Canada’s Indigenous Peoples have a rich history and have made significant contributions to the country’s culture, traditions, and society. From influencing Canadian law and governance to creating art, music, and inventions, Indigenous communities have played a vital role in shaping Canada.
Test your knowledge with this General Knowledge (GK) Quiz on Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and Their Contributions, and learn more about their history, achievements, and cultural impact.
GK Quiz: Indigenous Peoples of Canada
Question 1: How many Indigenous groups are officially recognized in Canada?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 5
D) 7
✅ Answer: B) 3 – The three recognized Indigenous groups in Canada are First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
Question 2: What is the name of Canada’s national day to honor Indigenous Peoples?
A) Indigenous Awareness Day
B) National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
C) Aboriginal Heritage Day
D) National Indigenous Unity Day
✅ Answer: B) National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Observed on September 30th, it is a day to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and honor survivors.
Question 3: What was the purpose of residential schools in Canada?
A) To promote Indigenous culture
B) To educate Indigenous children in their own language
C) To assimilate Indigenous children into European culture
D) To provide higher education opportunities
✅ Answer: C) To assimilate Indigenous children into European culture – Residential schools, which operated from the 1800s to 1996, aimed to erase Indigenous identities but left a lasting impact on Indigenous communities.
Question 4: What Indigenous invention is now used worldwide for transportation?
A) The wheel
B) The canoe
C) The compass
D) The bicycle
✅ Answer: B) The canoe – Indigenous Peoples created birchbark and dugout canoes, which were later adopted by European explorers and settlers.
Question 5: Which Indigenous athlete was the first to win an Olympic gold medal for Canada?
A) Carey Price
B) Tom Longboat
C) Alwyn Morris
D) Waneek Horn-Miller
✅ Answer: C) Alwyn Morris – A Mohawk from Kahnawake, he won gold in kayaking at the 1984 Olympics and proudly raised an eagle feather during the medal ceremony.
Question 6: What is the meaning of “Inuit”?
A) “The land’s guardians”
B) “The hunters”
C) “The people”
D) “The northern warriors”
✅ Answer: C) “The people” – The term Inuit means “the people” in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit.
Question 7: Which Indigenous leader helped negotiate Treaty 6 in the 1870s?
A) Poundmaker
B) Tecumseh
C) Big Bear
D) Sitting Bull
✅ Answer: C) Big Bear – A Cree chief, Big Bear resisted unfair treaty agreements and fought for better treatment of his people.
Question 8: What is the traditional Inuit dwelling made of ice called?
A) Teepee
B) Longhouse
C) Igloo
D) Wigwam
✅ Answer: C) Igloo – Inuit people traditionally built igloos as temporary winter shelters in the Arctic.
FAQs: Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and Their Contributions
1. Who are the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit?
These are the three officially recognized Indigenous groups in Canada:
- First Nations – Indigenous groups across Canada, with diverse languages and cultures.
- Métis – Descendants of Indigenous and European ancestry, mainly from the Prairie provinces.
- Inuit – Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic regions of Canada.
2. What are some Indigenous contributions to modern society?
Indigenous Peoples have contributed many innovations, including:
- Canoes and kayaks – Used for transportation and exploration
- Snowshoes and toboggans – Helped early settlers travel in winter
- Medicinal knowledge – Indigenous knowledge influenced modern medicine (e.g., willow bark for pain relief)
3. What is the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
It is a day to honor residential school survivors, educate Canadians, and reflect on Indigenous history and rights.
4. What Indigenous languages are spoken in Canada?
There are over 70 Indigenous languages, including Cree, Inuktitut, and Ojibwe.
5. What are some famous Indigenous Canadians?
- Buffy Sainte-Marie – Singer, activist, and songwriter
- Tantoo Cardinal – Acclaimed Indigenous actress
- Waneek Horn-Miller – Olympian and Indigenous rights advocate
Final Thoughts: How Well Do You Know Canada’s Indigenous History?
From their innovations and cultural traditions to their fight for rights and recognition, Canada’s Indigenous Peoples have had a profound impact on the country. Whether you’re a student preparing for a quiz or someone interested in history, these GK questions will help you learn more about their contributions and resilience.
💬 How many questions did you get right? Share your score in the comments! 🇨🇦🧡