WEEK 02: Understanding Indigenous Terminology

Introduction to Culturally Safe Indigenous Terminology

  • This section focussed on Pierre’s discussion about culturally safe terminology for Indigenous peoples in Canada, as well as how Indigenous terminology is used within a Canadian colonial settler context. It also provides definitions from various sources I found for added context, where appropriate.

  • It explains the unique distinctions between the following terms:

    • Indigenous;

    • Aboriginal;

    • First Nations;

    • Métis;

    • Inuit;

    • Indian;

    • Native; and

    • Settler.

  • The section also emphasizes the use of respectful language, as well as avoiding outdated or possessive terms, and reviewed frequent misuse of terminology.

  • It also highlights the importance of a distinctions-based approach and following community preferences.

When in doubt, Pierre stressed the need for professionals (and ultimately all individuals) to seek clarity before discussing cultural safety initiatives as there is always a risk involved in using culturally unsafe or disrespectful language.

Indigenous vs Aboriginal

  • Indigenous: (adj) “…originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native. / “…(of people) inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists.” (Oxford Language Dictionary).

    • Wikipedia describes how: “Indigenous peoples are non-dominant people groups descended from the original inhabitants of their territories, especially territories that have been colonized. The term lacks a precise authoritative definition, although in the 21st century designations of Indigenous peoples have focused on self-identification, cultural difference from other groups in a state, a special relationship with their traditional territory, and an experience of subjugation and discrimination under a dominant cultural model.”

    • The United Nations notes that Indigenous Peoples: “…are the descendants - according to a common definition - of those who inhabited a country or a geographical region at the time when people of different cultures or ethnic origins arrived.”

  • Aboriginal: (adj) “…relating to the Indigenous peoples of Australia or their languages.” / “…
    inhabiting     or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists; indigenous.” (Oxford Language Dictionary).

    • Indigenous Awareness Canada notes how: "Aboriginal people" is a collective term for the original inhabitants of a region and their descendants, such as the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada.”

Pierre explains how both terms:

  • refer to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit;

  • describe the original Peoples of Canada;

  • are culturally safe in Canada; and

  • are often used interchangeably depending on the region.

Today, Pierre describes how the term 'Indigenous' is preferred over the term 'Aboriginal' for several reasons such as:

  • 'The term ‘Aboriginal' was imposed by federal government, and as such, many Indigenous leaders historically rejected it;

    • The ‘Ab-' prefix in 'Aboriginal' implies negation (e.g., 'abnormal');

    • Pierre also describes how their are concerns that 'Aboriginal' undermines status as original peoples;

  • ‘Indigenous’ is also specifically used to advocate for recognition of rights via international, federal, and provincial legislation, in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) which has been recognized and is being enacted in British Columbia;

  • The term 'Indigenous' is increasingly used to affirm First Nations identity & history. Specifically it emphasizes unity and solidarity among Indigenous countries, cultures, and communities.

First Nations

  • Google AI describes how “First Nations are the Indigenous peoples of Canada, distinct from Métis and Inuit, encompassing diverse groups with unique cultures and histories who are the original inhabitants of North America, using the term to replace "Indian" and referring to many separate nations or bands, including both status and non-status people. The term also refers to a legal and political identity under the Indian Act, but is broader, covering all Indigenous peoples south of the Arctic… In essence, "First Nations" recognizes the unique identities and self-governance of Indigenous peoples who are not Métis or Inuit, encompassing diverse nations and communities across Canada.”

  • Pierre noted how:

    • there are over 600 different First Nations Communities in Canada, from coast to coast to coast; and

    • in the Province of British Columbia alone, there are 203 First Nations Communities, the highest concentration of First Nations communities nationwide; where

    • no two Nations are identical, as each Nation is diverse in terms of its culture, history, language, and traditions.

  • The term 'First Nations' replaced 'Indian' in the 1970s.

  • First Nations peoples are land-based nations with heritage linked to traditional territories.

Len Pierre identifies as First Nations person descending from the Katzie First Nation, with lineage tracing back to the founding of the Nation.

Diversity

  • Diversity is defined as: “the state of being diverse; variety.” And, “the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.” (Oxford Language Dictionary).

Métis

  • Google AI describes how: “Métis refers to a distinct Indigenous people in Canada with unique culture, language (Michif), and history, originating from unions between First Nations women and European men, forming a new nation with a strong identity in the Canadian West. They are recognized as one of Canada's three Aboriginal peoples (with First Nations and Inuit) and are defined by self-identification, ancestral connection to the historic Métis Nation, and community acceptance, developing distinct customs and self-governance.”

  • Pierre described how Métis descend from Indigenous women and Ural settler men - a very distinct nation with unique history, culture, languages, and territories with historical roots are concentrated in the three prairie provinces.

  • Pierre also identified one common misconception: Métis identity is not simply having one First Nations and one European parent. Specifically, Métis identity requires ancestral connection to the founding Métis nation near the Red River area.

Inuit

  • The Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada describes how: “Inuit means “the people” in Inuktut, the Inuit language. The singular of Inuit is Inuk, meaning person.” Specifically, the Atlas also notes how: “Inuit are an Indigenous circumpolar people found across the North. In Canada, Inuit primarily live in the Inuit Nunangat — the Canadian Inuit homeland. The majority of the Canadian Inuit population lives in 53 communities spread over two provinces and two territories. Inuit have lived in this homeland since time immemorial.”

