24 Respectful Terminology When Referring to Indigenous Peoples (3.1.5)

This umbrella term refers to all Indigenous peoples in Canada, collectively and separately, encompassing three main groups: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

First Nations

Most, but not all, reserve-based communities in Canada refer to themselves as ‘First Nations’. For informal documents, use ‘First Nation,’ or collectively refer to reserve-based communities as ‘First Nations.’ Still, in specific references, it is preferred to use the name that the community (or First Nation) uses publicly.

The term ‘First Nations’ can be applied to individuals, but technically, it refers only to those with Indian status under Canadian law as part of a recognized community.

(Queen’s University, n.d.)

Métis

Métis are a specific Indigenous group in Canada with a very specific social history. The term ‘Métis’ may be singular or plural and refers to individuals or groups, e.g., “Tom, a Métis student, is attending Queen’s University,” or “The Indian Act does not govern the Métis.” Please use the acute accent over the ‘e’ in Métis unless quoting a name or source in which it is not used.

(Queen’s University, n.d.)

Inuit

Inuit are another Indigenous group, historically located in the Arctic and legally and culturally distinct from First Nations or legally defined Indians and Métis. The singular of ‘Inuit’ is ‘Inuk,’ and because the translation of Inuit is ‘the people,’ it is redundant to add ‘people’ after it. Do not use ‘Eskimo,’ which the Inuit consider derogatory.

(Queen’s University, n.d.)

Terms to Avoid

Native

This term is rarely used in respectful conversations, and we advise against using it unless there is a specific reason to do so, such as in an organizational name that derives from an earlier period (e.g., Queen’s Native Students Association). However, those with Indigenous ancestry might use the term to refer to themselves or other Indigenous peoples.

(Queen’s University, n.d.)

Our Native People/Native Canadian/Indigenous Canadian

Indigenous peoples have been on these lands for time immemorial, thousands of years before Canada became a nation. Indigenous peoples are NOT Indigenous or Native to Canada.

Many Indigenous peoples DO NOT consider themselves Canadians. They are part of their sovereign nations and do not consider themselves part of one that has actively worked to assimilate their people.

Stop saying “our.” Indigenous people do not belong to Canada. Canada is bound to Indigenous peoples through treaties that were made by early representatives of the Crown. By saying “our” or “Canada’s Indigenous peoples,” you are reinforcing a false narrative that is paternalistic. The Canadian state created this narrative, which is false.

(Queen’s University, n.d.)

Aboriginal

“Aboriginal” is a general term that collectively refers to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Canada and is found in the Canadian constitution. This distinction was legalized in 1982 when the Constitution Act came into being. Section 35 (2) of the Act states that “Aboriginal Peoples of Canada” includes the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. It is broad, on the one hand, because it consists of all Canadian groups, but specific, on the other, in that it is not widely used in international contexts. (In the US, for instance, it is not widely understood.) Though until recently a preferred term, it does carry a negative connotation because of its use in government policy, though not nearly as strong a one as its predecessor, ‘Indian.’ Please note that ‘Aboriginal’ should never be used as a noun, e.g., “Aboriginals think…”

Be aware that Aboriginal people, however named, do not ‘belong’ to Canada. Therefore, do not preface any of the terms considered above with a possessive, e.g., “Canada’s Aboriginal (or First Nations, Inuit, Indigenous, Métis) people,” or worse yet, “our Aboriginal people.” This is profoundly insulting and not easily forgiven, as it invokes a history of paternalism and control.

(Queen’s University, n.d.)

Indian

Because of its negative connotation, the term ‘Indian’ should be avoided in most contexts unless it is used as part of a historical reference or in reference to a government policy (e.g., the Indian Act, ‘status Indian’).

You may encounter, particularly in legal or policy contexts, the terms:

• status Indian
• Indian status
• status

All refer to the government classification system in which ‘status’ confers certain agreements based on treaties with the Crown; however, historically, specific penalties were also handed down. This is a technical area with sensitivities, so you may want to consult with knowledgeable people before using these terms.

(Queen’s University, n.d.)