key terms

Question 1

Stereotype

Answer 1

An oversimplified generalization of a particular group of people. Stereotypes can be based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation or almost any characteristic. It can be positive but it is often negative. It does not take individual differences into account.

Question 2

Prejudice

Answer 2

Preconceived beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes that someone holds about a group. Prejudice is not based on experience. It’s a pre made judgment, originating outside actual experience. By defining one category of people as superior, this results in prejudice of people who do not fall into the favoured category.

Question 3

Discrimination

Answer 3

Consists of actions against a person or group of people. Discrimination can be based on age, religion, race, health, gender, sexuality, and other indicators. It involves restricting members of one group from opportunities or privileges that are available to members of another group.

Question 4

Equity

Answer 4

Giving everyone what is appropriately needed for them

Question 5

Equality

Answer 5

Giving everyone equal opportunity and treatment

Question 6

Traditional Knowledge Holder / Keeper

Answer 6

The cultural customs and practices within First Nations, Metis, and Inuit groups are held by individuals who share and teach this information to other members in their community.

Question 7

Elder

Answer 7

Elder is another word for a Traditional Knowledge Holder/Keeper. Elders are a cherished and highly respected group of people who offer guidance and support on a wide variety of matters for their community.

Question 8

Territorial Acknowledgement

Answer 8

Acknowledging each other based on relationships with a specific community, Nation, or territory. A way for people to situate themselves and show respect to local Indigenous Peoples.

Question 9

Tobacco

Answer 9

As a special gift many First Nations and some Metis groups often use tobacco for various purposes including ceremony trade, payment, and ceremonial medicine.

Question 10

Smudging

Answer 10

is a cleansing of the mind, body, and spirit of negative energy and may be viewed as a way to “open the mind and spirit” This can be done by a qualified Indigenous person (most likely an Elder or Traditional Knowledge Holder”

Question 11

Grandmother / Grandfather / Auntie / Uncle

Answer 11

These terms are often used in a literal sense but are also endearing kinship terms for Elders in some communities.

Question 12

Indian

Answer 12

The term “Indian” because of its negative connotation should be avoided in most contexts unless it is used as part of a historical reference or used in reference to a government policy.

Question 13

Native

Answer 13

this term is rarely used in a respectful manner and therefore should only be used for a specific reason such as referring to an Indian status or organization.

Question 14

First Nations

Answer 14

Most but not all, reserve based communities in Canada refer to themselves as “First Nations”. The term can be applied to individuals, but technically refers only to those who have Indian status under Canadian law as part of a recognized community. Those who are Metis or Inuit should never be referred to as “First Nations”

Question 15

Métis

Answer 15

Are a specific group in Canada with a very specific social history. Until very recently they have not been regarded as “Indians” under Canadian law and are never considered “First Nations” The term can be singular or plural.

Question 16

Inuit

Answer 16

Another specific group, historically located in the Arctic and legally and culturally distinct from First Nations or legally-defined Indians and Metis. The singular term of an Inuit is “Inuk” Inuit translates to “the people” meaning it would be redundant to add “people” after Inuit.

Question 17

Inuk

Answer 17

the singular term of an Inuit is “Inuk”

Question 18

Aboriginal

Answer 18

“Aboriginal” is a general term that collectively refers to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people in Canada. It carries negative connotations because of its use in government policy.

Question 19

“Our” Native Canadians

Answer 19

This is a term we should be avoiding as Indigenous people do not belong to Canada, therefore referring to them as “our” is incorrect, and undermines their identity.

Question 20

Indigenous

Answer 20

Is an umbrella term for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. It refers to all of these groups, either collectively or individually.

Question 21

Appropriation

Answer 21

Using Indigenous ideas, knowledge, practices, and material in a negative way, which will hurt or damage the Indigenous community.

Question 22

Turtle Island

Answer 22

Turtle Island is a name for Earth or North America, used by some Indigenous peoples, as well as by some Indigenous rights activists. The name is based on a creation story common to several Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands of North America.

Question 23

Status

Answer 23

status Indian, Indian status, status, all refer to people on the official record registered under the Indian Act in Canada, called status Indians or registered Indians.

Question 24

Crown

Answer 24

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) continues to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship between Canada and First Nations, Inuit and Métis; modernize Government of Canada structures to enable Indigenous peoples to build capacity and support their vision

Question 25

Treaty

Answer 25

Treaties are agreements made between the Government of Canada, Indigenous groups and often provinces and territories that define ongoing rights and obligations on all sides. These agreements set out continuing treaty rights and benefits for each group.