Canada's Aboriginals

Introduction

• The Aboriginals are the original inhabitants of Canada. They have a history rich in symbolism, art, music and dance. Their traditional cuisine is unique. Their spiritual traditions play an important role in their culture.

Canadian Tribes

• Some of the Canadian Aboriginal tribes are Squamish, Plains Ojibwa, Okanagan, Cree, Algonquin, Mi'kmaq, Nipissing, and Innu.

Coping With the Settlers

• The reason we don't see Aboriginals everywhere we go is because the European settlers coming into Canada took territory from them. This caused many battles, and the same was happening in America.

Modern Life

• Living in modern Canada can be a challenge for some tribes. Housing conditions can be terrible, getting everyday resources is difficult, the land they live off of is being built into and populated, and there are new damns blocking their lakes and rivers.

Art

• The Aboriginals are masters of art. They sculpt, paint weave and do beadwork. A common piece of Aboriginal artwork is the Dreamcatcher. They are said to ward away bad dreams. Aboriginal artists still thrive today, such as Benjamin Chee Chee, Candice Camille, and even Nathalie Bertin, from Newmarket.

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