Description of Aboriginals

Question 1

Aboriginal peoples of Canada

Answer 1

Collective term for original inhabitants of Canada; includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

Question 2

First Nations

Answer 2

Are culturally, linguistically and geographically diverse groups of people.

Some examples include: Cree, Iroquois, Huron, Dene.

Question 3

Inuit

Answer 3

Are people “who use and occupy the lands and waters” ranging from Yukon and Northwest territories to northern Quebec.

They have a diverse culture and ways of living.

Question 4

Métis

Answer 4

Their origin can be traced back to the Red River in the early 1800s.

They have a unique language and culture which is a blend of Aboriginal and European cultures.

Question 5

Additional information to know

Answer 5

• The term Indian is believed to have originated with early European explorers who thought they had reached India
  o The term Indian is used to define a group of indigenous people registered as such according to the Indian Act
• Original inhabitants of the portion of North American landmass
• Aboriginal peoples in Canada comprise 4-5% of Canada’s total population today

Question 6

Menno Boldt states….

Answer 6

the term Indian “serves as the Canadian government as a convenient political, legal, and administrative categorization of the culturally diverse first peoples of Canada”