Indigenous Identity and Terminology

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The term "Aboriginal" in Canada.

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Adopted in the Constitution Act, 1982, to refer to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples.

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Common official term in Canada.

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"Aboriginal" has become the most common official term used in Canada.

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Native

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A term that can refer to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. It has gained negative meaning over time and should mostly be avoided.

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Inuit

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One of the groups encompassed by the term "Native."

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Metis

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A group included under the term "Native" along with First Nations and Inuit peoples.

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Indigenous Peoples

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Many Indigenous peoples use the term "Native" and are okay with it.

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Indigenous

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Refers to Indigenous peoples throughout the world, not country-specific. Includes First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. Most widely accepted term.

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Inuit are Indigenous people of the Arctic.

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The word Inuit means “the people” in the Inuit language of Inuktut.

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Inuit has replaced Eskimo in Canada.

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Using Eskimo is considered derogatory in many parts of the Arctic.

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Metis is a term not common in the U.S.

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It is more common in Canada and is a uniquely Canadian name.