The descendants of the original inhabitants of North America. “Aboriginal Peoples” can be used to collectively describe three groups recognized in the Consitution Act, 1982: First Nation/Indians, Inuit, and Métis”. These are separate peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and political goals. The word “Aboriginal” is an umbrella term for all three peoples, and is not interchangeable with “First Nations” but can be used interchangeably with “Indigenous peoples”, a collective name for the original peoples of North America and their descendants. It should also not be used when referring to only one or two of the three recognized groups.