Honoring the Legacy of First Peoples: Navigating the Terminology

Welcome to the blog of our Indigenous owned clothing store Turtle Island Market. Today, we will be discussing the difference and/or similarities between Native American, Indigenous and Aboriginal classifications.

Native American, Indigenous, and Aboriginal are all terms that have been used to describe the original inhabitants of North America, Australia, and other parts of the world. However, these terms are not interchangeable and carry different meanings and connotations.

Native American is a term that refers specifically to the indigenous peoples of the United States, including Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. This term was created in the 1970s to replace the previously used term "American Indian," which is inaccurate and offensive. Native American is now the more commonly used name for these peoples in the US.

Indigenous is a more inclusive term that refers to the original inhabitants of a particular region or country, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. This term is often used in Canada and in international contexts to refer to the First Peoples of Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific islands, as well as the Indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Aboriginal is a term used specifically to describe the Indigenous peoples of Australia. This term has been used for many years to describe the Indigenous peoples of Australia and is now widely accepted as the preferred term for these communities.

While these terms have distinct meanings, they also share many similarities. For example, all three terms refer to the original inhabitants of a particular region or country. They are also often used to describe communities with strong cultural ties to the land, and a history of resistance and resilience in the face of colonization and oppression.

At Turtle Island Market, we are proud to celebrate the diversity and resilience of Indigenous communities around the world. We recognize the importance of using respectful and accurate terminology when referring to these communities, and we encourage others to do the same.

Thank you for reading our blog on the difference and similarities between Native American, Indigenous and Aboriginal classifications. We hope that this information has been helpful and informative, and we invite you to explore our online store to learn more about the unique cultures and traditions of Indigenous communities around the world.