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Read previous articles:
Can we say “fat person”?
Using the pronoun “she” and female identity
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When referring to indigenous people, what is the right terminology to use?
Finding the perfect answer to this question is complex. There are over 50 indigenous nations in Canada, spread across more than 600 communities. So it’s hard to find a single term to represent them all. Despite the variations that exist, here are a few general principles to help you grasp some of the subtleties!
Three distinct groups: First Nations, Métis and Inuit
To begin answering this question, it’s important to remember that there are three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples in Canada: First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
The term Métis refers to a set of cultures and ethnic identities specific to people of both Aboriginal and European ancestry. It also refers to the Métis nation of western and northern Canada. In Quebec, there are no recognized Métis groups.
Arctic peoples are collectively known as Inuit, which means “the people” in the Inuktitut language.
If we use the term “First Nations” to designate indigenous people, we should be aware that it does not include the Inuit or the Métis, who form distinct indigenous peoples. “First Nations” therefore refers to the 10 other nations that exist in Quebec (as well as those elsewhere in Canada):
- Abenaki
- Algonquin
- Atikamekw
- Cree
- Wendats
- Innu (Montagnais)
- Malecites
- Micmacs
- Mohawks
- Naskapi
First Nations
Among the 630 indigenous communities across Canada, there are over 50 distinct nations, each with its own language. Members of these communities often define themselves as members of a specific nation or community within that nation. For example, a Nêhiyawak (Cree) person from the Prairies might prefer to be identified by his or her nation, rather than simply being grouped under the term “First Nations” or “Indigenous”. Similarly, a Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk) person from Akwesasne who is a member of the Bear clan might prefer to be identified with his or her specific community (clan).
Do you know the nation or community (clan) to which the people belong? Ideally, you should name them as precisely as possible.
“American Indian” and ‘Indian’: terms from the past
On his arrival in America in 1492, Christopher Columbus referred to the native peoples in this way, misled by the mistaken belief that he had reached the Indies. Although today, communities are still officially referred to as “Indian reserves”, and the 1987 Constitution Act is still officially called the “Indian Act”, the term generally evokes a connotation of colonialism for many indigenous people in Canada.
Yet misuse of the term remains widespread. Until recently, in 2018, history textbooks in Quebec still used the term “American Indian”. These have since been reprinted to change the word to “First Nations”.
It’s also worth noting that, unlike English, the term “Indigenous” is rarely, if ever, used in French. Similarly, the term “Aboriginal” most often refers to the indigenous populations of Oceania (Australia, for example).
“Indigenous” or ”Indigenous people
The term “Indigenous” refers to the original peoples of North America and their descendants. It thus encompasses the three major aboriginal peoples of Canada mentioned above: the First Nations, the Inuit and the Métis.
“Indigenous” is a generic term that can be used, especially if you don’t know to which people or nation the person(s) you wish to talk about belong.
Another recommendation is to favor wording such as “indigenous people” rather than “indigenous”. This emphasizes the identity of each person as an individual, rather than simply naming them by their affiliation. It reflects an attitude of respect towards their individuality, while acknowledging their cultural heritage.
The more precise, the better!
Ideally, when it’s possible to identify the indigenous nation or community to which a person belongs, it’s best to use it. Nothing can replace the accuracy of calling someone by the name of their nation or community. If you don’t have this information and it’s possible to do so, just ask!
If you don’t know the person’s nation or community, but you do know which of the three major Indigenous peoples the person belongs to (First Nations, Inuit or Métis), then it’s best to use these terms.
Finally, in situations where you don’t know which nation or community the person belongs to, or to which Indigenous people, it’s more appropriate to use general terms such as “Indigenous person”. However, be aware that this terminology can encompass a vast diversity of cultures, languages and traditions.
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