First Nations, Inuit and Métis terminology guide

As the care and inclusivity of language is vital to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada, writing about these communities in a reconciliatory and supportive manner is of paramount importance.

In accordance with CPAC’s reconciliation journey, our goal is to always be community-informed, which starts with listening and learning from those we seek to write about. Fair and inclusive writing requires a Peoples-specific approach to avoid generalizations, as identification, ways of knowing and cultural context can vary greatly across the hundreds of distinct Indigenous communities in Canada.

General principles

• Recognizing First Nations, Inuit and Métis as distinct populations is preferred. The optimal approach is always to refer to First Nations, Inuit or Métis by their chosen or identified name (e.g., the People of Okanagan territory are called Syilx).
• Avoid using a pan-Aboriginal or pan-Indigenous approach, and recognize that there are three distinct Peoples by referring to First Nations, Inuit or Métis.
• Avoid using collective terms such as Aboriginal, Indigenous or the acronym FNIM.
• When referring to research or data, be specific regarding the Peoples included (e.g., if the data was collected from First Nations and Métis but not Inuit, reference it as such).
• External documents or data may not differentiate between First Nations, Inuit and Métis. In this case, it is best to use the same term used in the original document with a note to explain the variation in terminology.
• When including First Nations, Inuit and Métis in reports or presentations it is recommended that a strength-based approach be employed. Incorporate context, inclusive of determinants of health (including but not limited to income, labour force participation, education, history of colonialism, spirituality, connection to community, language, and connection to land), to avoid framing issues through a negative lens.
  • Much of what has been written about First Nations, Inuit and Métis, particularly with respect to health and wellness, has been deficit-based, which has often led to pathologizing and stereotyping.
• Capitalization of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous People: In instances where you need to refer to a group of people who identify as Indigenous, consider the following guidelines for capitalization.
  • Use “Indigenous Peoples” plural and with a capital P to refer to the groups of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada (e.g., Indigenous Peoples have lived in Canada since time immemorial)
  • Use “Indigenous People” singular and with a capital P to refer to one distinct society within this group (e.g., Métis are an Indigenous People who speak Michif, among other languages)
  • Use “Indigenous people” singular and with a lowercase p to refer to a general group of people identifying as Indigenous and no reference is being made to a specific distinct society (e.g., How many Indigenous people live in Canada?)

Names: Three Peoples

First Nations, Inuit or Métis

“Or,” as opposed to “and,” should be used whenever possible as it maintains individuality and acknowledges that there are three distinct Peoples. Occasionally, reference will be made to all three Peoples, collectively, in which case “and” is acceptable (e.g., a project included First Nations, Inuit and Métis).

Generally, the order of reference: First Nation, Inuit and Métis.

When the audience of the document or presentation is mainly for Métis People and/or organizations, the order should be changed to indicate Métis first.

When the audience of the document or presentation is mainly for Inuit, the order should be changed to indicate Inuit first.

Note: This is the order stated in the constitution of Canada.

FNIM or FN/I/M

The use of the acronym “FNIM” or “FN/I/M” is not appropriate to use verbally or in CPAC documents.

It is recognized that there are circumstances when writing the long form is impractical (e.g., when writing in a small space such as a cell in a table or an Outlook calendar item). In such instances FN/I/M can be used, internally only.

First Peoples

This term is considered by some to exclude Métis.

The term ‘Indigenous’ is preferred.

Indigenous

The term Indigenous is used internationally in reference to communities with pre-colonial and/or ancestral connection to a particular territory. There is no universal definition of Indigenous. However, most definitions include reference to self-identification at an individual and community level; connection to territory; distinct language, culture and beliefs; and self-determination.

Indigenous has become a preferred term in Canada for referring to First Nations, Inuit and Métis collectively.

The current federal government, and several provincial governments, now use the term “Indigenous” rather than “Aboriginal,” although legislation, including the Constitution Act of 1982 of Canada, continue to refer to “Aboriginal peoples of Canada.” It is recommended that the term “Aboriginal” only be used when referring to documents, research or data which uses this term.

Note: Recognizing First Nations, Inuit and Métis as Indigenous Peoples acknowledges their international legal rights under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous vs. First Peoples

“Indigenous” is the preferred term; references are evolving, and the use of the term “First Peoples” is waning.

Aboriginal

As defined in Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982 of Canada, “Aboriginal peoples of Canada” include “the Indian, Inuit and Métis of Canada.”

It is recommended that the term “Aboriginal” only be used when referring to an existing publication, title, document, research or data using this term. Capitalize Aboriginal when its use is required (This is an exception to Canadian Press (CP) style).

Should not be used otherwise.

Indian

Can be used when referring to an existing publication or title that uses the term.

Should not be used otherwise.

Native

Can be used when referring to an existing publication or title that uses the term.

Should not be used otherwise.

