A Look at Canada

Aboriginal Peoples of Canada

Key Words Inuit Métis First Nations Land claim settlements Self-government

The Aboriginal peoples were the first people to live in Canada. They had many different spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, they live in every region of the country.

Aboriginal peoples developed a special relationship with nature, since they depended on it for survival. Those who lived on Canada’s coasts depended on fishing and hunting. Those who lived in central and eastern Canada hunted and grew vegetable crops.

The Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes three main groups of Aboriginal peoples in Canada: the First Nations, the Inuit and the Métis. Today, there are more than 50 different languages spoken by Aboriginal peoples, most of which are spoken only in Canada.

The Aboriginal population is growing almost twice as fast as the rest of the population in Canada. Aboriginal peoples make up about three percent of all Canadians, or roughly 790,000 people. About 69 percent are First Nations, 26 percent are Métis and five percent are Inuit.

First Nations

First Nations youth in traditional clothing

The term “First Nations” has been used since the 1970s instead of “Indian.” First Nations describes all Aboriginal people in Canada who are not Inuit or Métis. Different First Nations communities have different languages, cultures and traditions, depending largely on where they are located.

First Nations people living in eastern North America invented bark canoes to travel on rivers and lakes. Some First Nations people lived on the plains, and moved with the buffalo herds, which they hunted for food, clothing and tools. They made lightweight, solid homes that were easy to move. These homes, called “tepees,” were made of poles arranged in a cone shape and covered with animal skins.

Inuit

Inuit are Aboriginal people who live in Canada’s North, which includes Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Northern Quebec and Labrador. They have a close connection with the land and all the plants and animals that share it. They adjusted to the cold northern weather and lived by hunting seals, whales, caribou and polar bears. Some Inuit people still hunt for food and clothing.

Métis

Many early French fur traders and some English traders married First Nations women. Their descendants are called the Métis people. The Métis, who developed their own distinct culture on the Prairies, played an important role in the fur trade.

Today, the majority of Métis people live in the western regions of Canada.

Treaties—past, present and future

The British and Canadian governments made many agreements, or treaties, with the Aboriginal peoples between 1701 and 1923. These treaties granted the Aboriginal peoples certain rights and benefits in exchange for giving up their title to the land. Each treaty is unique and is seen as a solemn promise.

Aboriginal groups and the Canadian government are still negotiating new agreements for land and other rights. These modern agreements are known as land claim settlements. Nunavut, Canada’s newest territory, was created as a result of a land claim settlement.

The Canadian government continues to negotiate with Aboriginal peoples so that they can regain control over decisions that affect them and manage their own affairs. This is known as self-government. Canada is also working with them to improve their economic situation and general quality of life.

Aboriginal peoples have unique histories, cultures and languages. They continue to play an active role in Canadian society.