First Nations of the Atlantic
The Mi ‘kmaq
Geography – Lived along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Forest and Ocean were key resources. This
was not good farm land. Wildlife included, moose, deer, beaver, birds, caribou, whales, fish, shellfish.
Clothing – Animal skins (caribou and moose) and fur. Clothing was decorated in geometric designs with
quills, bones, stones and shells.
Shelter – Wig Wam – Large birch bark structures. Wood was plentiful. Birch bark kept water out. Wig
Wams could be moved as the Mi ‘kmaq were NOMADIC, moving to follow their migrating food source.
The Mi ‘kmaq travelled by canoe and snowshoe. The tools they used included axes, chisels and knives
made of stone and bone.
Food – Included large game animals like caribou and moose, as well as, seafood and shellfish.
Spirituality – believed in a Creator. They have special celebrations and ceremonies to give thanks for all
creation. Songs were an important part of celebration, using drums, flutes, and rattles to give thanks.
Dances often imitated animal movements.
Arts and Crafts – Well known for their woven baskets and intricate bead work.
First Nations of the Great Lakes / Lowlands
The Iroquois
Geography – The Iroquois lived in an area with many resources. They had good fertile soil and were one
of the few First nations groups to farm. They lived near the Great Lakes, also abundant in resources.
Forest was also near for wood, wildlife etc.
Shelter – The Iroquois lived in large wooden longhouses. Because resources were abundant, they were
NOT NOMADIC. They lived in large communities with up to 50 longhouses, often surrounded by walls
for protection.
Food – Villages grew beans, squash and corn. This was in addition to the wild berries in the area as well
as larger game like deer and elk.
Clothing – Animal hides and fur were worn. Clothing was decorated with quills and seashells in intricate
designs like flowers, leaves and clan symbols.
Spirituality- Believed in The Great Spirit. Every living thing had a spirit. Masks were often worn during
ceremonies and celebrations. Celebrations were often centered around the harvest. Drums and rattles
were used to create music for dancing.
Games like lacrosse were played for recreation and to prepare boys for battle.
Arts and Crafts – History and important events were recorded on wampum belts. These were beaded
belts that were passed through generations to pass on teachings.
Crafts included bead work, baskets, clay pots and masks.
First Nations Of the Plains
The Blackfoot / Cree
Geography – Lived across the prairies. (Blackfoot from the foothills to the Cypress Hills) (Cree through
the rest of the prairies). Vegetation was limited to bushes, roots and berries in the summer months.
Wildlife included the bison (buffalo) as the main resource with deer, elk, moose as well. These groups
were NOMADIC as they followed their food source.
Clothing – hides and furs were used by the women to make clothing. They often had decorative head
dresses. The patterns they used to decorate their clothing and tipis told a story.
Arts and Crafts – Petroglyphs – carvings in stone. Intricate patterns were painted on tipis to tell stories
and depict families. Clothing was decorated with quills, stones and bones. Toys were made out of
animal skins (dolls).
Music and dance (drums) were very important to ceremonies and celebrations.
Food – Mainly meat – bison, deer, elk, berries, nuts etc. Followed their food source.
Storytelling- -Believed in the Creator. Many stories about the jokester Napi. Prayer was important.
Dancing and ceremonies were key.
Shelter – lived in tipis made with buffalo and animal hides over large wooden poles. Tipis could be easily
moved and taken to follow the ever migrating Buffalo.
First Nation of the Arctic
The Inuit
Geography – Extremely cold, dark winters. Oceans, Tundra, arctic plains, mountains. No TREES. Limited
vegetation. Small plants and berries in the summer.
Dog sled and kayak transportation. Arctic animals were key to survival.
Food – Depended on meat. Ocean animals, seal, walrus, whale, narwhal. Land – caribou and muskox.
Used spears and bow and arrow for hunting.
Clothing – animal furs and skins – seal and caribou mostly. Used geometric shapes for decoration.
Storytelling – stories told to teach a lesson. Music was key to celebrations, specifically a style of singing
called throat singing.
Shelter – Igloo in winter made of snow and ice. They were very well insulated. Summer shelters were a
lean-to or tent made of rocks, hides, stones and earth. Inuit were NOMADIC as they followed their food
source. They lived in small groups, not large communities.
Arts and Crafts – Soap stone carving, Inuksuk and rattles. They used soap stone, whale bone, rocks,
caribou hide. Lots of games and competitions among the Inuit for recreation.
First Nations of the West Coast
The Salish / Haida
Geography – Pacific coast. Cedar forests. Abundant wildlife and sea life. Rainy climate. Winter not very
cold.
Shelter – Large cedar plank houses. Some small tents in summer. Built villages with wall for protection.
Clothing – Cedar bark was very important to make hats and cloaks. Also used animal skins and small
furs.
Arts and Crafts – Totem poles made from cedar. Well known for carvings. Used masks. Used music,
mainly drums to celebrate.
Myths – Often had the Thunderbird and sea life in them. Believe in a Creator. Every living thing had a
spirit.
Dead were put up in trees.
Singing and dancing to celebrate.
Potlatch, a well known gift-giving celebration where the hosts gave gifts to guests.
Food- Seafood, berries, plants, wildlife (smoked fish and meat)
(because resources were so abundant, these people were NOT NOMADIC)