FNMI (First Nation, Metis, and Inuit) Lingo

As we begin to talk about First Nation, Metis, and Inuit communities in class, it is important to understand the different terms and vocabulary we will encounter in class and readings.

Here are 5 terms you should know:

First Nation - The Political Term used to describe the First Peoples of Canada, Treaty, Status and Non - Status. First Nations people often refer to themselves as the Nation Formerly Tribe) they are from - For example Ojibwe, Mohawk, Cree, etc. There are over 600 Indigenous nations in North America, each with their own language and dialect

Metis - The term used to represent a newer nation of people, who are First Nations and European decent. They have recently been recognized by the government as having the same rights as First Nations People. 

Inuit - (Formerly referred to as Eskimos) the term used to describe people who are originally from and inhabit the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and the United States. Inuit often refer to themselves as Inuk, and Canadian Inuit speak Inuktitut

Aboriginal - The political term that encompasses all of Canada's First Nation, Metis, and Inuit People

Indigenous  - The term that describes the original people of the land in which they originated.



Why is it important that we use the right vocabulary when talking about different groups of people?

Abdul - so people understand what you are trying to say

Rafeed - So you know the meaning

Mantaka - to respect them

Dagma - to understand the differences

Hamza - there can be different meanings for the terms.