Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Big Island Lake Cree Territory has a population of around 759 people. The Indian reserve's population is in decreased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Big Island Lake Cree Territory has decreased by ▼ -6.06%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 808 | 759 | --6.06% |
2026 Population Projection
Big Island Lake Cree Territory's population declined between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, so a 2026 growth projection is not shown. The most recent confirmed figure remains the 759 people recorded in the 2021 census.
Big Island Lake Cree Territory Population Trend & Context
Big Island Lake Cree Territory had a 2021 census population of 759 — a decline of 49 (▼ 6.06%) people from the 808 recorded in 2016.
The Indian reserve's population has declined noticeably over this period, reflecting broader pressures facing Saskatchewan Indian reserves. The Indian reserve's median age of 21 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
Population By Genders
The male population of Big Island Lake Cree Territory is around 375 while the female population is around 385.
Of the 759 total population in Big Island Lake Cree Territory, the largest gender is female with around 385 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 375 | 385 | -2.60% |
Is Big Island Lake Cree Territory a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Big Island Lake Cree Territory compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Saskatchewan, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Big Island Lake Cree Territory Population Compared to Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's population in 2021 was 1,132,505, spread across the area. Here's how Big Island Lake Cree Territory compares to the Indian reserve's key indicators:
| Indicator | Big Island Lake Cree Territory | Saskatchewan |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | — | $82,000 |
| Unemployment rate | — | 8.4% |
| Median age | 21 | 38.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | — | 23.2% |
| Immigrants (%) | — | 12.5% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Big Island Lake Cree Territory has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 5 to 9 years old, accounting for 14.50% of the total population. The Indian reserve median age is 21.00.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 to 9 years | 45 12.00% | 60 15.60% | 25.00% | 110 14.50% |
| 10 to 14 years | 50 13.30% | 55 14.30% | 9.09% | 100 13.20% |
Broader Age Groups
If the Indian reserve's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 57.20% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 37.50% and 4.60%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Big Island Lake Cree Territory are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 58.70% | 57.10% | 57.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 37.30% | 39.00% | 37.50% |
| 65 years and over | 15.00% | 20.00% | 35.00% |
| 65 years and over | 4.00% | 5.20% | 4.60% |
Population of Big Island Lake Cree Territory by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Big Island Lake Cree Territory is quite diverse, which contributes to the Indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Big Island Lake Cree Territory is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the Indian reserve appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
Immigration Profile
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 145 of Big Island Lake Cree Territory's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 5 or more persons household.
Household Size
About 25.80% of the population lives in 5 or more persons households. 3 persons households ranked second, accounting for 8.05% of the population. 2 persons, 1 person, and 4 persons households account for 6.45%, 4.85%, and 4.85%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 5 or more persons | 80 | 25.80% |
| 3 persons | 25 | 8.05% |
| 2 persons | 20 | 6.45% |
| 1 person | 15 | 4.85% |
| 4 persons | 15 | 4.85% |
Family and Household Structure in Big Island Lake Cree Territory
Of census families in Big Island Lake Cree Territory, 28.9% are couple families and 71.1% are one-parent families. The average census family has 3.6 people.
9.4% of households in Big Island Lake Cree Territory are one-person households, 18.8% are couple-family households, 28.1% are one-parent-family households, and 25.0% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 15 | 9.4% |
| Couple-family households | 30 | 18.8% |
| One-parent-family households | 45 | 28.1% |
| Multigenerational households | 40 | 25.0% |
Income in Big Island Lake Cree Territory
Analyzing income distribution in Big Island Lake Cree Territory can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Big Island Lake Cree Territory is $20,800.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the Indian reserve's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Big Island Lake Cree Territory population or around 175 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the Under $10,000, and Under $10,000 with around 95 and 95 people, respectively.
Household Income
Education Levels in Big Island Lake Cree Territory
Employment in Big Island Lake Cree Territory
Working as an Employee
Employment Industry Sectors
Labour Market Snapshot
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the Indian reserve. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Big Island Lake Cree Territory residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Big Island Lake Cree Territory residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Big Island Lake Cree Territory spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the Indian reserve's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the Indian reserve.
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Big Island Lake Cree Territory shed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the Indian reserve's social fabric. We can gain insights into Big Island Lake Cree Territory's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights Indian reserve's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
Mother Tongue & Home Language
Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.
Religion
Nearest Indian Reserves to Big Island Lake Cree Territory
- Ministikwan 161A 32.1 km · 156 people
- Ministikwan 161 46.1 km · 549 people
- Makwa Lake 129B 48.4 km · 1,109 people
- Makwa Lake 129 51.2 km · 5 people
- Makwa Lake 129C 54.9 km · 22 people
- Waterhen 130 79.6 km · 728 people
- Seekaskootch 119 83.2 km · 2,191 people
- Meadow Lake 105A 83.3 km · 10 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Island Lake Cree Territory
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Big Island Lake Cree Territory has a population of 759 people, making it the 170th Indian reserve in Saskatchewan. The population declined significantly from 808 in 2016, a decrease of 49 people or 6.06%. The Indian reserve has a population density of 16.1 people per km² across a land area of 47.23 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Big Island Lake Cree Territory's population declined by 6.06% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 808 to 759 people, a loss of 49 residents. This decline is consistent with pressures faced by many other Saskatchewan Indian reserves during this period. The median age of 21.00 years suggests a comparatively young population. The relatively low proportion of one-person households (9.7%) points to a family-oriented community. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Big Island Lake Cree Territory has a population density of approximately 16.10 people per square kilometre.
Big Island Lake Cree Territory covers a land area of approximately 47.23 km².
The median age of the population in Big Island Lake Cree Territory is 21.00 years.
One-parent families make up 73.0% of census families in Big Island Lake Cree Territory, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 25.0% of all households in Big Island Lake Cree Territory, per the 2021 Census.
Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.