Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Buffalo River Dene Nation has a population of around 842 people. The indian reserve's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Buffalo River Dene Nation has increased by ▲ 7.54%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 783 | 842 | +7.54% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.46% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Buffalo River Dene Nation's population is projected to reach approximately 905 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 10.82 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 842 | 905 | 10.82 |
This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.
Buffalo River Dene Nation Population Trend & Context
Buffalo River Dene Nation is the 151st-largest indian reserve in Saskatchewan, with a 2021 census population of 842 — an increase of 59 (▲ 7.54%) people from the 783 recorded in 2016.
The indian reserve's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Saskatchewan indian reserves. The indian reserve's median age of 27.8 years — below the national median of 41.9 — suggests a younger, potentially growing population.
How does Buffalo River Dene Nation compare to other Saskatchewan indian reserves?
- Wolseley: 852 (2021)
- James Smith 100: 850 (2021)
- Buffalo River Dene Nation: 842 (2021) ← 151st largest
- Loon Lake No. 561: 836 (2021)
- Southey: 832 (2021)
Population By Genders
The male population of Buffalo River Dene Nation is around 420 while the female population is around 425.
Of the 842 total population in Buffalo River Dene Nation, the largest gender is female with around 425 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 420 | 425 | +1.18% |
Is Buffalo River Dene Nation a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Buffalo River Dene Nation 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.
Buffalo River Dene Nation Population Compared to Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's population in 2021 was 1,132,505, spread across the area. Here's how Buffalo River Dene Nation compares to the indian reserve's key indicators:
| Indicator | Buffalo River Dene Nation | Saskatchewan |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $66,500 | $82,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 23.1% | 8.4% |
| Median age | 27.8 | 38.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 7.8% | 23.2% |
| Immigrants (%) | 0.0% | 12.5% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Buffalo River Dene Nation has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 10 to 14 years old, accounting for 11.90% of the total population. The indian reserve median age is 27.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 to 14 years | 50 11.90% | 50 11.80% | 0.00% | 100 11.90% |
| 15 to 19 years | 40 9.50% | 55 12.90% | 27.27% | 95 11.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 45 10.70% | 30 7.10% | 33.33% | 75 8.90% |
| 5 to 9 years | 35 8.30% | 35 8.20% | 0.00% | 70 8.30% |
| 30 to 34 years | 30 7.10% | 35 8.20% | 14.29% | 70 8.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 30 7.10% | 40 9.40% | 25.00% | 60 7.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 35 8.30% | 25 5.90% | 28.57% | 60 7.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 30 7.10% | 25 5.90% | 16.67% | 55 6.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 25 6.00% | 20 4.70% | 20.00% | 50 6.00% |
| 40 to 44 years | 20 4.80% | 30 7.10% | 33.33% | 50 6.00% |
| 55 to 59 years | 25 6.00% | 25 5.90% | 0.00% | 45 5.40% |
| 60 to 64 years | 20 4.80% | 15 3.50% | 25.00% | 35 4.20% |
| Average age of the population | 31 31.10% | 31 30.80% | 3.22% | 31 30.90% |
| 45 to 49 years | 15 3.60% | 15 3.50% | 0.00% | 30 3.60% |
| 70 to 74 years | 10 2.40% | 15 3.50% | 33.33% | 30 3.60% |
| Median age of the population | 27 26.80% | 29 29.20% | 10.27% | 28 27.80% |
| 65 to 69 years | 15 3.60% | 10 2.40% | 33.33% | 25 3.00% |
| 75 to 79 years | 0 0.00% | 0 0.00% | 0.00% | 5 0.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 5 1.20% | 0 0.00% | 100.00% | 5 0.60% |
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 64.30% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 15 to 64 years, account for 28.60% and 64.30%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Buffalo River Dene Nation are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Buffalo River Dene Nation
Population of Buffalo River Dene Nation by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Buffalo River Dene Nation is quite diverse, which contributes to the indian reserve's vibrant cultural landscape. Buffalo River Dene Nation is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the indian reserve appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Buffalo River Dene Nation are Dene, which accounts for 69.82% of the total population, followed by Cree (23.67%), First Nations (North American Indian) (14.20%), French (3.55%), and Canadian (2.96%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Buffalo River Dene Nation include English, North American Indigenous, Irish, Scottish, and Plains Cree.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dene | 70.24% | 69.41% | 69.82% |
| Cree | 20.24% | 25.88% | 23.67% |
| First Nations (North American Indian) | 13.10% | 15.29% | 14.20% |
| French | 3.57% | 4.71% | 3.55% |
| Canadian | 2.38% | 3.53% | 2.96% |
| English | 2.38% | 3.53% | 2.96% |
| North American Indigenous | 0.00% | 2.35% | 2.37% |
| Irish | 2.38% | 2.35% | 2.37% |
| Scottish | 3.57% | 0.00% | 1.78% |
| Plains Cree | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.18% |
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Buffalo River Dene Nation's population profile.
