The People

Indigenous Peoples are distinct social and cultural groups sharing collective ancestral ties to the land and natural resources where they live. They are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live.

How Many Indigenous Peoples & Cultures are There?

Globally there are 370 million Indigenous Peoples spread across over 90 countries, belonging to over 5000 Indigenous groups, and speaking more than 4000 languages. In Canada, there are 1.6 million Canadians who identify as Indigenous, making up 4.9% of the population.

To the right is a map of people with First Nation status in Canada.

The Canadian Constitution further divides Indigenous Peoples into three main groups:

First Nations
Métis
Inuit

Map of people of First Nation status in Canada

Although these represent the main groups, there are more than 630 Indigenous communities representing 70 different languages, that all have unique cultures and traditions.

How are Indigenous Peoples Identified?

Indigenous Peoples are recognized by a certain set of characteristics and practices as follows:

Self identification as Indigenous
Historical link to those who inhabited a country or region when settlers arrived
They have a strong link to territories and surrounding natural resources
They have distinct social, economic, and political systems
They have a distinct language, culture, and beliefs
They are marginalized and discriminated against by the state
They maintain and develop their ancestral environments and systems as distinct peoples

First Nations

The First Nations are the original inhabitants of Canada comprised of a very diverse group of communities spanning most of the country. Historically they were geographically grouped into 6 main sects: Woodland First Nations, Iroquoian First Nations, Plains First Nations, Plateau First Nations, Pacific Coast First Nations, and First Nations of the Mackenzie and Yukon River Basins. Each of these groups has distinct and shared aspects of social organization, hunting and gathering practices, homes, clothing, and spiritual beliefs.

Find Out More

National Indigenous Peoples Day presented by Indigenous Tourism Alberta (Indigenous Tourism Alberta)

Métis

The Métis Nations are the descendants of indigenous and European relationships in the 1700s. Distinct Métis settlements are often located along historical fur trading regions in Ontario, and in the prairies. The use of the word ‘Métis’ is complex as it has different historical and modern meanings, currently meaning “a person who self-identifies as Métis, is distinct from other Aboriginal Peoples, is of historic Métis Nation ancestry and who is accepted by the Métis Nation.” (Métis National Council).

Find Out More

Inuit

Keeping the Inuit Way of Life Alive in a Changing World (National Geographic)

The Inuit are the indigenous people of the arctic living in 53 different communities across Inuit Nunangat, translating to ‘the place where Inuit live’. Inuit Nunangat includes the regions Inuvialuit (Northwest Territories and Yukon), Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Nunatsiavut (Labrador), and Nunavut. The Inuit people have very rich culture, speaking the language of Inuktut across Nunangat, and maintaining traditional food and living practices.

Find Out More

Sources