first nation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Political, Academic
Quick answer
What does “first nation” mean?
A term used in Canada, primarily, to designate the Indigenous peoples who are neither Inuit nor Métis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term used in Canada, primarily, to designate the Indigenous peoples who are neither Inuit nor Métis.
The term can also refer to the individual communities, bands, or governments of these peoples. It is often used as an alternative to 'Indian' or 'Native American' in Canadian contexts, and increasingly in international contexts to refer to Indigenous peoples with sovereignty and land rights claims.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is understood primarily in the context of Canadian affairs. In American English, the more common and comparable terms are 'Native American', 'American Indian', or specific tribal names (e.g., Navajo, Cherokee). 'First Nations' is rarely used for Indigenous peoples in the US.
Connotations
In Canada: respectful, official, sovereignty-affirming. In the UK/US: carries connotations of Canadian-specific policy and indigenous rights discourse.
Frequency
High frequency in Canadian English across registers (news, academia, government). Low frequency in British and American English, except when discussing Canadian issues or in comparative indigenous studies.
Grammar
How to Use “first nation” in a Sentence
the [Name] First Nationa member of [the/a] First Nationlands belonging to [the/a] First Nationnegotiations between the government and First NationsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first nation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government is legislating to devolve powers to First Nations.
adjective
British English
- She is a leading First Nations artist.
American English
- The museum has a significant collection of First Nations artifacts.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts like resource development, where consultation with First Nations is legally required (e.g., 'The mining project requires an agreement with the local First Nation.')
Academic
Common in anthropology, political science, law, and history papers focusing on Canadian Indigenous sovereignty, land claims, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Used in Canadian media and general discourse when referring to Indigenous issues or communities (e.g., 'The Prime Minister met with First Nations leaders.'). Less common in casual US/UK conversation.
Technical
Used in legal documents (e.g., the Indian Act, modern treaties), government policy (Crown-First Nations relations), and official reports.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first nation”
- Using 'First Nations' as a singular noun (e.g., 'He is a First Nations' is wrong; correct: 'He is a member of a First Nation' or 'He is First Nations').
- Using it interchangeably for all Indigenous peoples globally (it is specifically Canadian, though sometimes adopted in other contexts).
- Forgetting to capitalize when used as a proper noun in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'First Nations' is the preferred term in Canada for specific Indigenous peoples. 'Native American' or 'American Indian' is typically used in the United States. They are not interchangeable.
Yes, when referring to the specific peoples or in formal/official contexts, it is standard to capitalize both words: First Nations, as it is a proper noun.
No. The plural 'First Nations' refers to multiple communities or peoples collectively. To refer to an individual community, use 'a First Nation' (e.g., the Haida First Nation). To refer to an individual person, say 'a member of a First Nation' or 'a First Nations person'.
No, it is a contemporary and widely used term in Canada that emerged in the 1970s as a replacement for 'Indian', which is seen as a colonial and often inaccurate term. However, the most respectful practice is to use the specific name of the nation or community when possible (e.g., Cree, Anishinaabe).
A term used in Canada, primarily, to designate the Indigenous peoples who are neither Inuit nor Métis.
First nation is usually formal, political, academic in register.
First nation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈneɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːrst ˈneɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (the three constitutionally recognized Aboriginal groups in Canada)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'First' as in 'original inhabitants' and 'Nation' as in 'a distinct political community.' Together, they signal the foundational and sovereign status of these peoples.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATION IS A POLITICAL BODY. The term frames Indigenous groups as sovereign political entities with inherent rights, not just cultural groups.
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'First Nation' primarily and officially used?