In Episode 11, Kris, Vanessa, and Sheila discuss the importance of the language
we use to describe ourselves and others, and the world we live in.
Episode 11: Resources
The term Indigenous is a relational term that has a global context that affects the Canadian context (i.e. UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples). We have seen a shift across Canada and organizations to move towards this language.
Aboriginal is a term that first appeared in the 1982 Constitution of Canada under Section 35(1) in reference to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Officially called Indians in the Indian Act, the term First Nations refers to the Indigenous peoples of North America located in what is now Canada, and their descendants, who are not Inuit or Métis. "First Nation(s)" is the generally preferred term in place of "Indian."
Métis means a person who self-identifies as Métis, is of historic Métis Nation ancestry, is distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, and is accepted by the Métis Nation.
The Inuit are the Aboriginal inhabitants of the North American Arctic. They are united by a common cultural heritage and a common language.
For a more detailed explanation of terminology, please visit the International Journal for Indigenous Health.
