Page 189 - THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 9 AND 10 | Canadian and World Studies

Inuit (singular: Inuk). Indigenous people in northern Canada, living mainly in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, northern Quebec, and northern Labrador. The word means “the people” in the Inuit language of Inuktitut. Inuit are not covered by the Indian Act. The federal govern- ment has entered into several major land claim settlements with Inuit.
Inuksuk. A human-made stone structure that functions to warn or inform Inuit travellers and hunters; inuksuit are important to Inuit survival in the Arctic climate.
issue. A topic or question of concern on which people may take different points of view.
judicial branch.* The branch of government that interprets the law – in other words, the courts. Also referred to as “the Queen in Banco” or
“the Queen on the Bench”. See also branches
of government; executive branch; legislative branch.
knowledge-based industries. The part of the economy that is knowledge-based, such as government, scientific research, education, and information technology. Also referred to as the quaternary sector. See also economic sector.
knowledge keepers. Traditional teachers who are recognized by their community as having cultural and spiritual knowledge of traditions, teachings, and practices and who help guide their community or nation.
labour union. A group of workers who have come together to pursue common goals, such as better working conditions. Their leaders bargain with the employer(s) and negotiate labour contracts.
land claims. A First Nation, Métis, or Inuit assertion of rights over lands and resources, and of self-government, which can also concern Aboriginal and treaty title and rights. When resolved, the final agreements often outline rights, responsibilities, and/or benefits.
landfill. A method of waste disposal, in which solid waste is collected and transferred to a set location, where it is buried. In Canada, there are provincial regulations governing landfill sites, with the goal of minimizing their impact on health and the environment.
landform. A natural physical feature of a land surface (e.g., a mountain, plateau, valley, plain).
land grant. Land that is given to individuals or groups by a government or other governing body.
land reclamation. The creation of “new” land from existing riverbeds or seas. Also, the reclamation or rehabilitation of land that was previously disturbed, often by resource extraction. See also rehabilitation.
land use. Ways in which land is used by people (e.g., commercial, industrial, residential, trans- portation, or recreational uses). In mapping, different land uses are conventionally represented by specific colours.
latitude. The distance north and south of the equator, measured in degrees.
laws. The principles and regulations governing a community’s affairs that are enforced by a political authority and judicial decisions.
League of Indians of Canada. An organization established in 1919 to lobby for First Nations rights in Canada.
legend. An explanatory description or key to features on a map or chart.
legislative branch.* The branch of government that makes the laws – the Parliament of Canada and provincial and territorial legislatures. Also referred to as “the Queen in Parliament”. See also branches of government; executive branch; judicial branch.
legislature.* The federal legislature (Parliament of Canada) consists of the Queen, the Senate, and the House of Commons. The provincial legislatures consist of the lieutenant governor and the elected house. See also parliament.
GLOSSARY
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