First Nations

[ furst ney-shuhnz ]

noun

, Chiefly Canadian.

1. the Indigenous peoples of North America generally considered distinct from the Inuit and Métis (often used attributively):

   The Ministry of the Environment has worked with the First Nations, local government, industry, and area residents to create a long-term plan for the region.

   Games, stories, and hands-on exploration of artifacts helped the students connect with local First Nations cultures and histories.

2. First Na·tion [furst, , ney, -sh, uh, n], any specific Indigenous, non-Métis, non-Inuit ethnic or language group, band, or reserve-based community:

   The Little Saskatchewan First Nation is located near St. Martins, Manitoba.

Word History and Origins

Origin of First Nations¹

First recorded in 1980–85