Canada’s Aboriginal People, “Our First Peoples” or “Canada’s Indigenous population”

All of these terms imply ownership of Indigenous Peoples, so there is no appropriate use.

“Indigenous Peoples in Canada” is preferred.

National Indigenous Organization (NIO)

When referring to “national Indigenous organizations” in sentences, use sentence case; i.e., don’t capitalize the “n” in “national” and the “o” in “organizations.”

If you are using the acronym “NIO,” spell it out in the first instance and place the acronym in parentheses immediately or shortly after. For example: Early calls with national Indigenous organization (NIO) leaders will allow you to signal direction and priorities for your next mandate.

Names: Individual Peoples

First Nations, First Nation

First Nations is a collective term describing original Peoples of Canada, distinct from Inuit or Métis. There are over 600 distinct First Nations communities in Canada. Documents may refer to status or non-status First Nations, which refers to registration in the Indian Register. The singular form of First Nations is First Nation.

“First Nation,” singular, should be used when referring to a particular Nation (e.g., Kwikwetlem First Nation).

“First Nations,” plural, refers to more than one First Nation (or all First Nations across Canada, collectively).

Inuit, Inuk

Inuit are the original Peoples of the Arctic and sub-Arctic of what is now Canada, Alaska, Russia and Greenland. Outside of Canada, Inuit may be referred to by other terms including Aleut, Inupiat and Yupik. In the United States, the term “Eskimo” is used. However, this is not an acceptable term in Canada.

When referring to a population or group, use the term “Inuit.”

“Inuit” means people, therefore one should not write or say “Inuit People.”

“Inuk” is a singular noun and should always be capitalized.

“Inuk” is correct when referring to one person.

Métis

The Métis National Council defines Métis as “a person who self-identifies as Métis, is distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, is of historic Métis Nations Ancestry, and who is accepted by the Métis Nation.” This is also the definition recognized by the federal government. The Métis National Council does not recognize Métis communities east of Ontario.

Accent over the “e” is used by Métis in BC, SK, ON; Métis should always be capitalized.

Metis in Manitoba and Alberta do not use the accent over the “e.”

Accent over the “e” should be used when referring to Métis across Canada.

Engagement

Ally

Rooted in the term “alliance,” an ally is an individual in a position of privilege or power who makes consistent efforts to understand, uplift, empower and support equity-deserving groups they are not a part of. Allyship is about recognizing the complicit nature of silence in the face of inappropriate behaviour or expression. An ally seeks to stand in solidarity with an equity-deserving group to end oppression, discrimination and/or prejudice.

To learn more, refer to CPAC’s DEI Glossary (available to CPAC staff) on Ally/allyship.

Engage vs. consult and consultation

In referring to engagement of Indigenous partners, the word “consult” should not be used if the process does not meet the duty to consult guidelines as established by the Federal government.

“With” vs. “for”

First Nations, Inuit or Métis led work is imperative for success. Thus, collaboration, partnership, and working with should always be the language used.

“With” in this context also promotes the concept of ally.

“For” implies hierarchy.

Targeting, aiming

Implies hierarchy.

“Intended audience/population” is preferred.

Other

Cultural Competency, Capability, Proficiency, Safety, Sensitivity, Appropriateness, Awareness, Humility, Biases

These terms are used interchangeably or describe a similar concept. Jurisdictions use some of these similar terms to describe their approach to reconciliation.

Elders, Knowledge Keepers

These terms have different definitions and understanding by each Indigenous population.

Generally, the Elders and/or Knowledge Keepers of each population have Indigenous and historical knowledge. Usage of these terms should always be validated. These terms are proper nouns.

2SLGBTQIA+

2S: at the front, recognizes Two-Spirit people as the first 2SLGBTQIA+ communities; L: Lesbian; G: Gay; B: Bisexual; T: Transgender; Q: Queer; I: Intersex; A: Asexual; +: is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies.

Two-Spirit is a term used by some Indigenous people to categorize their gender identity.

Métis Settlements

There are eight Métis Settlements in northern Alberta.

Reserve, reservation

Generally, “reserve” is a term used only with First Nations.

Can be used when referring to an existing publication or title that uses the term.

Should not be used otherwise.

The term “community” is preferred.

Note: Reservation is a term that is used in the USA.

Status/Non-status

“Status Indian” is a legal term referring to any First Nations individual who is registered with the federal government (Indian Registry), or is registered with a band.

All unregistered First Nations individuals are considered, by the federal government, as Non-Status Indian.

Inuit and Métis are not eligible for Status.

Note: Status Indians are able to access certain programs and services which are not available to other Indigenous people.

Tobacco use – traditional vs. commercial

Tobacco is considered a sacred plant and is used for traditional ceremony by First Nations and Métis.

The distinction should always be made between traditional and commercial use of tobacco.