Aboriginal People In Canada

Aboriginal people have occupied the geographical territory now called Canada for
thousands of years. The British North American Act of 1867 made the Government
of Canada responsible for Indians and later extended to all Aboriginal people.

The Canadian Constitution Act of 1982 refers to people living in Canada as being
Indian, Métis, and Inuit under a broader term “Aboriginal people.” Aboriginal people are those now living in Canada; descendants from the original populations of North America before the time of European contact.

The term “Indian” is considered outdated and offensive by some people and there
is much debate over whether to continue using this term. The term “First Nation” is
used instead of “Indian” by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
In addition, when Columbus arrived in North America, he gave the name “Indian”
to the people he encountered thinking that he had landed in India.

(Source: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, 2004)

• A MESSAGE FROM
  THE DIRECTOR
  
  
• INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
  
  
• ABORIGINAL PEOPLE
  IN CANADA