English - Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies

APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY
Unless specifically noted, the information in this glossary is adapted from the Ontario
Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and the Federal Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(INAC) websites.
Aboriginal peoples: “Aboriginal peoples” is a collective name for the original peoples
of North America and their descendants. The Canadian Constitution (the
Constitution Act, 1982) recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples — Indians,
Métis and Inuit. These are three separate peoples with unique heritages, languages,
cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
Please note that when you refer to “Aboriginal people,” you are referring to all the
Aboriginal people in Canada collectively, without regard to their separate origins and
identities. Or, you are simply referring to more than one Aboriginal person. By adding
the ‘s’ to people, and referring to “Aboriginal peoples,” you are emphasizing that there
is a diversity of people within the group known as Aboriginal peoples.
Aboriginal rights: Rights held by some Aboriginal peoples as a result of their ancestors’
use and occupancy of traditional territories before contact with Europeans and
British sovereignty in Canada. Aboriginal rights vary from group to group, depending
on what customs, practices, and traditions were integral to the distinctive culture of
the group.
Band: Defined by the Indian Act, in part, as “a body of Indians for whose use and benefit
in common, lands . . . ​have been set apart.” Each band has its own governing band
council, usually consisting of a chief and several councillors. The members of a band
generally share common values, traditions, and practices rooted in their language
and ancestral heritage. Today, many bands prefer to be known as First Nations.
Band council or First Nations council: The band’s governing body. Community
members choose the chief and councillors by election, or through traditional custom.
The band council’s powers vary with each band.
Elder: A man or woman whose wisdom about spirituality, culture, and life is
recognized and affirmed by the community. Not all Elders are “old.” Sometimes the
spirit of the Creator chooses to imbue a young Aboriginal person. The Aboriginal
community and individuals will normally seek the advice and assistance of Elders in
various areas of traditional, as well as contemporary issues.
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Family Violence is used instead of “woman abuse.” “Family violence” recognizes that
all forms of violence are not acceptable in Aboriginal families. The term also
acknowledges that a range of violent behaviour can occur in the families of Métis,
First Nations and Inuit people. Violent behaviour may include woman abuse, Elder
abuse, children being abused and men experiencing violence. It may also include
violence directed towards Aboriginal women by either non-Aboriginal or Aboriginal
men that will have consequences for the families of the women. Family violence exists
in all communities and is not specific to Aboriginal peoples.