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Indigenous History and Culture
Indigenous Languages and Peoples
Indigenous Life and Contributions
Family and Women in Indigenous Societies
Politics and Religion of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Religion and Shamanistic Traditions
Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Groups of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Understanding Indigenous Peoples
For more than 500 years, much of the recorded history concerning Indigenous peoples across North America has been written primarily from the perspective of European settlers. These accounts often reflect the worldview of expanding colonial powers and describe events through the lens of empire-building.
As a result, understanding the full truth of those historical events—especially from the perspective of the Indigenous communities who experienced them—is not always simple.
Yet even now, we believe it is essential to revisit Indigenous history and the challenges facing Indigenous communities today through their own voices and lived experiences. By seeking to understand their story more deeply, we may more faithfully share the love of Christ with communities that continue to carry the wounds of displacement, cultural disruption, and historical injustice.
We hope the information provided here will serve as a helpful resource in that journey of learning and humility.
The Evolution of Terminology
The term “Indian” originated with Christopher Columbus.
In 1492, after sailing westward in search of India, he arrived in the Bahamas and believed he had reached the Indies.
Upon returning to Spain, he declared that he had reached India and referred to the inhabitants he encountered as “Indios.”
From this misunderstanding, the term “Indian” came into widespread use.
However, for many Indigenous people, the word “Indian” carries painful historical associations. Over centuries,
it has often been used in ways that reflected misunderstanding, stereotyping, or disregard for Indigenous identity and sovereignty.
Today, in both the United States and Canada, more respectful and accurate terms are commonly used, such as Indigenous Peoples,
First Nations, Native, Inuit, or Métis, depending on the specific community and context. In Canada,
the term Aboriginal Peoples has also been used in legal and constitutional contexts.
As those who seek to serve in Indigenous missions, we believe it is important to use language that honors the dignity,
identity, and self-designation of the communities we engage with.
Language shapes relationships.
Respect begins with how we speak.
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