Chapter 1: First Nations of Canada
Before Europeans made the trip across the Atlantic this continent hosted hundreds of First Nations tribes living in their traditional lands and territories. Each group was geographically, culturally and socially diverse. Dive in and explore the rich history of North America's First Nations!
The Mi'kmaq
Located on Canada's east coast, the Mi'kmaq were traditionally nomadic, migrating between the coast in the summer and the inland forests in the winter.
Divided into Seven Districts, the Mi'kmaq governed through a representative government similar to our present day provincial model. Each district (or "riding") had a Saqamaw which spoke on behalf of the district at the Grand Council which would meet to discuss resource management and trade with surrounding nations. |
The Anishinabe
The Anishinabe are part of a larger language group shared with surrounding First Nations groups. Many in the region speak a type of Algonquin. Ojibwe or Chippewa would be an example.
The Anishinabe based their society on a dodem or clan based society. Individuals were born into their father's clan and would be raised in that role throughout their life. Dodems were named after various animals in the region, with the Loon/Crane being the leaders of the society. One clan, the Midewin Society was the exception. Focusing on medicine, the Midewin's were essentially the doctors/nurses of the society. If someone was gifted in treating others, they could become a Midewin. |
The Haudenosaunee
The Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy, is an alliance between 5 First Nation tribes: the Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, Cayuga, Mohawk, and eventually the Tuscarora. The Haudenosaunee and untied under the Great Law of Peace which brought the tribes together by an individual known as the Peacemaker. Much of their symbolism and government structures were adopted later by the newly emerged United States of America.
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The Rest...
Remember: these are only three groups of literally hundreds. Take an opportunity to look into a First Nations tribe from around the continent. Each has their own rich and dynamic background, contemporary contributions and history altering impacts.
Chapter 2: European Explorers
"In 1492 Columbus Sailed The Ocean Blue", or so the rhyme goes. In 1492 an Italian sailor named Columbus was hired by Spain to find a new route to Asia. Why? Cash-money!!!! Fat stacks were to be made if you could get to Asia. I'm talkin spices, silk, and cool explodie things like gunpowder. Rather than finding a route to Asia, Columbus came across two continents. Here is what you need to know:
Lief Erikson
The Big Four:
Christopher ColumbusSpain sent Columbus across the Atlantic in search for Asia. Instead he landed in what we know as the Caribbean. Upon his return, Spain decided to expand their colonies into this "New World". They would eventually colonize most of central and south America.
Jacques CartierFrance sent Jacques Cartier to explore the region. While exploring, Cartier came across many First Nations groups like the Mi'kmaq, Stadacona and Hochelaga. One of his most important discoveries the St. Lawrence River. By using this river, the French were able to settle farther inland than their British competitors.
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Giovanni Cabotto (John Cabot)Once word got out, England wanted a piece of the pie. They also hired an Italian sailor named Giovanni Cabotto. Cabotto sailed north and discovered what would become Atlantic Canada, claiming the region for England and calling it Newfoundland. The English king was so pleased with the discovery that he decided to Anglicize Cabotto. He then became known as John Cabot.
Samuel de ChamplainFrance followed up by sending Champlain to settle the region. He built two settlements: Port Royal in present day Nova Scotia and the settlement of Quebec - which would one day become Quebec City. France would later expand far inland in North America.
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The Franklin Expedition
Chapter 3: Early European Colonization
Like what you see? Why not stay! At least that is what the Europeans thought. As the "New World" became unlocked to them, different countries rapidly began to built permanent settlements to claim the land for king and country. Consider what legacies we can still see around us today: the Province of Quebec speaks french while surrounded by Anglos...why? What is the connection between Canada and Louisana (and their glorious Popeye's chicken)? New York? New Brunswick? New South Wales? New England? ... what about Old England?! Why are things the way they are today? Colonization, youths! Explore the map below.
If Europeans are moving in, what do you think will happen to the First Nations that already occupy the lands? If the English and French dislike each other, what do you think will happen should a war break out?