About 0.0% of Buffalo River Dene Nation's population are immigrants (0 people).
The top countries of origin for Buffalo River Dene Nation's immigrant population are Brazil (0), Colombia (0), El Salvador (0), Guyana (0), Haiti (0).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 0 |
| Colombia | 0 |
| El Salvador | 0 |
| Guyana | 0 |
| Haiti | 0 |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 205 of Buffalo River Dene Nation's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 12.05% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 3 persons households ranked second, accounting for 11.10% of the population. 1 person, 5 or more persons, and 4 persons households account for 9.25%, 9.25%, and 7.40%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 65 | 12.05% |
| 3 persons | 60 | 11.10% |
| 1 person | 50 | 9.25% |
| 5 or more persons | 50 | 9.25% |
| 4 persons | 40 | 7.40% |
Income in Buffalo River Dene Nation
Analyzing income distribution in Buffalo River Dene Nation can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Buffalo River Dene Nation is $31,200.
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 Buffalo River Dene Nation population or around 60 people falls in the $30,000 to $49,999 group. The next largest groups are the $10,000 to $29,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 55 and 50 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Buffalo River Dene Nation's median household income is $66,500, according to 2020 data.
Below national average Buffalo River Dene Nation's median household income is 17,500 dollars below the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the indian reserve's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the indian reserve's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Buffalo River Dene Nation
This data sheds light on the distribution of Buffalo River Dene Nation residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
49.65% or most of the Buffalo River Dene Nation population has a No certificate, diploma or degree. 32.10% of the population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, 18.90% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 7.80% has Bachelor's degree or higher.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 270 | 230 | 505 | 49.65% |
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 145 | 170 | 310 | 32.10% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 70 | 120 | 185 | 18.90% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20 | 55 | 75 | 7.80% |
Below national average 7.8% of Buffalo River Dene Nation's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Buffalo River Dene Nation
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Buffalo River Dene Nation. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Buffalo River Dene Nation is at 10.00% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 33.33% |
| Unemployment rate | 10.00% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the indian reserve who work as an employee. The majority of Buffalo River Dene Nation's population (around 56.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the indian reserve, there are 0 men and 0 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 10.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Buffalo River Dene Nation industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Buffalo River Dene Nation is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Buffalo River Dene Nation has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (26%) works in the public administration sector. The Construction sector comes second at 15%, followed by Educational services at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public administration | 40 | 25 | 26% |
| Construction | 35 | 0 | 15% |
| Educational services | 10 | 25 | 11% |
| Health care and social assistance | 0 | 30 | 11% |
| Retail trade | 10 | 10 | 9% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 10 | 0 | 4% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 0 | 10 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 0 | 10 | 4% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 10 | 0 | 4% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 10 | 0 | 4% |
| Utilities | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Wholesale trade | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Information and cultural industries | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Finance and insurance | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Accommodation and food services | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 0 | 10 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Buffalo River Dene Nation residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Buffalo River Dene Nation: Public administration (26%), Construction (15%), Educational services (11%)
Top occupation categories in Buffalo River Dene Nation: Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (32%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (23%), Sales and service occupations (15%)
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.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 40 | 80 | 120 | 60.00% |
| No fixed workplace address | 50 | 20 | 70 | 35.00% |
| Worked at home | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Buffalo River Dene Nation 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 Buffalo River Dene Nation residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Buffalo River Dene Nation 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.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 76.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 10.30% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5.10% |
| 60 minutes and over | 5.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.00% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Buffalo River Dene Nationshed 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 Buffalo River Dene Nation'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.
