A term that came into common usage in the 1970s to replace the word “Indian,” which some people found offensive. Among its uses, the term refers to the Status, Non-Status and Treaty Indians of Canada. Some Aboriginal peoples have replaced the word “Band” in the name of their community with the term “First Nation,” respecting their distinct language, culture, heritage and systems of knowledge. Although “First Nation” is widely used, it has no legal definition.
Thus, a person might say that they’re from the Naskapi First Nation of Kawawachikamach, or the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan, or the Mohawk First Nation of Akwesasne, etc., identifying both the nation to which they belong and their place of origin or residence.
and the Inuit Nation. These nations are characterized by their diversity, each with its own unique history, language, and culture. For a long time, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people lived side by side without truly knowing each other. Now, it’s time to connect with these nations that have inhabited Québec for millennia, who know it intimately and shape its identity. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery.
The 10 First Nations are spread across 40 communities scattered throughout Québec. Most of these communities are reserves administered by band councils
band councils
The governing or administrative body of a Band, elected according to Band custom or procedures specified in the Indian Act. It usually consists of a chief and councillors who are elected for two- or three-year terms by eligible voters in the community.
. The Inuit Nation, on the other hand, is made up of 15 communities located in the Nunavik region of northern Québec. Unlike the First Nations, Inuit communities are governed by a municipal-type system. It’s important to note that for several decades, a significant number of Indigenous people have been living outside their communities, mainly in urban areas, and this number is rapidly growing. In 2021, according to Statistics Canada, the number of people identifying as Aboriginal (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
Métis
Since 1982, the Canadian Constitution has recognized Métis as one of the three Aboriginal peoples of Canada. In a 2003 ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada set out essential criteria for recognition of Métis identity and the related rights: “The term "Métis" in s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 does not encompass all individuals with mixed Indian and European heritage; rather, it refers to distinctive peoples who, in addition to their mixed ancestry, developed their own customs, and recognizable group identity separate from their Indian or Inuit and European forebears.”
