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14.12 Elimination of Racial and Ethnic Stereotyping, Identification of groups

Be aware of the current self-identification preferences of racial and cultural groups in Canada:

  • Black(s), not Negro(es)
  • ethnic (or cultural) minorities, not ethnics
  • Indigenous people(s) in Canada, not Indigenous Canadians
  • Inuk (singular), Inuit (plural), not Eskimo
  • Métis, not Metis

Note that the term African American is gaining currency in the U.S.A.

Note also that the terms used to designate the Indigenous peoples of Canada have undergone considerable change in recent years. Although the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982, uses the term aboriginal peoples in the lower case, the words Aboriginal and Indigenous have since come to be capitalized when used in the Canadian context. The terms currently preferred are the following:

  • Indigenous people(s)
  • First people(s)

14.14 Fair and Representative Depiction of People with Disabilities, Identification of groups

Do not define people by their disorders or use dehumanizing stereotypes, such as "the disabled," "the blind," "the retarded."

  • Be aware of the self-identification preferences of individuals or groups:
    • people/persons with disabilities not the handicapped
    • Canadians with disabilities not disabled Canadians
  • The generic term "people with disabilities" can be adapted to the purpose of the text:
    • passengers requiring assistance to board the plane/train
    • students who use wheelchairs
    • clients with a hearing impairment