Terminology: Who are the Indigenous Peoples of Canada?

When working towards (re)conciliation in your personal and professional practices, it is important to use correct terminology as often as possible. Part of (re)conciliation includes learning and unlearning these terms while being respectful and accurate when discussing Indigenous Peoples.

Who are Indigenous Peoples?

Indigenous Peoples refers to the three culturally distinct groups (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) in Canada who were the original inhabitants of this land. This is the preferred term and should be used when referring to these three groups.

Aboriginal is a term you may hear or see that describes these three distinct groups; however, it is not preferred or commonly used. Aboriginal is a government term that was used in policy making, as well as a term to describe Australia’s Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples is the more appropriate term and should be used when possible.

Native is not an appropriate to use when referring to Indigenous Peoples. In rare circumstances, some titles include the term such as the “Native Studies Curriculum” and in these instances, it is acceptable to use. You may also hear Native American, which is a term commonly used in the United States to refer to Indigenous Peoples on that land. It is not a term that Indigenous Peoples in Canada identify with.

Indian is a term that should never be used unless directly referring to government policy such as “The Indian Act” or in historical references. It holds many negative connotations and is often offensive in use when describing Indigenous Peoples.

First Nations is the general term to describe one of the three Indigenous groups in Canada. There are over 600 First Nations communities in Canada and is the appropriate term used to describe those who are considered “Status Indian” or “Non-Status Indian” by the government as well as those who self-identify. First Nations is an umbrella term, such as European or North American. As often as possible, refer to the specific First Nation community and use their preferred name or title. This action highlights your commitment to working towards (re)conciliation. For example, nêhiyaw (Cree) or Muskeg Lake Cree Nation are respectful ways to refer to these two distinct groups.

Métis is a term to describe another distinct Indigenous group in Canada. Métis people, or Michif, descend from fur traders and Indigenous Peoples and have distinct culture, history and language. They have ancestral ties to Red River, now known as Manitoba and reside mostly in the prairie regions of Canada. A common misconception is that Métis are half French and half First Nations. This idea is incorrect and should not be perpetuated. Métis people have inherent rights as do First Nations and in 2016 these rights were affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Inuit is the Inuktitut term for “the people” and refers to the third distinct group of Indigenous Peoples who generally reside in the northern regions of Canada. Like First Nations, there are distinct communities of Inuit peoples and when possible, you should use the correct name such as Labradormiut (Labrador). They have centuries of unique and distinguishing cultures and history. There are other derogatory names that have previously been used to describe Inuit; however, it is essential that we continue to use the appropriate terminology.

Two Spirit is a term used by Indigenous Peoples to describe their diverse gender, sexual, and spiritual identity. This is a term that is only used by Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous communities have various names and teachings that fall under this umbrella term. It is important to note that the meaning will vary from person to person and is dependent on their personal context. Another related term is Indigiqueer, which is also used to self-identify. These terms should only be used if the person has previously used these terms to self-identify and has given you permission to identify them as such.

This resource is shared by the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning (GMCTL), University of Saskatchewan, under a CC BY-NC-SA license.