Aboriginal people of Canada
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,400,685 | |
| Languages | |
| Indigenous languages, Canadian English and Canadian French | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (mainly Roman Catholicism and Anglican), Traditional Indigenous beliefs, Inuit religion, Mythologies of the indigenous peoples of the Americas | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Native Americans in the United States, Greenlandic Inuit, Indigenous peoples of the Americas |
Indigenous peoples in Canada, also known as indigenous Canadians or aboriginal Canadians, are the indigenous peoples within the boundaries of present-day Canada. They comprise the First Nations,Inuit and Métis. Although "Indian" is a term still commonly used in legal documents, the descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" have somewhat fallen into disuse in Canada and some consider them to be pejorative. Similarly, "Aboriginal" as a collective noun is a specific term of art used in some legal documents, including the Constitution Act 1982, though in some circles that word is also falling into disfavour.
Old Crow Flats and Bluefish Caves are some of the earliest known sites of human habitation in Canada. The Paleo-Indian Clovis, Plano and Pre-Dorset cultures pre-date current indigenous peoples of the Americas. Projectile point tools, spears, pottery, bangles, chisels and scrapers mark archaeological sites, thus distinguishing cultural periods, traditions and lithic reduction styles.
The characteristics of Canadian Aboriginal culture included permanent settlements, agriculture, civic and ceremonial architecture, complex societal hierarchies and trading networks. The Métis culture of mixed blood originated in the mid-17th century when First Nation and Inuit people married Europeans. The Inuit had more limited interaction with European settlers during that early period. Various laws, treaties, and legislation have been enacted between European immigrants and First Nations across Canada. Aboriginal Right to Self-Government provides opportunity to manage historical, cultural, political, health care and economic control aspects within first people's communities.
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