Aboriginal Peoples of Canada
The Aboriginal peoples were the first people to live in Canada.
Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes three main groups:
- First Nations
- Inuit
- Métis
Aboriginals make up about 3% of the total population.
The term "First Nations" came into use in the 1970's, replacing "Indian".
The Inuit live in the far North, in Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Northern Quebec and Labrador.
The Métis are descendents of the intermarriages of the French (and a few English) fur traders with First Nations women.
The British Government made a number of treaties with the Aboriginal peoples between 1701 and 1923, in exchange for land. The terms are still being negotiated and revised; this process is called land claims settlement. Nunavut was created as part of one of these settlements.
The Aboriginal peoples are working toward self government so that they can regain control over decisions that affect them and manage their own affairs.
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