First Nations

A confusing term and increasingly politically correct term that is legally undefined, but generally refers to the indigenous peoples (the "first peoples") of Canada. The use of the term Native American is uncommon in Canada; though technically correct (as Canada is part of the North American continent), Native American generally refers more specifically to indigenous peoples of the United States. Native Canadian is not commonly used, but terms such as natives and autochthones (Canadian French) are. Technically, First Nation discludes those of Inuit or Metis descent, though all these groups constitute "Aboriginal peoples" in Canada. The term is rarely used in the United States in reference to the native peoples inhabiting its borders.