First Nations

Encyclopedia : F : FI : FIR : First Nations

It has been suggested that this article or section be [Merging and moving pagesmerged] with }  (:Wikipedia talk:First nations}}})

First Nations people have been referred to as Indians, Native Americans, Native Canadians, Aboriginal Americans, Amerindians, Autochtones (a term used by French Canadians), and Aboriginal peoples. They are known officially by the Government of Canada as registered Indians if they are entitled to benefits under the Indian Act.

Controversial terminology

There is some controversy over the use of the term "First Nations" to either self-describe Indigenous peoples within Canada, or for non-indigenous peoples to refer to Indigenous peoples in this fashion. The reason for this controversy is that under international law covenants, "First Nations" per se, have no standing in international law. Indigenous peoples or nations, however, do.

The Canadian government, many Indigenous peoples within Canada, and many non-indigenous people use the term First Nations, because they are attempting to be respectful of the right of Indigenous people to use whichever word that they want to describe themselves. However, a careful distinction is often made about the use of the term "First Nations".

In general, those Indigenous peoples within Canada who describe themselves as "First Nations" do not believe or hold with the concept of sovereignty of Indigenous peoples as nation-states, while those who do not use the term, or insist upon the term "Indigenous peoples" are sovereignists. There are also Indigenous people in Canada who use the term "First Nation" for any tribal and or nomadic ethnic group deprived of self-determination as a political recognition of colonialization. These groups work internationally on minority rights and self-determination.

Indian reserves, if arranged in Canadian law by treaties such as Treaty 7, are the contemporary lands of First Nations. Some reserves are located within a city, such as the Opawikoscikan Reserve in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. There are more reserves in Canada than there are First Nations, as some First Nations were ceded by treaty more than one reserve.

Other terms include status Indian and non-status Indian, the latter designating a member of a First Nation who is not entitled to benefits. The use of the word "Indian" in day-to-day language is erratic in Canada, with some seeing the term as offensive while others prefer it to alternate terminology such as "Aboriginal person" (or people). All members of First Nations who are entitled to benefits are entered in the Indian Register, which serves as the official record of members of First Nations. Administration of the Indian Act and Indian Register is carried out by the federal government's Department of Indian and Northern Affairs.

A First Nations art display at Vancouver International Airport.

Under the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the document many people refer to as the "Indian Magna Carta", the Crown refers to the Indigenous people in British territory as "Tribes or Nations".

History

Interaction with European-Canadians

In 1885, some First Nations in (modern day) Western Canada became involved in the North-West Rebellion, as part of their resistance to Canadian westward expansion. In much of Canada, First Nations became subject to the controversial Numbered Treaties, while in other areas like British Columbia, treaties are still being negotiated today.

Late 20th century

• Oka Crisis
• Ipperwash Crisis
• Burnt Church Crisis
• Gustafsen Lake Standoff

Early 21st century

As of 2006, over 75 First Nations communities exist in boil-water advisory conditions ^[link]. In late 2005 the drinking water crisis of the Kashechewan First Nation received national media attention when E. coli was discovered in their water supply system, following two years of living under a boil-water advisory.

• Caledonia land dispute
• Kelowna Accord

Diversity

There are many distinct First Nations cultures in Canada. These distinct cultures have origins from six geographic areas of Canada:

• Pacific Coast and Mountains
• Plains
• Northeast Woodlands
• Atlantic Coastal Region
• St. Lawrence River Valley
• Canadian Arctic

See also

• Indigenous peoples of the Americas
• Native Americans in the United States
• List of Aboriginal communities in Canada
• List of place names in Canada of Aboriginal origin
• Aboriginal Police in Canada

References