English is the most spoken official language in Buffalo River Dene Nation. About 845 people living in the province speak English, 0 people speak French, 0 people speak English and French language, and 0 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 845 |
| French | 0 |
| English and French | 0 |
| Neither English nor French | 0 |
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.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 53.8% | 65.1% |
| Non-official languages | 42.6% | 26.6% |
| French | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Religion
Buffalo River Dene Nation is predominantly Christian. About 515 of its population is Christian (235 males and 235 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Buddhist with 0.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.0% and 0.0% of the population, while Muslim represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 61.3% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Hindu | 0.0% |
| Jewish | 0.0% |
| Islam | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |
Other Indian Reserves in Saskatchewan
- Seekaskootch 119 2,191
- Stanley 157 1,883
- Pelican Narrows 184B 1,837
- Big River 118 1,535
- Ahtahkakoop 104 1,402
- Lac La Ronge 156 1,349
- Lac La Hache 220 1,279
- Beardy's 97 and Okemasis 96 1,249
- Sturgeon Lake 101 1,224
- Chicken 224 1,152
- Makwa Lake 129B 1,109
- Montreal Lake 106 1,015
- Canoe Lake 165 950
- Fond du Lac 227 926
- Southend 200 913
- Kimosom Pwatinahk 203 875
- James Smith 100 850
- Clearwater River Dene 222 831
- Cote 64 799
- Gordon 86 763
- Big Island Lake Cree Territory 759
- Carrot River 29A 756
- Cumberland House Cree Nation 20 748
- Mistawasis 103 741
- Waterhen 130 728
- White Bear 70 722
- Moosomin 112B 715
- Thunderchild First Nation 115B 706
- Chitek Lake 191 705
- Assiniboine 76 703
- Muskoday First Nation 700
- Flying Dust First Nation 105 679
- Piapot 75 677
- Poorman 88 676
- One Arrow 95 671
- Cowessess 73 645
- Pasqua 79 638
- Kahkewistahaw 72 627
- Sweet Grass 113 623
- Little Pine 116 622
- Shoal Lake 28A 613
- Keeseekoose 66 599
- Makaoo [Part] 120 593
- Standing Buffalo 78 586
- Morin Lake 217 575
- Wapachewunak 192D 572
- Ministikwan 161 549
- Kitsakie 156B 531
- Whitecap 511
- Peepeekisis 81 510
- Fishing Lake 89 506
- Ochapowace 71 501
- Muskowekwan 85 494
- Red Earth 29 490
- Wapaskokimaw 202 481
- Yellowquill 90 475
- Poundmaker 114 471
- Red Pheasant 108 442
- Turnor Lake 193B 428
- Montreal Lake 106B 423
- Sucker River 156C [Nemebien River 156C] 384
- Witchekan Lake 117 369
- Little Red River 106C 367
- Indian Head No. 156 362
- Grandmother's Bay 219 344
- Pelican Narrows 206 336
- Saulteaux 159 312
- Wahpaton 94A 310
- Kinistin 91 304
- Muscowpetung 80 277
- Muskeg Lake Cree Nation 102 271
- Cumberland 100A 266
- Sakimay 74 250
- Okanese 82 213
- Little Black Bear 84 173
- Nekaneet Cree Nation 169
- Star Blanket 83 165
- Ocean Man 69 164
- Ministikwan 161A 156
- Day Star 87 145
- La Plonge 192 144
- The Key 65 144
- Southend No. 200A 139
- Grizzly Bear's Head 110 and Lean Man 111 134
- Mosquito 109 127
- Eagles Lake 165C 115
- Shesheep 74A 98
- Kiskaciwan No. 208 89
- Wa-Pii Moos-Toosis [White Calf] 83A 79
- Pelican Lake 191B 75
- Pheasant Rump Nakota 68 72
