What do mi kmaq people eat

Spears and bows and arrows were used to take larger animals, while snares were employed to capture rabbits and partridge, and deadfalls were used for predators such as foxes and bears. Three-pronged fish spears called leisters were used to spear and hold fish, but the Mi'kmaq also made use of hooks, nets, and weirs. On the water, harpoons were commonly used to take seals. When the Mi'kmaq began to trade with Europeans in the 16th century, they modified some of these tools and replaced others.

For example, in the historic period arrows and spears were tipped with iron, rather than bone and stone, and iron fish hooks were substituted for the traditional ones of bone. For travelling, however, the Indigenous inventions often proved superior to the new European items.

Snowshoes, which the Mi'kmaq employed when the snow was deep, were so well-adapted to the North American environment that they were adopted by later European settlers as was the hand-drawn sled known as the toboggan. Europeans also quickly recognized the superior qualities of the birch bark canoe, which was light, seaworthy, and easily repaired.

The Mi'kmaq made a number of different types of canoes, some for interior travel on rivers and lakes, and other, larger, sea-going canoes which were capable of making the km or so trip from Cape Breton to the Magdalen Islands or possibly even to Newfoundland. At a very early date, perhaps sometime in the 16th century, however, the Mi'kmaq learned to use small European sailing vessels such as the shallop which would have made long-distance trips much easier and safer.

Birch bark was also used at home for containers and to cover wigwams. The Mi'kmaq built several types of wigwams, most common was a conical "tipi"-shaped structure made by erecting a framework of poles and covering it with skins or sheets of birch bark. With the advent of European fishermen in the region, canvas sailcloth was sometimes substituted for the traditional coverings. Similarly, trade kettles made of copper were preferred to birch bark and wooden kettles in which water had to be boiled by heating stones and placing them in the water.

By contrast, a copper or brass kettle could be placed directly over the fire. Perhaps because of their reddish colour red may have been associated with blood and life , copper kettles also appear to have had some spiritual significance for 16th-century Mi'kmaq. Indigenous Mi'kmaq clothing was made from the skins of the animals they killed.

Deer and moose skins were fashioned into leggings, sleeves, breechclouts and moccasins, all of which were worn by both men and women. In winter fur robes would be added. Skin clothing was sometimes beautifully decorated with dyed porcupine quills largely supplanted by glass beads once the Mi'kmaq began trading with Europeans. Clothing was sewn together using deer or caribou sinew tendons and bone awls and needles. Bear says Dennis showed real promise as a young chef. It was educational both ways.

This resurgence in interest in Aboriginal foods is now extending beyond local Native communities. At a feast, it is customary for a prayer to be said for the food and people, and for Elders to be served before everyone else. A particular favourite in this diet has always been eel. They lived in small villages of wigwams or lodges, which are houses made of wood and birchbark. A Micmac wigwam was only about the size of a modern camp tent, and Micmac people spent most of their time outside.

Archaeological and linguistic evidence indicate that the Micmac arrived in eastern Canada from the north. The Micmac were perhaps the first American Indian people on the North American continent to be contacted, first by the Vikings and then by John Cabot in This spelling indicates reference to the collective or the plural form. The tribe still maintains a population of , people.

Spears and bows and arrows were used to take larger animals, while snares were employed to capture rabbits and partridge, and deadfalls were used for predators such as foxes and bears. ANSWER: They are a patriarchal society, but that does not mean that women are excluded from the decision- making process. Wetlands, bogs and muskegs flourish in this area. They hunted the food they could find in this geographical area. The independent governments had a district chief sagamaw and a council.

The district council members were band chiefs, elders, and other worthy community leaders. The 4 directions represent the 4 seasons and 4 stages of life. Among these leaders the Elders, both men and women, were the most appreciated. To cook food, the kettle was filled with water and hot stones were dropped in using a pair of wooden tongs. They also ate moose introduced to Newfoundland later , caribou, beaver and porcupine there are no porcupine in Ktaqamkuk , as well as smaller animals, like squirrels.

Berries, roots and edible plants were gathered during the summer.