status Refers to the marital status of the person, taking into account his/her common-law status. Persons who are married or living common law may be of opposite sex or of the same sex.

Married (incl. common-law): A person who is married and has not separated or obtained a divorce, and whose spouse is living. Common-law includes persons living with another person as a couple but not legally married to that person.

Separated: A person who is married but who no longer lives with his/her spouse (for any reason other than illness, work or school) and who has not obtained a divorce. Persons living common law are not included in this category.

Divorced: A person who has obtained a legal divorce and who has not remarried. Persons living common law are not included in this category.

Widowed: A person who has lost his/her spouse through death and who has not remarried. Persons living common law are not included in this category.

Never married: A person who has never married or a person whose marriage has been annulled and who has not remarried. Persons living common law are not included in this category.		 Census
Highest Degree or Certificate Refers to a person's most advanced certificate, diploma or degree.

No degree, certificate or diploma: Taken to mean less than completion of high school.

High school diploma or equivalent only: Persons who have completed the requirements for graduation from a secondary school or the equivalent, but no postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree.

Trades/apprenticeship or other non-university certificate: Includes apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma; and college, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma.

University certificate below bachelor level: Usually awarded for non-degree programs of study completed through a university. They are often connected with professional associations in fields such as accounting, banking, insurance or public administration. If the university certificate or diploma program does not require a bachelor degree to enroll, then it is classified as below the bachelor level.

University degree (bachelor level or higher): Includes bachelor, master’s and doctorate degrees as well as first professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry.		 Census
Total Income Total income is the total of income from all sources including employment income, income from government programs, pension income, investment income and any other money income. Census
Earnings Earnings (employment income) refers to the total wages and salaries, and net income from self-employment. Census
Government Transfer All cash benefits received from federal, provincial, territorial or municipal governments. Census
Participation rate The total labour force aged 15 years and older expressed as a proportion of the total population in this group. Census
Employment rate The number of employed aged 15 years and older expressed as a proportion of the total population in this age group. Census
Unemployment rate The number of unemployed aged 15 years and older expressed as a proportion of the labour force in this group. Census
Mobility Status Mobility refers to whether the person lived in the same residence on the reference day as he or she did one year before and five years before.

There are "movers" and "non-movers". In the case of the former, there are different types of "movers": People who moved within the same Census Division; people who moved from a different Census Division but lived within the same province or territory; and people who moved from a different province or territory, or came from another country.		 Census
Private Household Private household refers to a person or a group of persons (other than foreign residents) who occupy the same private dwelling and do not have a usual place of residence elsewhere in Canada. Household members who are temporarily absent on enumeration day (e.g., temporarily residing elsewhere) are considered as part of their usual household. Every person is a member of one and only one household. Census

Representative First Nation and Inuit Political Organizations Information

Tribal Council Definition

For the purpose of accessing Tribal Council Program funding, a Tribal Council is a grouping of bands, (bands as defined by the Indian Act), with common interests who voluntarily join together to provide advisory and/or program services to member bands. Tribal Councils are mandated by band councils to deliver advisory services for which funding is provided. Advisory services are defined as the provision to member bands of specific knowledge, expertise and/or assistance in the following fields: band government, financial management, community planning, technical services and economic development.

To be eligible for funding, a new or existing Tribal Council would normally have a minimum of five affiliated bands. Exceptions may be granted by ISC/CIRNAC if the member band councils are able to satisfy the department that there exists a valid social, cultural, geographic or economic reason which would justify the formation of a council of less than five bands. Tribal Councils must also be legally incorporated and accountable to their member bands through representation of each band in decision making and ongoing review of service delivery.

Representative First Nation and Inuit Political Organizations Definition

Only those political organizations that receive funding from ISC/CIRNAC and meet the following conditions have been included in the First Nation Profiles: These organizations undertake, as one of their main functions, political advocacy which includes some or all of the following:

Membership or ownership is restricted to First Nation and Inuit communities, organizations or individuals. The organizations represent a defined group of First Nation or Inuit communities, organizations or individuals, and operate at a national, provincial/territorial or regional level. They are legally incorporated and in good standing, and are not primarily comprehensive claim implementation, comprehensive claim negotiation or self-government organizations.

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Date modified:
2024-05-03