Glossary
Aboriginal
These are the descendents of the original inhabitants of North America. First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have
unique heritages, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. Aboriginal is also a term used in other parts of the
world to refer to the first inhabitants of a given area.
http://www.edukits.ca/aboriginal/origin/index.htm
Assimilation
A policy supported by the federal government in which the Aboriginal population was to accept the customs and attitudes of
the prevailing European/western culture through a variety of processes.
http://www.edukits.ca/aboriginal/origin/index.htm
Community
People who are part of a larger group that shares similar interests and backgrounds including religion, language, and
ancestry make up a community.
Culture
Culture includes the customs and shared beliefs, attitudes, values, goals, practices, social forms and material traits
of a religious, racial or social group.
http://www.edukits.ca/aboriginal/spirituality/index.htm
Identity
Characteristics or personality traits that distinguish an individual or group define identity.
Indian
This is an archaic term describing the Aboriginal People of Canada who are not Métis or Inuit. Three legal
definitions refer to 'Indian' people in Canada-Status Indian, Non-Status Indian and Treaty Indian.
Indian Act
Federal legislation first developed in 1876. The Indian Act determines federal government obligations and regulations
concerning Aboriginal People as well as regulating Indian reserve lands. The Indian Act has been amended a number of times,
most recently in 1985.
http://www.edukits.ca/aboriginal/culture/index.htm
Indigenous People
The original inhabitants of an area and their descendants are referred to as indigenous. Aboriginal people in Canada
are considered indigenous to Canada.
Nationalism
Nationalism is an attitude of people who live in the same nation who often have common origins or cultural ties.
North American Indigenous Games (NAIG)
NAIG is a two-week celebration that demonstrates unity among Indigenous peoples from all regions and cultures across
Canada and the United States through friendly competition in sport and cultural events and helps to promote the holistic
concepts of physical, mental, emotional, and the spiritual growth of individuals.
Oral History
Information not recorded in written format, but instead passed down through generations using stories and legends.
Potlatch
The Potlatch is an organized meeting for important ceremonies that is practiced by Aboriginal groups on the West
Coast of Canada. During the Potlatch ceremony, gifts are given to those who attend. The Potlatch is an important social,
spiritual, and cultural event.
Pow Wow (powwow)
The word pow wow originates from the Algonkian word pau wau. It refers to a gathering that includes singing, dancing,
and socializing. The pow wow event is also a way to remember heritage,
culture, and traditions amongst Aboriginal people.
The pow wow is practiced across North America.
Recreation
Different kinds of activities that amuse, stimulate, develop abilities, or provide an avenue for social contact.
Recreational activities are fun and enjoyable.
Sport
A form of activity that usually has certain rules, traditions, or customs attached to it.
Sundance
Aboriginal groups on the prairies celebrate the Sundance Ceremony during the summer months. The purpose of
the Sundance is for individuals to dedicate themselves to the Great Spirit through fasting and dancing during the four-day
ceremony. The Sundance is a very sacred tradition amongst Aboriginal People on the prairies.
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