Roots of Our Population

Roots of Our Population

Textbook Page 55 + 56

The population of Atlantic Canada is made up of many different cultures.

Aboriginal PeoplesWhile there is some dispute about the origins of Aboriginal people in Atlantic Canada, all lived in harmony with their environment.

Different groups developed distinct spiritual traditions, languages and cultures.

The Innu

• Lived in Newfoundland and Labrador between 9000 and 3000 years ago.

• Today the Innu call their land Nitassinan and do not recognize political boundaries of Quebec and Labrador.

Algonquin Nations

• Three Algonquin nations lived in what is now called Atlantic Canada.

• Mi’kmaq - NS , NF, PEI, and NB

• Passamaquoddy - NB. • Maliseet - NB.

• Hunting, fishing, trapping and trading were their livelihoods.

A Mi'kmaq Settlement in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia during the late 1800s

The Inuit

• Some archaeologists believe that they crossed the Bering Strait from Siberia reaching Labrador about 3800 years ago.

• They are ancestors of today’s Labrador Inuit.

Inuit Throat Singers

The Beothuk

• Lived in Newfoundland.

• Suffered complete extinction as a race, the last dying tuberculosis in 1829.

Mary March Desmasduit

After her death, her body was returned to her people and was buried beside her husband who had been killed at the time of her capture.

Mary March Desmasduit

The tribe became extinct in 1829 due to the ravages of European encroachment, slaughter and diseases to which the Beothuks had no resistance.

A list of Beothuk words obtained from Shanawdithit, the last known Beothuk, by W.E. Cormack.

Effects of Contact

Aboriginals helped the first Europeans to cope with the harsh environment.

• As a result of conflicting cultures, struggles developed.

Ethnocentrism:The belief that one culture and beliefs are better than those of another culture.

• Regulated by Canadian law and some were forced by treaties off traditional lands and onto reserves.

• Many aboriginals are beginning to claim back lands and the right to self-government.

• Aboriginal leaders and

federal and provincial governments continue to negotiate settlements to such claims.