The Misunderstanding Behind the Term ‘Tweed’ Among Canadians

There’s nothing twee about it. Now that you’ve insulted both my country and my indigenous friends and neighbours, let me give the answer to your stupid question.

First Nations is the term Indigenous people that are not Inuit or Métis use to describe their collective group of over 600 tribes. They’re the group of people that used to be called Indians, and that name had to go. This is a clear name that describes specific people of Canada that belong to specific tribes. It does not include all of Canada’s Indigenous people.

The Historical Significance of First Nations

Calling their name twee is very misinformed. This is not some cute label someone else slapped on them. This is a name that they use to describe their collective group, a group with specific treaties and rights in Canada. And let's face it, they were the First Nations on the continent.

First Nations refers to indigenous peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. This group includes over 600 distinct First Nations, each with its own language, traditions, and territories. It is important to use the term that the First Nations themselves prefer, as it honors their cultures and histories.

Usage and Recognition

We use whatever term the First Nations we are interacting with agree is appropriate. On a national scale, First Nations is the term most First Nations approve of. There are some really interesting names for some First Nations, such as the Haida, Cree, and Mi'kmaq, among others.

Recognition of Indigenous Status in Canada

Canada is frequently framed as a state produced by the union of "two nations," English and French Canadians. However, neither of these "nations" were the original inhabitants. The term “First Nations” simply acknowledges the true historical status of these indigenous peoples.

These First Nations were the first settlers in the Americas. From Alaska, various groups or tribes moved in and, as the ice retreated, they followed the migrating herds, eventually settling in various places along the way. This term is far more accurate than Native American, which can be seen as a misappropriation and erasure of their true historical significance.

It is profoundly ignorant to call it twee. Using the term “First Nations” is a sign of respect and acknowledgment of the rich and complex history of indigenous peoples in Canada. It is a term that reflects their collective identity and the treaties and agreements they have with the Canadian government.

By acknowledging and using the term “First Nations,” we contribute to a more inclusive and respectful understanding of Canada’s history and its diverse indigenous populations. Let’s use the correct term to honor the First Nations and their contributions to Canadian society.