Indigenous leaders debate the evolving language used by Canadian institutions

Indigenous advocates and leaders discuss the shifting terminology—from Aboriginal to Indigenous—and its political implications across Canada.

Ten years after Canada officially adopted "Indigenous" in place of "Aboriginal," the terminology used for First Nations, Inuit and Métis remains a point of contention. Grand Chief Stewart Phillips of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs stressed that self-identification is a fundamental right, noting that some communities still prefer "Indian" for political reasons. Activist Gladys Radek, who works on missing and murdered Indigenous cases, suggested the label could shift again, reflecting ongoing uncertainty.

Legal scholar Paul Chartrand criticized the top-down adoption of "Indigenous," saying it continues to serve state interests rather than Indigenous ones. The debate also includes perspectives from B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynn Findlay, who denied any party directive on terminology, and Okanagan Nation chief Clarence Louie, who expressed mixed feelings about both "Indian" and "First Nations." The discussion highlights how language choices intersect with constitutional recognition and broader power dynamics between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.