‘Aborigines’ is the term used for the native people of Canada and their descendants. The 1982 Constitution Act of Canada recognized the First Nations, Inuit and Métis together as the Canadian Aboriginals. These three different groups have their unique histories, cultures, languages and beliefs. They make up to 4.5 % of the total Canadian population and have influenced the Canadian history and culture in many ways. Canada also celebrates National Aboriginal Day on 21st June every year to recognize the contribution and culture of the Aboriginals to the country.
There are many theories suggesting how the Aboriginals arrived in Canada. The most common theory suggests that the descendants of the First Nations migrated from Serbia over the Bering Sea using a land bridge (formed during the ice age), about 30,000 years ago while the Inuit are supposed to have arrived 4500 years back. The Métis culture came into existence in the mid of the 17th century, when the Inuit and First Nations married the European settlers.
Aborigines have a rich heritage of art, music and dance which they have preserved since centuries. They strive hard to keep these culture and art forms alive. Canadian language is also largely influenced by Aboriginal dialects and languages. Even the name “Canada” comes from Iroquoian language (language of First Nations) word “Kanata” which means “village”.
Today the Aboriginals have developed a lot and the government has also taken many steps for their improvement. A commission called as ‘Royal Commission for Aboriginal People’ was established in the year 1991 to address the various issues and problems of Aborigines. Many treaties were also established between the Canadian Crown and the Aboriginals, over many centuries.
The Aboriginals have also become successful in almost every field. There are many Aboriginals who have become prominent personalities, in their respective fields, emerging as idols for their communities. Elijah Harper, Graham Greene, Shania Twain, George Armstrong, Tom Jackson, Abraham Ulkirab, Brian Trottier etc. are some of the famous Aboriginals who have contributed to shape the Canadian history and culture.
