INDIGENOUS People, NATIVE American, Aboriginal...(What is the correct name?)

Summary

This video explains the correct terminology for addressing Indigenous peoples in Canada, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and the term 'Indigenous' itself. It outlines when to use terms like 'First Nations,' 'Indian,' 'Native American,' and 'Aboriginal,' highlighting the preferences of different communities, such as younger generations, elders, and government organizations. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural preferences and suggests asking individuals about their preferred terms. The ultimate goal is to ensure respectful and accurate communication when addressing Native or Indigenous peoples.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'Indigenous' refers to the original peoples of Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
• 😀 Younger generations and urban native people often self-identify as 'Indigenous'.
• 😀 The term 'First Nations' is used to describe specific groups within the Indigenous community, especially in Canada, and is often used by government organizations.
• 😀 'Indian' is a historically inaccurate term, originating from European settlers' confusion about their location, but is still used by some elderly generations.
• 😀 The term 'Native American' is commonly used in the United States to refer to Indigenous people and is preferred by many in the U.S. over other terms.
• 😀 'Aboriginal' is synonymous with 'Indigenous' but is becoming outdated, as more people prefer the term 'Indigenous'.
• 😀 The intent behind using any of these terms is important; always consider asking the person you are addressing about their preferred term.
• 😀 The term 'First Nations' was adopted for reserves, replacing the older term 'Indian reserves'.
• 😀 The term 'Indian' was institutionalized through the Indian Act, a Canadian government policy to integrate Indigenous peoples into European settler society.
• 😀 There is no universal consensus on which term is most appropriate, so it is recommended to ask individuals their preference.

Q & A

What is the correct name to call Indigenous people in Canada?

The correct name depends on the context and the preference of the individual. Common terms include Indigenous, First Nations, Indian, Native American, and Aboriginal, but it's best to ask the person how they prefer to be addressed.

What does the term 'Indigenous' mean?

Indigenous refers to the original people of Canada. It encompasses the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. The term is widely used globally to describe species or people that have originated in a particular region.

Who generally prefers to be called Indigenous?

Younger generations and urban native people typically prefer the term Indigenous. It is a common self-identification used by many.

What is the significance of the term 'First Nations'?

'First Nations' refers to the original peoples of Canada, distinct from Métis and Inuit groups. It became widely used after the Assembly of First Nations advocated for the term, replacing 'Indian reserves' with 'First Nations' to represent various tribes.

Who prefers the term 'First Nations'?

Government organizations typically use the term First Nations due to its political correctness. It's also preferred when referring to specific tribal groups.

What does it mean to call someone 'Indian'?

The term 'Indian' was initially used due to a misunderstanding by European settlers who thought they had arrived in India. In Canada, it was used in official terms like the Indian Act, but it's less commonly used today except by some elderly generations who have been accustomed to it.

Who prefers the term 'Indian'?

The elderly generation of Indigenous people may still refer to themselves as Indians because that’s the term they grew up with, and they have a deep historical connection to it.

What does 'Native American' mean?

'Native American' refers to the Indigenous peoples of North America, specifically used in the United States. It is more commonly preferred by Indigenous Americans than by Canadians.

Who prefers to be called 'Native American'?

'Native Americans' from the United States generally prefer this term over others like 'Indigenous' or 'Indian'. However, this term is not as commonly used in Canada.

What does 'Aboriginal' mean?

'Aboriginal' is synonymous with Indigenous and First Nations. It was widely used in official government documents and policies but is becoming outdated as the term 'Indigenous' is gaining preference.

Who prefers the term 'Aboriginal'?

Government organizations, educational institutions, and some legal contexts have used the term 'Aboriginal'. However, its use is decreasing, and many Indigenous people now prefer the term 'Indigenous'.

What is the most important factor when addressing Indigenous people?

The most important factor is the intent behind the address. It's crucial to be respectful and ask individuals how they prefer to be called rather than making assumptions.