Aboriginal peoples in Canada

Aboriginal peoples in Canada is a collective name for the original inhabitants of the region of North America that is now Canada, and their descendants. The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples. They are the Indians, Métis, and Inuit. The term First Nation has generally replaced the use of the word Indian in Canada, however no legal definition of it exists. The phrase "Aboriginal peoples in Canada" is preferable to "Aboriginal peoples of Canada" because the former does not imply belonging.

The term First Peoples is often used synonymously. Terms used less frequently include "Native Canadians" and "Aboriginal Canadians". The term "Native Americans" is used the least frequently of all.

Representative bodies of the First Peoples in Canada include the Assembly of First Nations for the First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami for the Inuit, and the Métis National Council for the Métis.

"Aboriginal" should be capitalized like other designations such as Arabic, Irish, or Japanese.

Reference

• Naming guidelines of the Government of Canada's Department of Indian and Northern Affairs.

External link

• Aboriginal Canada Portal