Pre-Class Preparation: Understanding Indigenous Terminology in Canada

Pre-Class Preparation: Understanding Indigenous Terminology in Canada Aboriginal Peoples ●​ This term appears in the Canadian Constitution (1982) and refers collectively to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.​ ●​ Acceptable Use:​ ○​ Interchangeable with "Indigenous Peoples" or "First Peoples"​ ○​ Always use the full term “Aboriginal Peoples” (never just "Aboriginal" or "Aboriginals")​ ●​ Caution:​ ○​ Some First Nations prefer not to be referred to as Aboriginal Peoples.​ First Nation(s) ●​ Refers to Indigenous peoples in Canada who are neither Métis nor Inuit.​ ●​ Commonly used since the 1970s as a replacement for “Indian” or “Indian band.”​ ●​ Includes both status and non-status individuals.​ ●​ Acceptable Use:​ ○​ “First Nation” for a single group; “First Nations” for multiple​ ○​ “First Nation community” as a respectful phrase​ ○​ When referring to individuals instead of “Indian”​ ●​ Caution:​ ○​ Not legally defined​ ○​ Some may prefer "Indigenous Peoples" over "First Nations"​ Indian ●​ A legal term used under the Indian Act.​ ●​ Originated from Columbus mistakenly calling the people he encountered "Indians."​ ●​ Acceptable Use:​ ○​ In legal or historical contexts​ ○​ When quoting directly or referencing legal documents/statistics​ ●​ Caution:​ ○​ Considered offensive or outdated in most everyday usage​ Types: ●​ Status Indian: Registered under the Indian Act​ ●​ Non-status Indian: Not registered but identifies as Indigenous​ ●​ Treaty Indian: Belongs to a group with a signed treaty​ Indigenous Peoples ●​ A widely accepted and inclusive term referring to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.​ ●​ Increasingly preferred in Canada.​ ●​ Acceptable Use:​ ○​ Interchangeable with “Aboriginal Peoples” or “First Peoples”​ ●​ Caution:​ ○​ Some communities may still prefer more specific identifiers like "First Nations"​ Inuit ●​ Indigenous peoples of northern Canada (Nunavut, NWT, northern Quebec, and Labrador).​ ●​ Not governed by the Indian Act.​ ●​ Acceptable Use:​ ○​ Use Inuk (1 person), Inuuk (2 people), and Inuit (3+ people)​ ●​ Caution:​ ○​ Avoid the term Eskimo – it's considered derogatory​ ○​ Don’t confuse Inuit with Innu (a different group in Labrador/Quebec)​ Métis Peoples ●​ People of mixed Indigenous and European heritage with distinct culture and ancestry.​ ●​ Definition (Métis National Council, 2002):​ ○​ Self-identify as Métis​ ○​ Have Métis Nation ancestry​ ○​ Recognized by the Métis Nation​ ●​ Acceptable Use:​ ○​ For individuals meeting the above criteria​ ○​ In reference to those with land grants or scrip​ ●​ Caution:​ ○​ Some who identify as Métis may not meet national definitions (e.g., lost legal status)​ Native ●​ Outdated term that has largely been replaced by “Indigenous.”​ ●​ Still used in certain organizational names or by individuals.​ ●​ Acceptable Use:​ ○​ When self-identified or when referring to groups like “Native Women’s Association of Canada”​ ●​ Caution:​ ○​ Use sparingly – often seen as colonial or disrespectful​ Language & Punctuation Notes ●​ Always capitalize terms like Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis as a sign of respect.​ ●​ Avoid possessive phrases (e.g., “Canada’s Indigenous Peoples”).​ ●​ No apostrophe in terms like “First Nations land.”​ Understanding Indigenous Peoples in Canada Three Recognized Groups: 1.​ First Nations – Original inhabitants with distinct cultures, territories, and languages.​ 2.​ Métis – Evolved through unions between European settlers and First Nations women.​ 3.​ Inuit – Indigenous to the Arctic regions of Canada.​ Alberta-Specific Groups: ●​ First Nations: Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Chipewyan, Tsuu T’ina, and Stoney​ ●​ Métis: Strong community ties to land and traditions​ ●​ Inuit: Small population in Alberta​ Health & Social Issues Key Health Disparities: ●​ Lower life expectancy (5–7 years shorter for First Nations)​ ●​ Higher rates of infant mortality and chronic illness​ ●​ Diabetes and obesity more prevalent​ ●​ Smoking: 57% of Indigenous adults vs. 19% of general population​ ●​ Injury is a leading cause of death among those under 45​ ●​ Suicide rate 2.5x higher than general Canadian population​ Social Determinants: ●​ Income, education, housing, healthcare access, and cultural connection all impact health.​ ●​ Indigenous communities often face systemic inequities in these areas.​ Barriers: ●​ Remote locations​ ●​ Lack of healthcare and education resources​ ●​ Poor housing conditions​ Cultural Identity, History & Resilience Colonial Impacts: ●​ Legal identity imposed through the Indian Act​ ●​ Residential schools led to generational trauma​ ●​ Indigenous identity was historically based on community connection, not blood quantum​ Stereotypes & Misconceptions: ●​ Harmful stereotypes (e.g., lazy, drunk) persist​ ●​ Many Indigenous individuals feel pressured to hide their identity​ Reviving Identity & Culture Personal Stories: ●​ Métis individuals in Alberta reconnect through land, tradition, and cultural expression​ ●​ Elders and family pass down language, music, and values​ ●​ Youth are reclaiming identity and promoting change​ Cultural Practices: ●​ Powwows, once banned, now thrive as inclusive celebrations​ ●​ Golf and rodeo have unique meanings in Indigenous communities​ ●​ Storytelling and traditional crafts (e.g., sashes) play a central role in cultural survival​ Role of Elders ●​ Elders serve as quiet mentors, not self-declared leaders.​ ●​ Authentic spirituality and tradition come from community trust, not commercialization.​ Final Thoughts ●​ Understanding Indigenous identity means learning history, respecting terminology, and listening to lived experiences.​ ●​ Terminology and cultural practices are nuanced—use respectful language and avoid generalizations.​ ●​ Indigenous Peoples are not a monolith; they represent diverse, rich, and resilient cultures continuing to evolve today.