Among the Algonquian people, political life was organized around nations and bands. Each nation was divided into several clans that were independent of each other. They shared the same language and customs and had a similar way of life, but they each had their own territory for hunting, fishing and gathering. Each clan consisted of family members who had the same ancestors. Within each clan were bands of 35 to 75 people from two or three families who travelled together during the winter months.

Wars between nations

Before the arrival of the Europeans, there had been several conflicts between the Indigenous nations. People often went to war to protect their hunting and fishing territories, and the routes they used for trading. They also went to war to avenge the deaths of certain members of their group during earlier wars.

Author: Alexandre Lanoix  | Version française

See also:  Traces of the past:  Oh, what type of men are the Europeans!
 
 


Important concepts and big ideas:

Clan System – – Système de clans
Language family – Famille de langues
Nation – Nation
Political Structure – Structure politique
Social Structure – Structure sociale
Warfare – la guerre

Concepts importants et idées :
Système de clans | Famille linguistique | Nation  |  Structure politique  |  Structure social  |  Guerre

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