first nations: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, official, academic, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “first nations” mean?
A collective term for the various Indigenous peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A collective term for the various Indigenous peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis.
A term used to refer to the original inhabitants of a land, particularly in Canada, emphasizing their distinct cultures, sovereignty, and historical presence prior to colonization. It is often used in political, legal, and cultural contexts to discuss rights, treaties, and contemporary issues.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily used in the Canadian context. In British English, it is understood in relation to Canada. In American English, the analogous term is often 'Native American tribes' or 'American Indian nations', though 'First Nations' is recognized due to cultural and political proximity.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes respect, sovereignty, and a distinct political status. In the US, it may be used to draw parallels or contrasts with Native American issues.
Frequency
High frequency in Canadian English across all registers. Low to medium frequency in international English, primarily in news, academia, and discussions of indigenous rights.
Grammar
How to Use “first nations” in a Sentence
[The/These/Many] First Nations + [verb: have, are, represent, advocate]First Nations + [preposition: in, of, from] + [geographic area]collaboration/agreement/treaty + between + [entity] + and + the First NationsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first nations” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government is committed to consulting with and accommodating First Nations on major projects.
- The court ruled that the Crown must first nation its obligations under the treaty.
American English
- The company failed to properly First Nations before proceeding with the pipeline.
- The new policy aims to empower communities to self-govern.
adjective
British English
- She is a leading scholar in First Nations studies.
- The First Nations perspective was crucial to the historical analysis.
American English
- The museum features a First Nations art collection.
- He attended a conference on First Nations health policy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of corporate social responsibility, resource development on traditional lands, and partnerships. E.g., 'The mining company entered into a benefit agreement with local First Nations.'
Academic
Central in anthropology, history, law, political science, and post-colonial studies. E.g., 'The paper examines the constitutional recognition of First Nations' self-government.'
Everyday
Used in news reports, documentaries, and general discussions about Canadian society and history. E.g., 'The museum has an excellent exhibit on First Nations art.'
Technical
Used in legal documents, government policies, land claim agreements, and official statistics. E.g., 'The Act outlines the process for First Nations to assume control of their education systems.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “first nations”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “first nations”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first nations”
- Using 'First Nation' in the singular to refer to the collective (e.g., 'the First Nation' is wrong; use 'First Nations' or 'a First Nation' for a specific community).
- Using it as a simple adjective without the 's' (e.g., 'First Nation leader' is correct only if referring to a leader of one specific nation; otherwise, 'First Nations leader').
- Confusing it with 'Indigenous', which is a broader global term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'First Nations' refers specifically to Indigenous peoples in Canada (excluding Inuit and Métis). 'Native American' is the common term in the United States. Both are distinct from terms like 'Aboriginal Australians' or 'Māori'.
Yes, it is standard practice to capitalize 'First Nations' as it is a proper noun referring to specific peoples, similar to 'French' or 'Japanese'.
Yes, e.g., 'First Nations art', 'First Nations leader'. Ensure it agrees in number: use 'First Nations' for general/plural contexts and 'First Nation' only when modifying a noun related to one specific community (e.g., 'the First Nation community').
These are the three distinct groups of Aboriginal peoples recognized in the Canadian Constitution. 'First Nations' are diverse Indigenous peoples south of the Arctic. 'Inuit' are the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. 'Métis' are people of mixed First Nations and European ancestry with a distinct culture and history.
A collective term for the various Indigenous peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis.
First nations is usually formal, official, academic, journalistic in register.
First nations: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈneɪ.ʃənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːrst ˈneɪ.ʃənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (the three recognized groups of Aboriginal peoples in Canada)”
- “on First Nations territory”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FIRST' to arrive, 'NATIONS' as in distinct sovereign peoples. They were the first nations on the land.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATION AS A PERSON: 'First Nations have a voice in the matter.' LAND AS BODY/INHERITANCE: 'First Nations are stewards of their traditional territories.'
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'First Nations' primarily and officially used?