Chapter 4: The Fur Trade
The Fur Trade was an economic system in which raw resources (trees, animals, minerals, etc.) were harvested on mass for financial benefit. People liked fuzzy hats, kids. Don't get it? Well I don't get the appeal of your fads either so i guess we can all be skeptical of each other together.
Anyway, with all ways to make money, sometimes the money is flowing and other times it is not. Markets have to change with the times. So when people wanted furry hats the Fur Trade expanded. When people preferred something else, the system had to change. The fact is the Fur Trade shaped Canada how it is today. Your job is to figure out how...
The Fur Trade is broken up into 5 phases. Each phase begins and ends because something about the situation changed.
Anyway, with all ways to make money, sometimes the money is flowing and other times it is not. Markets have to change with the times. So when people wanted furry hats the Fur Trade expanded. When people preferred something else, the system had to change. The fact is the Fur Trade shaped Canada how it is today. Your job is to figure out how...
The Fur Trade is broken up into 5 phases. Each phase begins and ends because something about the situation changed.
Phase 1: The Early Fur Trade 1500-1603
Why it began: 1500
Europeans began to arrive in the New World around 1500 (1492 for Columbus, 1497 for Cabot). John Cabot found one particular resource in abundance... cod! The first phase of the fur trade deals with fish almost entirely. Europeans fished off the coast and returned to Europe to sell them. |
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Phase 2: Expansion Inland 1603-1670
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Why it began: 1603
What changed in 1603? French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded the first permanent European settlement in North America - Port Royal. Shortly afterwards he established Quebec down the St. Lawrence River. The French were here to stay, and so the fur trade began! Beavers were hunted to be sold in France to make fancy hats. |
Phase 3: Rival Networks 1670-1763
Why it began: 1670
France has been making a lot of coin with it's fur trade. Their historical rivals - the British- decided to expand into North America in order to start getting a piece of the pie. In 1670 the British created the Hudson Bay Company. Their purpose? Create revenue for Britain in the Fur Trade and compete with the French. |
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Phase 4: The Drive West 1763-1821
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Why it began: 1763
1763 is a huge year for our history. 1754-1763 found the continent at war between the French and British settlements. The Seven Years War was a global war, but in North America it found French and British colonists pitted against each other with First Nations choosing sides in the middle. 1763 marked the end of that conflict, and the defeat of the French. The Treaty of Paris and Royal Proclamation gave England full control of New France and made some territorial changes for First Nations. French subjects formed the North-West Company to compete against the HBC and their new English overlords. All that was left was who could reach the farthest west? As expansion happened, the Metis became invaluable for bridging First Nations and Europeans together in order to make trade relations. |
Phase 5: Monopoly in the West 1821-1870
Why it began: 1821
Simple: in 1821 the HBC and NWC merged into one company... the HBC. Now that the fur trade was monopolized into one company, things could really kick into high gear.
Why it ended: 1870
In 1867 Canada became a country. During this time, the HBC had amassed a huge territory and the desire for furs had declined significantly. How could Britain make money off the HBC if people weren't buying fur hats like they used to? Simple: sell the HBC and the territory to Canada. With the business and territories now in Canadian hands they could begin forging a nation while the HBC survived by evolving their business to change with the demands of the time. You know The Bay? Like, the department story? That is the actual HBC. It survives now not in furs, but as a retail store.
Simple: in 1821 the HBC and NWC merged into one company... the HBC. Now that the fur trade was monopolized into one company, things could really kick into high gear.
Why it ended: 1870
In 1867 Canada became a country. During this time, the HBC had amassed a huge territory and the desire for furs had declined significantly. How could Britain make money off the HBC if people weren't buying fur hats like they used to? Simple: sell the HBC and the territory to Canada. With the business and territories now in Canadian hands they could begin forging a nation while the HBC survived by evolving their business to change with the demands of the time. You know The Bay? Like, the department story? That is the actual HBC. It survives now not in furs, but as a retail store.