Aboriginal people refers to all Aboriginal people in Canada collectively, without regard to their separate origins and identities. Or Aboriginal people refers to more than one Aboriginal person. DIAND recommends the use of the term Aboriginal as an adjective only. The plural form, Aboriginal peoples, emphasizes that there is a diversity of people within the group known as Aboriginal people. The Constitutional Act, 1982 specifies that the Aboriginal peoples in Canada consist of three groups: Indians, Inuit, and Métis people. (Source: Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development)

"Aboriginal people" is a group name for the original peoples of North America and their descendants. There are three groups of Aboriginal peoples - Indians, Métis and Inuit, and each with unique heritages, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

People who belong to the indigenous nations of the Americas

a term defined in the Constitution Act of 1982 that refers to all indigenous people in Canada, including Indians (status and non-status), Métis, and Inuit people.

A term frequently used to describe the first inhabitants of what is now Canada, and their descendents. Each Nation of "Turtle Island" (North America) has a name for themselves which when translated implies “The People” or “The Human Beings.” Other terms include First Nations, Native, Indigenous, Indian, Metis, Dene and Inuit. Some of these terms are generic and some describe a subset within Aboriginal societies. The preferred terminology fluctuates for several reasons, including problems with "outside naming", categorization, and different Tribal and regional preferences. An effective approach is to consult with the person or group addressed to find out their preferred terminology.