In his lecture, Pierre notes how:

  • Inuit live in communities across Northwest Territories, northern Quebec, and northern Labrador.

  • Their region is traditionally called Nunigat by Inuit.

  • Inuit means “the people.” So you never have to say “the Inuit people,” as you would be saying “the people people.”

  • In the past people called Inuit, “Eskimo,” but today "Eskimo" is a retired term that is not appropriate for non-Inuit to ever use. The preferred term is “Inuit.”

ARTIFACT 01 > The Inuit Circumpolar Council of Canada. “Map of the Inuit Homelands.”

A Distinctions-Based Approach / Contextual Use

Pierre explained how:

  • Distinction space refers to recognizing unique identities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

  • A distinctions-based approach acknowledges specific rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of each group, where each group has unique cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

  • The use of terminology should reflect the specific group involved (e.g., use 'First Nations' if only working with First Nations). People should always try to avoid general terms like 'Indigenous' or 'Aboriginal' if only one group is relevant.

  • A distinctions-based approaches encourages independent research.

Indian

Pierre discussed how:

  • The term "Indian" was used in First Nations communities until 1970s.

  • Elders and older generations still self-identify as "Indian" due to historical usage.

  • The term also remains in legislative and federal contexts (e.g., Indian Act, Indian status cards, Indian bands).

  • Non-Indigenous Canadians are strongly advised not to use the term except in legal contexts.

The Indian Act

Pierre described how:

  • The Indian Act is a Canadian federal law governing Indian status, bands, and reserves.

  • The law grants federal government authority to regulate and administer affairs of registered Indians and reserve communities.

  • Indian status is a form of federal identification under the Indian Act. An Indian status card is valid for 7–10 years; renewal requires federal application and approval. The status card system is viewed as being highly racist.

  • The Indian Act is historically characterized as invasive, oppressive, racist, and paternalistic. Under the Act, registered Indians and reserve communities have fewer rights than newcomers and refugees in Canada.

See: https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/21-things-you-may-not-have-known-about-the-indian-act

Settler

Pierre explained how:

  • "Settler" describes non-Indigenous persons and is a term that is not based on race or ethnicity.

  • Rather, n"Settler" is a positional, relational term. Specifically, it indicates ancestors are not from local lands/territories. It implies being an uninvited guest on Indigenous land.

  • "Indigenous" implies ancestral roots in the land for thousands of years.

  • The term "settler" can be a trigger for some, but it is important to remember that it is not cultural or ethnic. As such, non-Indigenous Canadians encouraged to understand and use the term accurately.

Do's and Don'ts of Indigenous Terminology

Finally, Pierre noted how people should:

  • Follow individuals' chosen self-identification terminology.

  • Use people's preferred gender pronouns and identity terms.

  • Capitalize "I" in Indigenous for respect, similar to place names.

  • Be aware of how cultural safety addresses power imbalances through respectful language.

  • Use "Indigenous peoples" (plural) to reflect diversity, not homogeneity. Pluralization acknowledges hundreds to over a thousand distinct Indigenous cultures, languages, and identities.

  • Avoid using possessive and other casual terminology:

    • E.g., "our Indigenous students", "Canada's First Nations people" as possessive terms reinforce power imbalances between institutions and Indigenous peoples. To avoid possessive terms, reverse word order (e.g., "Indigenous peoples in Canada" instead of "Canada's Indigenous people").

    • Do not use the term "native" as a non-Indigenous person; it is too casual and not culturally safe. Indigenous peoples may use "Native" among themselves, but it is not appropriate for non-Indigenous professionals.

    • Avoid using the term "Indian" unless contextually appropriate.

— End of Week 02 —

WEEK 01: Introduction

I first registered in Len Pierre Consulting’s online course, INTRODUCTION TO INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SAFETY in May 2025, and moved towards completing it in November 2025. This online journal will serve as a repository for my notes, written reflections, and documentation of assorted journeys taken by me as I navigate the course material.

Course Introduction

The purpose of this course is to provide professionals in health care, education (K-12, colleges, universities), social services, government, legal, and corporate sectors with foundational training on Indigenous cultural safety in colonial Canada. Pierre’s course covers many challenging topics such as: genocide, racism, oppression, state violence, and trauma. In his introduction, Pierre lays out his intention for the course, explaining how he desires: "…to create a safe space for exchanging knowledge, wisdom, conversations, and of course, to support one another in solidarity."

The course is structured into several modules covering terminology, colonial origins of anti-Indigenous racism, as well as cultural safety tools. Pierre noted how he encourages learners to ask questions and engage in respectful dialogue throughout the course. Each module includes a variety of assignments including tests, assignments, or commitments to action. The completion of all assignments is required to pass the course and obtain certification.

About Len Pierre

Pierre is Coast Salish with roots in the Katzie and the Musqueam First Nations. Holding a Masters Degree in Indigenous curriculum and educational design, Pierre is a professor, consultant, and activist who focusses on decolonization and reconciliation. Len Pierre is also the owner and CEO of Len Pierre Consulting, which specializes in Indigenous education and cultural advising. Pierre is also a very authentic and empathetic speaker.

— END OF WEEK ONE —