Definitions

Aboriginal, Native American, Indian?

Definitions of appellations

Aboriginal or First people :

Person living on the territory inhabited by his/her ancestors since time immemorial². The term “Aboriginal people” refers to three founding peoples: First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Indian :

The term “Indian” is now considered obsolete. However, it has historically been used to designate Aboriginal peoples in South, Central and North America. In Canada, this term is most often used to refer to identities defined by law³. See the Indian Act of Canada.

Native American :

Aboriginals from American. Designation which is increasingly considered obsolete¹.

Inuit :

Aboriginals of Asian descent and Eskimo-Aleut language whose habitat and civilization are historically related to the Arctic environment. The Inuit live in Siberia, Greenland, Alaska and Canada. The Constitution Act of 1982 legally recognizes the Inuit as Aboriginal people. In Canada, since 1970, Inuit is the official designation for Aboriginals of Asian descent and Inuktitut language. They are one of three recognized Aboriginal peoples in Canada³.

Métis :

With reference to Aboriginal people in Canada, a person of mixed descent, Aboriginal and European, historically inhabiting areas of the Canadian Prairies. In Canada, the 1982 Constitution Act legally recognizes Métis as an Aboriginal people. They are one of three recognized Aboriginal peoples in Canada³.

Aboriginal People :

In Canada, refers to First Nations, Métis and Inuit. These are the original inhabitants of the territory that is Canada today. In 2011, more than 1.4 million people identified themselves as Aboriginal³.

First Nation :

There are 634 First Nations in Canada, using more than 60 distinct languages. First Nations people are the first occupants of the territories that make up Canada today, and they are the first Aboriginal people to have come into sustained contact with Europeans, settler villages and the consequent trade. Most First Nations people are Status Indians or Treaty Indians who are registered on their reserve, band or community. They are one of three recognized Aboriginal peoples in Canada³. Includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis.