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1. Readers should keep in
mind that there is no single lexicon to describe Aboriginal peoples. For example,
there isn't a sole agreed-upon name for the original peoples that inhabited
North America before European settlers arrived. In Canada, "Aboriginal
peoples" is often used. In the United States, "American Indian"
or "Native American" are commonly used. United Nations documents and
organizations (and some Aboriginal scholars and advocates) use the term "Indigenous
people." While the term Inuit is used for the Canada Aboriginal inhabitants
north of the tree line, many in the U.S. still use the term Eskimo.
This guide gives the recommended usage for the employees of INAC and the Government
of Canada. Regardless of the lexicon you choose to follow, try to use terms
correctly and consistently.
2. The authors of this guide
have tried to use current names and terminology selected by Aboriginal peoples
themselves. However, some of the terms listed here have strict legal definitions.
They may seem outdated, but they are still necessary in certain contexts explained
later in the guide.
3. This guide does not list
the many and varied names of individual Aboriginal nations. Rather, it provides
inclusive terms that describe them collectively. Whenever possible, try to characterize
Aboriginal people through their specific identities (e.g., a Haida painter,
a Mohawk school, a Blackfoot publication). These types of identifications more
accurately capture the unique aspects of the people or things you are describing.
4. If you are unsure about names and terms, try contacting the Aboriginal people
you are writing about to learn which terms they prefer. Also note that many
Aboriginal people are using English transliterations of terms from their own
languages to identify themselves; e.g., the Mohawk Nation is also called
"Kanien‘kehá:ka"; the Blackfoot, "Siksika";
the Chippewas, "Anishinabeg";
and the Swampy Cree, "Mushkegowuk."
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