Aboriginal Economies Prior to Contact

• The way of life among the continent's First People was rich and varied. First Nations knowledge of plant science impacted the rest of the world.

• Transportation methods were developed to suit the environment. i.e. watercraft for waterways.

• The geography of North America shaped the culture, social life, and technology. Life was carried out within the boundaries of nature.

• Sustainable farming and advanced food processing technologies were characteristics of aboriginal life.

• Biodiversity was employed. This means growing a variety of crops so in the event of a bad year all of your earnings are not wiped out. i.e. monoculture  or monocropping.

To do:

1. Write down the list of points above.
2. Read p. 86-90 in Canada's History: Voices and Visions.
3. Create five more points of your own.
4. Review the websites below.

• Native Ranching - Civilization.ca
• The First Nations of the New France era
• Canada's First Nations:  pre-contact civilizations

5. After reviewing the sites compose five point form notes related to the way of life within aboriginal economies. (Be specific)
6. Reflect on your entire list of points. What inferences can you draw about First Nations economies and the relationship to natural resources prior to contact?

Image source:

http://www.youthfluence.com/learning/aboriginal%20guide/5_15.htm