First Nations

American  

[furst ney-shuhnz] / ˈfɜrst ˈneɪ ʃənz /

noun

Chiefly Canadian.

1. the Indigenous peoples of North America generally considered distinct from the Inuit and Métis (often used attributively).

   The Ministry of the Environment has worked with the First Nations, local government, industry, and area residents to create a long-term plan for the region.

   Games, stories, and hands-on exploration of artifacts helped the students connect with local First Nations cultures and histories.

2. First Nation any specific Indigenous, non-Métis, non-Inuit ethnic or language group, band, or reserve-based community.

   The Little Saskatchewan First Nation is located near St. Martins, Manitoba.

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Etymology

Origin of First Nations

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

First Nations

In addition to the hazardous smoke extending across to the US, wildfires in northern Ontario have forced dozens from local First Nations communities to evacuate, with videos showing some fleeing the remote area by boat.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Some Indigenous groups and First Nations have said they will oppose any pipeline that runs from Alberta to Canada's Pacific Coast.

From Barron's ● May 15, 2026

"Unpaid monies represent lost economic development and investment opportunities for First Nations communities."

From Barron's ● May 12, 2026

Earlier this week, a group of First Nations leaders gathered at the Alberta legislature in Edmonton to call on the provincial premier, Danielle Smith, to quash any possible succession referendum.

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026

All day, it had been a replay of that old First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Association debate.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith