The Learning Portal: Inclusive Writing: Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Peoples

Unless otherwise specified, content from this section is adapted from Greg Younging's Elements of Indigenous Style.

Respectful Terminology When Writing About Indigenous Peoples

It's important to be aware and respectful of the preferred terminology when describing the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities. Terminology can convey more than just words and often have a deeper meaning. Please note that appropriate terminology may change over time. Certain terms used in the past may have been used by colonizers as a means erasing or diminishing Indigenous identities.

It's also important to recognize that individuals and Nations are diverse. Avoid generalizing and describing Indigenous people as one homogenous group. Whenever possible, ask individuals, communities, and Nation for their preferred names.

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Learn more

The Learning Portal: Maamwi Hub - Resources to support your ongoing reconciliation journey. Learn and reflect on the past and present impacts of colonial history on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, knowledges, and worldviews.
Seneca Libraries Indigenous Resources Guide

Outdated & Inappropriate Terms

The following are a few examples of outdated terminology to avoid and what you could use instead:

Instead of...	Consider...
Indian, Native People, Indigenous Canadian, Native Canadian, Aboriginal(s) (noun)	Indigenous Peoples (collectively refers to Indigenous population and includes First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) First Nations, Métis, Inuit Name of specific community Note: In Canada, Aboriginal (adjective) may still be used although Indigenous is the more preferred term.
Eskimo	Inuit (plural), or Inuk (singular)
Avoid using possessives when discussing Indigenous Peoples since it implies that Indigenous Peoples belong to Canada. Examples: Canada's Indigenous Peoples, Canada's Métis people, our Aboriginal people, Indigenous Peoples of Canada	You could use something like: Indigenous Peoples in Canada Indigenous Peoples within Canada Indigenous Peoples in Ontario Indigenous Peoples in the territory formerly known as Ontario

Note that there may be cases when an outdated term is appropriate to use such as when you're:

referring to a proper noun that includes the term (e.g., Indian Act, Native Women's Association of Canada)
quoting a source which uses the term, although it would be important to address and take note about the use of the term in the quoted passage

Reconsider Colloquialisms

Reconsider using certain phrases or expressions that may be offensive or culturally insensitive. The following are only a few examples of expressions that have racist roots or connotations, or misappropriation of Indigenous cultures.

Instead of...	Consider...	Explanation
hold down the fort Example: Can you hold down the fort while I'm away?	fill in for me stand in for me carry on take care of things	Historically, this phrase has been associated with settlers building forts and guarding them against attacks from Indigenous Peoples in the area (Indigenous Corporate Training)
powwow Example: Let's have a quick powwow about that new project.	meeting discussion brainstorm get together collaboration	Powwows are celebrations where First Nations communities can celebrate and share their cultural heritage (Canadian Encyclopedia). Using the term to describe a quick meeting diminishes its cultural importance.
circle the wagons Example: Let's circle the wagons so we can meet the submission deadline.	refocus get organized come up with a plan	The term has racist and colonial roots that can be traced to the time when colonizer caravans would circle one another to guard against what they believed to be Indigenous Peoples' rebellion (Canadian Digital Service).

Capitalization

The following are examples of when to capitalize certain words.

Capitalize when referring to...	Such as...
Indigenous identities	First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Elder, Knowledge Keeper
Indigenous government, social, spiritual, and religious institutions	Longhouse, Sweat Lodge
Indigenous collective rights	Indigenous Right, Indigenous Knowledge

Here are some tips for when to capitalize when using the term Indigenous Peoples.

Use...	When describing...
Indigenous person	A person who identifies as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis
Indigenous Peoples	The distinct societies of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada
Indigenous People	A single distinct society of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Example: Ojibwe are an Indigenous People

Verb Tense

When speaking or writing about Indigenous Peoples, avoid using the past tense. By using the past tense, it gives the idea that the distinct cultures of Indigenous Peoples no longer exist.

However, they may be cases when it's appropriate to use the past tense, such as when discussing an event that took place in the past.

What are protocols?

It's important to consider and follow protocols when engaging or interacting with Indigenous Peoples. Protocols go beyond manners or rules and involves respecting traditional ways of being. Protocols include prescribed behaviours on how to respectively interact with Indigenous Peoples, responsibly use Traditional Knowledge, and ethically conduct research involving Indigenous Peoples and their Land. Take note that protocols are unique and vary between Indigenous cultures and communities.

Before engaging with an Indigenous person or community, it is important to learn about their culture and the appropriate protocols for the situation. Observing and following protocols not only shows respect and acknowledgement for the value of Indigenous peoples and their culture, but also represent an important gesture towards reconciliation. Examples of protocols that are common to many Indigenous cultures include land acknowledgements, and always introducing yourself at the beginning of a meeting.

From: Pulling Together: A Guide for Curriculum Developers (Asma-na-hi Antoine et al. | CC BY-NC)

Learn more

The Learning Portal: Maamwi Hub Inquire - Learn about the diverse protocols on how to conduct research respectfully and responsibly, as well as to appreciate Indigenous knowledges and worldviews.
7 Tips on Building Relationships with Indigenous Peoples (Indigenous Corporate Training)