Indigenous peoples in Canada
Indigenous peoples in Canada (also known as Aboriginals)[2] are the indigenous peoples within the boundaries of Canada. They comprise the First Nations,[3] Inuit,[4] and Métis.[5] Although "Indian" is a term still commonly used in legal documents, the descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" have fallen into disuse in Canada, and most consider them to be pejorative.[2][6][7] "Aboriginal" as a collective noun[8] is a specific term of art used in some legal documents, including the Constitution Act, 1982, though in some circles that word is also falling into disfavour.[9][10]
"Native Canadian" redirects here. For Canadian people in general, see Canadians.
Old Crow Flats and Bluefish Caves are some of the earliest known sites of human habitation in Canada. The Paleo-Indian Clovis, Plano, and Pre-Dorset cultures predate the current Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Projectile point tools, spears, pottery, bangles, chisels, and scrapers mark archaeological sites, thus distinguishing cultural periods, traditions, and lithic reduction styles.
The characteristics of Indigenous culture in Canada included permanent settlements,[11] agriculture,[12] civic and ceremonial architecture,[13] complex societal hierarchies, and trading networks.[14] Métis nations of mixed ancestry originated in the mid-17th century when First Nations and Inuit people married European fur traders, primarily the French.[15] The Inuit had more limited interaction with European settlers during that early period.[16] Various laws, treaties, and legislation have been enacted between European immigrants and First Nations across Canada. The Aboriginal right to self-government provides opportunity to manage historical, cultural, political, health care and economic control aspects within first people's communities.
As of the 2021 census, the Indigenous population totalled 1,807,250 people, or 5.0% of the national population, with 1,048,405 First Nations people, 624,220 Métis, and 70,540 Inuit.[1] 7.7% of the population under the age of 14 are of Indigenous descent.[17] There are over 600 recognized First Nations governments or bands with distinctive cultures, languages, art, and music.[18][19] National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples to the history of Canada.[20] First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of all backgrounds have become prominent figures and have served as role models in the Indigenous community and help to shape the Canadian cultural identity.[21]