Indigenous peoples in Canada

Indigenous peoples in Canada (also known as Aboriginals)[2] are the indigenous peoples within the boundaries of Canada. They comprise the First Nations,[3] Inuit[4] and Métis.[5] Although “Indian” is a term still commonly used in legal documents, the descriptors “Indian” and “Eskimo” have fallen into disuse in Canada, and most consider them to be pejorative. “Aboriginal” as a collective noun[8] 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 the 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.