First Nation

English

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First Nation

/ˌfɜːs(t)ˈneɪʃn/ UK
/ˌfɜɹs(t)ˈneɪʃən/ Canada, US
/ˌfɜːs(t)ˈnæeʃ(ə)n/ Australia

Rhymes with -eɪʃən

Where it comes from

From first (adjective) + nation, coined in the late 1970s in place of the word Indian which had become regarded by some as derogatory (though it is still used: see the usage note).

noun First Nations

Canada, in plural, often A community of indigenous peoples of Canada (typically not including the Inuit or Metis), especially one officially recognized by the federal government. Today we speak as the descendants of our grandfathers who signed treaties with the Commissioners representing Her Majesty Queen Victoria in the late 1800s. […] The various governments of this country have made attempts to abrogate our treaties in one way or another. In spite of this, our treaties st
broadly, in plural, often, uncommon A community or settlement of indigenous peoples of any country or region.
Australia, broadly, in plural, often, uncommon A community of indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) peoples of Australia; a group of Indigenous Australians.

adjective

alternative, in plural, not comparable, often Alternative form of First Nations First Nation leaders in Ontario will support demonstrations and protests, until six band councillors are released from jail.

Translations

Every language

noun community of indigenous peoples of Canada (typically not including the Inuit or Metis) — see also Indian

Español	Primera Nación, Nación Originaria en Canadá
한국어	퍼스트 네이션 peoseuteu neisyeon
日本語	ファースト・ネーション Fāsuto Nēshon
中文	第一民族 Dìyī Mínzú
Português	Primeira Nação
Français	Première Nation
Italiano	Primo Nazione
Ελληνικά	Πρῶτον Έθνος Próton Éthnos
Română	Primă Națiune

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MLA

"First Nation." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/first%20nation. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

APA

First Nation. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/first%20nation

Chicago

"First Nation." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/first%20nation.

BibTeX

@misc{first_nation_2026,
  title = {First Nation},
  howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://micwyn.com/word/first%20nation},
  urldate = {2026-11-06}
}