INDIGENOUS
FACT & FANTASY
FACT & FANTASY
WHY ARE FIRST NATIONS NOT INDIANS
First Nations peoples were incorrectly labeled by
Christopher Columbus as “Indians” when he
thought he had arrived in India to bring back spices
and other exotics to Queen Isabella of Portugal.
Although the word Indian is in the popular culture
and has been embedded into many laws of the land
(i.e Indian Act), it is still an incorrect label.
Fantasy
First nations get a free ride from the
government
FACT
. In Canada, preference is for “First Nations” or
“Indigenous” “Aboriginal” all references should
be capitalized no matter where they appear as
they are proper names.
On campus the terms Aboriginal, First Nations
and Indigenous are used through various
departments all refer to the same student body
The Benefits such as they are are from Treaty
agreements such as the Royal Proclamation of 1763,
and other legislation such as the Indian Act; First
Nations people enjoy the same fundamental benefits
as all other Canadians, including Child tax, Old age
Security and Employment Insurance. Where
Constitutionally protected First Nations rights
exist, First Nations people do have priority over
others, one example is the right to hunt or fish for
subsistence, but even these rights are subject to
regulation (e.g conservation issues).
Created by Laura Forsythe
Sponsored by First
Nations Student
Association
WELCOME
Based on our current knowledge, SFU campuses
occupy land that belongs to four of the
Coast Salish nations - the Musqueam,
Skxwú7mesh-ulh Úxwumixw
(pronounced Squamish or
Skohomish), Stó:lo & Tsleil-Waututh
(pronounced: slay-wa-tooth, aka
Burrard) nations.
Fact & Fantasy in Perspectives about Indigenous People
FANTASY
FANTASY
All First Nations Speak the same Language
All Native people do not have to pay tax
FACT
FACT
Before Canada there were 53 distinct First
Nations languages, not including, many dialects.
Each language is different and complex; some
have a common root base hence the
anthropological language groupings.
First Nations people working on reserves are not
considered part of the Canadian working force
and do not pay income tax.
FANTASY
First Nations People are all alike
FACT
Status First Nations do not pay federal or
provincial sales tax on personal and real property
on a reserve.
In Canada alone there are currently 609
culturally distinct federally recognized First
Nations with different languages and cultural
practices making them unique.
The federal Goods and Sales tax does not apply
to on-reserve goods or to those goods acquired
by a status First Nations off reserve.
FANTASY
Inuit, Metis and non status First Nations are
required to pay tax.
University is free for First Nations
FACT
At SFU we have students and employees from
various different nations and territories. Many
status and non status First Nations,others that
are Metis or Inuit. With many departments and
organizations on campus to answer your questions
about our heritage please do not hesitate to contact
the First Nations Student Association, Indigenous
Student Centre or Office for Aboriginal Peoples
First Nations people working off the reserve
become part of the Canadian work force and are
subject to same taxes as a Non First Nations.
Although some First Nations are given grants,
bursaries from their Bands not all students on
campus have this opportunity. Many pay for
school the same as any other student part time
jobs, academic scholarships and family support.
FANTASY
All First Nations live on Reserves or
Reservations
FACT
The reality is a majority actually live in urban
areas throughout Canada. Vancouver, Toronto,
and Winnipeg being three of the highly
populated areas.
Depending on the province, some registered
First Nations do not pay provincial sales tax.