Canada replaces 'Indian' with 'Aboriginal' in agency name

Thursday, May 19, 2011  

Canadian Prime Minster Stephen Harper has changed the name of the Indian and Northern Affairs Department to the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development but some First Nations leaders are upset they weren't consulted.

The terms "First Nation" and "Aboriginal" are generally preferred over "Indian." But some Native leaders say the use of "Aboriginal" ignores the Indian Act, which defines the government's relationship with recognized First Nations.

"We are separate and distinct peoples in this country," Chief Guy Lonechild of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations told CBC News.

According to Harper's administration, "Aboriginal" includes First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. Some Native leaders are worried the change could undermine their official status as "Indian."

"Trying to lump First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples together might save space on the minister's business card, but it is disrespectful of the truly distinct nature of the communities with whom he needs to establish better relationships," Patrick Madahbee of the Anishinabek Nation in Ontario told CBC.

The government says its legal obligations under the Indian Act won't change.

Get the Story:
Indian ministry name-change puzzles some (CBC 5/18)
Aboriginal Affairs: A new name with an uncertain meaning (The Globe and Mail 5/19)