English

Noun

First Nations

1. (Canada) The indigenous peoples of Canada (typically not including Inuit or Metis); Indians.
   • 2001, Quebec, Francois Remillard, Hunter Publishing, Inc, ISBN 2894645953, pg. 27:

     Generally speaking, the works of First Nations artists were made with materials such as wood, leather or cloth.

   • 2009, Diarmaid MacCulloch, A History of Christianity, Penguin 2010, page 714:

     The prolonged suffering and ghastly deaths of Jesuit missionaries at the hands of hostile First Nations on the borders of the French colonies in Canada in the early seventeenth century rank high in the history of Christian suffering.

2. (Canada, less common) The indigenous peoples of any country or region.
   • 2006, Scott Simon, "Formosa's First Nations and the Japanese: from colonial rule to postcolonial resistance," Japan Focus, ISSN 1557-4660, :

     As “savages” become soldiers, and soldiers become social activists, the tribe has rapidly developed a First Nations identity as advocates of both stripes mobilize memories of past resistance in different contexts. Whether the state is green or blue, therefore, Taroko memories will continue to shape the relationship between state and tribe.

Adjective

First Nations ‎(not comparable)

1. Alternative form of First Nation
   • 2008, "Ontario Chiefs unite against jailing" in Kenora Daily Miner and News, April 4, 2008.

     First Nation leaders in Ontario will support demonstrations and protests, until six band councillors are released from jail.

Etymology 2

Noun

First Nations

1. plural of First Nation