- Sturgeon Weir 205 69
- Yellow Quill 90-9 66
- Little Bone 74B 41
- Beardy's and Okemasis 96 and 97B 32
- Brabant Lake 27
- Thunderchild First Nation 115C 26
- Keeseekoose 66A 25
- Makwa Lake 129C 22
- Amiskosakahikan 210 20
- Keeseekoose 66-KE-05 20
- Wood Mountain 160 16
- Beardy's and Okemasis 96 & 97C 15
- Ocean Man 69C 15
- Meadow Lake 105A 10
- Ocean Man 69E 10
- Saulteaux 159A 10
- Treaty Four Reserve Grounds 77 10
- Witchekan Lake 117D 10
- Clearwater River Dene Band 223 5
- Keeseekoose 66-CA-05 5
- Makwa Lake 129 5
- Muskowekwan 85-12 5
- Muskowekwan 85-29 5
- Ocean Man 69A 5
- Ocean Man 69F 5
- Ocean Man 69H 5
- Ocean Man 69I 5
- Ochapowace 71-10 5
- One Arrow 95-1A 5
- Sweet Grass 113-M16 5
- Beardy's and Okemasis 96 and 97A
- Big River 118A
- Carry the Kettle 76-110
- Carry the Kettle 76-19
- Chicken 225
- Flying Dust First Nation 105D
- Flying Dust First Nation 105E
- Flying Dust First Nation 105F
- Four Portages 157C
- Gladue Lake 105B
- Kahkewistahaw No. 72-Q
- Kahkewistahaw No. 72-W
- Keeseekoose 66-CA-04
- Keeseekoose 66-CA-06
- Keeseekoose 66-KE-04
- Kinoosao-Thomas Clark 204
- Little Hills 158
- Little Hills 158B
- Little Red River 106D
- Lucky Man
- Muskeg Lake 102B
- Muskeg Lake 102D
- Muskeg Lake 102E
- Muskeg Lake 102F
- Muskowekwan 85-1
- Muskowekwan 85-10
- Muskowekwan 85-15
- Muskowekwan 85-17
- Muskowekwan 85-22
- Muskowekwan 85-23
- Muskowekwan 85-26
- Muskowekwan 85-27
- Muskowekwan 85-28
- Muskowekwan 85-2A
- Muskowekwan 85-31
- Muskowekwan 85-33
- Muskowekwan 85-4
- Muskowekwan 85-8
- Ocean Man 69D
- Ocean Man 69G
- Ochapowace 71-18
- Ochapowace 71-54
- Ochapowace 71-7
- One Arrow 95-1C
- One Arrow 95-1D
- Opaskwayak Cree Nation 27A
- Pelican Lake 191A
- Poundmaker 114-18B
- Star Blanket 83C
- Sturgeon Weir 184F
- Wepuskow Sahgaiechan 165D
- Willow Cree
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo River Dene Nation
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Buffalo River Dene Nation has a population of 842 people, making it the 151st indian reserve in Saskatchewan. The population increased significantly from 783 in 2016, an increase of 59 people or 7.54%. The indian reserve has a population density of 10.1 people per km² across a land area of 83.63 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Buffalo River Dene Nation's population grew by 7.54% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 783 to 842 people, a gain of 59 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Saskatchewan indian reserves during this period. The median age of 27.80 years suggests a comparatively young population. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Buffalo River Dene Nation has a population density of approximately 10.10 people per square kilometre.
Buffalo River Dene Nation covers a land area of approximately 83.63 km².
The median age of the population in Buffalo River Dene Nation is 27.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Buffalo River Dene Nation is Dene.
The median household income in Buffalo River Dene Nation is $66,500, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Buffalo River Dene Nation.
Christian is the predominant religion in Buffalo River Dene Nation.
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.