What does Section 35 of Canada's constitution recognize?

• A. Aboriginal peoples are not recognized
• B. First Nations, Métis and Inuit are Aboriginal peoples, with their existing Treaty and Aboriginal rights
• C. Only Treaty rights are recognized
• D. Aboriginal rights exist but not recognized

Answer: (B)

Section 35 recognizes that Indigenous peoples in Canada—First Nations, Métis and Inuit—are Aboriginal peoples, and that their existing rights are protected in the Constitution. It affirms rights that these communities have already had, including treaty rights as well as other Aboriginal rights that flow from long-standing histories and laws. This protection means these rights aren’t created by the Constitution anew; they are recognised as existing and must be respected and brought into account in legal and governmental actions. The other options miss this, either denying recognition, limiting rights only to treaty rights, or suggesting rights exist but aren’t recognised.