Terminology

The word Indigenous is used as the contemporary name of descendants of the original inhabitants of North America.  Due to copyright, historical context and precedence, many terms have been used in the history of Canada to describe Indigenous peoples.  The Framework promotes the use of the current term Indigenous, and/or referral to the original name(s) of the people themselves.

Indigenous is an emerging term that is widely accepted and considered more inclusive of the many distinct Indigenous populations in Canada, and around the world.

Anishinaabe is the term in the Ojibwe language that is used to describe that distinct group.  The Anishinaabe people and language group originate, and still currently live in the MVSD community.

Metis is a distinct nation of people with both Indigenous and European ancestry, as well as having historic ties to the western fur trade.  The Metis people have a significant population in the MVSD community.  There are currently 135 Metis Locals within Manitoba.

Aboriginal is the legal term under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 that describes three recognized groups: First Nation (Indian), Inuit and Metis. 

Indigenous community refers, for the most part, to the Indigenous community within the jurisdiction of MVSD but may include Elders, communities and events that take place outside of the division.

First Nations - There are 634 First Nations in Canada, speaking more than 50 distinct languages.  In Manitoba, there are 63 First Nations speaking five- (Ojibwe, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Island Lake dialect) distinct languages.  First Nations people identify with the nation to which they belong.