First Nations

First Nations is a term of ethnicity used in Canada that has widely replaced the use of the word "Indian". It refers to the Indigenous peoples of North America located in what is now Canada, and their descendants, who are not Inuit or Métis. The proper terms to refer to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis collectively is Aboriginal peoples in Canada or First peoples or Indigenous peoples, tribes, or nations. A national representative body of the "First Nations" people in Canada is the Assembly of First Nations.

Historical treatment

Until the late 1960s, First Nations were often treated in order to try to assimilate them into Canadian culture. A common institution for assimilation at this time were residential schools. Currently many First Nations, along with their Aboriginal peers the Métis and the Inuit, claim to receive inadequate funding for education, and allege that their rights have been overlooked in many instances. Recently James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, listed the encouragement of Aboriginal young people as one of his key priorities, and during his term (which began in 2002) has launched several initiatives to promote literacy and bridge building.

Related Topics:
Residential school - James K. Bartleman - Lieutenant Governor of Ontario - 2002

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