The Aboriginal peoples of Canada were the first ones to occupy the land and establish lives for themselves and they were the sole inhabitants for many years before European contact. Aboriginal people are distinguished from others by their culture, language and legal status and there are over six hundred recognized bands in the country. Status Indians are registered under the Indian Act and belong to a band that has signed a treaty or other federal government document. Non-Status Indians identify themselves as Aboriginal but are not classified as so under the Indian Act. …
