Saskatoon is an ethnically diverse city, attracting people from many different cultures and backgrounds.

In particular, the city has one of the largest urban populations of First Nation and Métis peoples in Canada (almost 9 per cent of the population self-identifies as aboriginal). Several First Nations communities are located just outside of Saskatoon; the Whitecap Dakota First Nation (www.whitecapdakota.com) is the closest. Saskatoon is also the home of the country’s first urban reserve (a First Nations reserve created within city limits.) The reserve is owned by the Muskeg Lake First Nation. The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (www.fsin.com), which represents First Nations people, is also headquartered in Saskatoon.

Many residents have also immigrated to Canada from around the world. Several have come to form their own cultural groups and language centres in the region. Non-profit organizations such as the Saskatoon Open Door Society (www.sods.sk.ca) and the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association (www.siassoc.sk.ca) work with new immigrant families to help them adjust to life in Canada.

One of the city’s more popular festivals is Folkfest, a yearly showcase of the city’s cultural diversity. Each ethnic community prepares their own pavilion, featuring traditional, food, music, entertainment and history.

Demographics of aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples

Demographics of visible non-aboriginal minorities