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

Laws that govern the relationship between Canada's First Nations and the Canadian government are set out by treaties, or agreements, that were signed with the Crown, in some cases prior to the creation of Canada.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Created by two First Nations women, the series pokes fun with affection in a very Canadian way, while also nodding to the darker historical realities of society.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025

But First Nations and Indigenous groups have often opposed large-scale oil projects.

From Barron's • Nov. 27, 2025

The newly named croc species, Wakkaoolithus godthelpi, honors the Wakka Wakka First Nations people whose Country includes the fossil site.

From Science Daily • Nov. 15, 2025

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