Aboriginal Economies

Aboriginal Technologies

Geographic Location

Trade Economies

World View and Economic Structures

Geographic Location The environment of Aboriginals affected

the types of technologies and economies that were developed

The environment determined the type of hunting practices, trading routes, and transportation options of the First Peoples

Aboriginal Technologies Aboriginal life was rich and varied Strong knowledge of plant science

(affected agriculture and medicine 60% of world’s crops were originally

developed by First Peoples Developed sophisticated stone tool

technologies and methods of transportation ideally suited to their environment

Aboriginal Technologies - Farming Aboriginal cultures focused mainly on plant

science Developed a variety of corn through genetic

selection Developed sustainable farming techniques First farmers were the Haudenosaunee Women were the primary farmers in their society –

tending and harvesting crops Women received and elevated status in this society

because of their duties

Aboriginal Technologies - Gathering Most Aboriginal groups gathered edible

wild forest products: fruits, nuts, berries, roots, leafy vegetables, herbs, wild rice, nd even tree sap (syrup!!!)

Aboriginal Technologies - Medicine Aboriginal medicines were used to heal both

body and mind Aboriginal medicines would become the basis of

western pharmacology Medicines developed by the Aboriginals cured

some European diseases Several common medicines used to treat several

disorders in our society came from the skill and knowledge of Aboriginals – Aspirin is a significant one

Aboriginal Technologies - TransportationThe canoe Used for trade, hunting, fishing Ideal for traveling in the wilderness – very

lightweight and durable

Sleds, Travois Used by the Plains People Pulled by wolves or dogs – later by horses

Aboriginal Technologies - Transportation

Kayaks Thule People were nomadic and

spent summers on the coast fishing and hunting beluga, walruses, seals and polar bears

They created the kayak or their purposes – stretched seal or caribou skin over bone frame

Also created the umiak for whale hunting

Aboriginal Technologies - Transportation The Thule also developed their kind of sled Snowshoes are also a notable invention of

the Thule people

Trade Economies Part of the motivation for trade among First

Peoples was the need for good from other regions (supply and demand)

T was also for establishing friendly relations with neighboring peoples

Trade routes were established in the Americas long before Europeans arrived

Most commonly traded items included arrowheads, tools and shells

After contact with Europeans, Aboriginals began to trade with them and introduced them to their extensive trading routes

World View and Economic Structures Most Aboriginal societies practiced a lifestyle of

sustainable development They only took from the environment what they

needed to survive Their knowledge of natural resources allowed

them to use resources with little waste European lifestyle was different and did not

practice sustainable development, but one of land ownership, cultivation, and occupancy

Case Study 91. Please read chapter 7 on Aboriginal Economies

and record vocabulary terms.2. How has the physical geography of Canada

influenced Aboriginal populations, technology, and food? (See map on p.89)

3. How have Aboriginal peoples made considerable contributions as a result of plant science? (food/ medicine)

4. What role did “supply and demand” play in establishing Aboriginal trading routes?

5. Create a comparison chart outlining Aboriginal technologies, the First Nation the developed the technology, and the region these people lived.