When searching be aware that many names have been used to refer to Indigenous Peoples in Canada and globally.
Keep these terms in mind when constructing a search:
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Indians of North America - the Library of Congress subject heading still used by libraries. In Canada, many library groups are working on creating new subject headings that are more culturally sensitive.
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Native peoples, Native Canadians.
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First peoples.
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Aboriginal Peoples - frequently used in Australia, and is falling out of use in Canada. The distinction of 'Peoples' makes this term inclusive to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, the three distinct Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
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Indigenous Peoples - popularized by international organizations, and can be used in an international context. It is also used in a Canadian context to replace the term 'Aboriginal Peoples.'
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First Nations / Inuit / Metis - legal designations for separate, distinct Indigenous Peoples within Canada.
Scholars writing on Indigenous issues will often choose the terminology they use thoughtfully, and may explain their choices in a footnote.
For more detail as to best practices, the following links contain useful explanations:
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Terminology when writing about Indigenous people (From Indigenous foundations, University of British Columbia)
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Aboriginal identity and terminology (From Indigenous foundations, University of British Columbia)
This page was adapted from the Terminology section of the Queen's University Library's Indigenous Studies guide.