🍁 Chapter 2: Who We Are
2.2.3 First Nations
1 paragraphs · 5 questions
The word Aboriginal covers three separate groups. “Indian” is the older term for Aboriginal people who are neither Inuit nor Métis. During the 1970s people began saying First Nations instead, and that name is the normal one today. Roughly half of First Nations people live on reserve land, spread across about 600 communities as of 2012. The other half live away from the reserves, mostly in cities and larger towns. Knowing this split helps you picture where First Nations people actually live.
Key Facts
- Aboriginal peoples = First Nations, Inuit and Métis
- “Indian” = Aboriginal people other than Inuit and Métis
- The name First Nations came into use in the 1970s
- About half live on reserve, across roughly 600 communities (2012)
Test yourself on this topic
5 practice questions from “First Nations”, each with the answer explained.
- Which three groups make up the Aboriginal peoples of Canada?
- In Canada, who does the term "Indian" refer to?
- In which decade did the term "First Nations" come into use?
- Roughly how many First Nations communities hold reserve land?
- Where do most First Nations people who live off-reserve make their homes?
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