First Nations & Terminology

​ (a)   , particularly as it relates to​ (b)   peoples, can be tricky to navigate. A term that might be acceptable to some might be ​ (c)   to others. Because of this, many people do not feel confident using certain terms when referring to Aboriginal peoples. Fear of using the “wrong” word should never stifle important dialogue and discussions that need to be had. By taking a moment to consider the history of certain terms, it is very possible to learn and be comfortable with which words to use in which contexts.

The history of relationships between the ​ (d)   state and Aboriginal peoples is complex, and has oftentimes been paternalistic and damaging. As a result, terminology can represent something more than just a word. It can represent certain colonial histories and ​ (e)   .

• Terminology
• Indigenous
• offensive
• Canadian
• power dynamics

This term refers to the first inhabitants of Canada, and includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This term came into popular usage in Canadian contexts after 1982, (a)  

• First Nations
• Aboriginal
• Inuit
• Métis
• Indian

It is a term used to describe Aboriginal peoples of Canada who are ethnically neither Métis nor Inuit. This term came into common usage in the 1970s and ‘80s and generally replaced the term “Indian,” although unlike “Indian,” this term does not have a legal definition. (a)  

• Aboriginal
• Inuit
• Peoples
• First Nation
• Native

This term refers to specific groups of people generally living in the far north who are not considered “Indians” under Canadian law.

• Inuit

• Métis

• Indigenous

• Native

• Peoples

The term refers to a collective of cultures and ethnic identities that resulted from unions between Aboriginal and European people in what is now Canada. This term has general and specific uses, and the differences between them are often contentious. It is sometimes used as a general term to refer to people of mixed ancestry, whereas in a legal context, this term refers to descendants of specific historic communities.

• Aboriginal

• First Nations

• Métis

• Inuit

• Indian

This is a term used to encompass a variety of Aboriginal groups. It is most frequently used in an international, transnational, or global context. This term came into wide usage during the 1970s when Aboriginal groups organized transnationally and pushed for greater presence in the United Nations (UN). In the UN, it is used to refer broadly to peoples of long settlement and connection to specific lands who have been adversely affected by incursions by industrial economies, displacement, and settlement of their traditional territories by others.

• Peoples

• Native

• Indigenous

• Indian

• First Nations

It is a general term that refers to a person or thing that has originated from a particular place. This term does not denote a specific Aboriginal ethnicity. In the United States, the term “_________ American” is in common usage to describe Aboriginal peoples. In Canada, the term “Aboriginal” or “Indigenous” is generally preferred to this. Some may feel that this term has a negative connotation and is outdated. This term can also be problematic in certain contexts, as some non-Aboriginal peoples born in a settler state may argue that they, too, are this.

• Peoples

• First Nations

• Inuit

• Native

• Métis

This term recognizes that more than one distinct group comprises the Aboriginal population of Canada. For example, “Aboriginal __________” (singular) might mean each Aboriginal individual, whereas “Aboriginal ______” (plural) indicates a number of separate Aboriginal populations.

• Indian

• Indigenous

• Peoples

• Native

• First Nations

Is it okay to say “​ (a)   ”? While “​ (b)   ” is generally not considered offensive, it may still hold negative connotations for some. Because it is a very general, overarching term, it does not account for any distinctiveness between various ​ (c)   groups. If you are referencing a specific group, it is generally considered more respectful to use another term that more specifically denotes which peoples you are referring to. However, “​ (d)   ” is still commonly used. Many people find it to be a convenient term that encompasses a wide range of populations. When wanting to use a general term in the ​ (e)   context, one might prefer the use of the term “Aboriginal.”

• native
• Aboriginal
• Canadian
• First Nations
• Inuit
• Métis
• Indian
• Indigenous

To ​ (a)   or to ​ (b)   ? There is no official consensus on when to ​ (c)   certain terms. Some people consider ​ (d)   a sign of respect to the people you are referring to. Therefore, it may not be necessary to capitalize when using the term as an adjective and not in direct reference to a population. (For example, consider, “She is a native to the area” to “She is ​ (e)   ” or even, “She is Native.”) Perhaps the term with the most definite capitalization “rule” is “Indian,” as it is a legal entity enforced by the Canadian government. Ultimately, style guides have not created strict guidelines. As a result, you may find variation depending on your resources. Oftentimes, authors will explain their decision in a preface or a footnote.

• capitalize
• not capitalize
• capitalization
• Native American