Anish

Anishinabie Studies The now ending semester has been a busy one. Among the key activities concluded is the study of various clan systems, their way of life and also how they lived in the past. The course outline has been very detailed, but with the help of my instructors, I have been able to accomplish the objectives. Below is a summary of my studies on the indigenous people of Canada.
The indigenous people of Canada had a unique way of life as established in my studies. The indigenous peoples were referred to as the aboriginal. These people had diverse cultures, languages, economies, and histories. Many European countries learned skills from these indigenous people. Many people argue that were it not for the aboriginal people, these European countries would not have been established.
During the time of study, I realized that the indigenous peoples shared many cultural and spiritual practices. The languages were of three linguistic families. Each linguistic family was similar but divergent. Due to their nomadic nature, communication using gestures greatly improved as there was need to communicate with each other.
The aboriginals were primarily hunters who used spears and atlatls to hunt buffaloes. The entrance of Europeans introduced horses that later spread to due to intertribal trading. Europeans also changed the lifestyle from a subsistence way of life to an interdependence lifestyle. Aboriginals also practiced fishing when hunting was poor.
Transportation
When moving from one place to another, travois was used. Travois enabled the transportation of heavy luggage after the introduction of horses. Dogs were also used in transportation that were domesticated. Horses were made bigger travois for huge luggage. Snowshoes were also made to be used during the winter.
Social organization
The aboriginals consisted of organized and independent bands. Chiefs were the most respected. The band was tasked with the quest for food and defense against attacks. They also had council of elders that made decisions on important matters. Each band was independent of the other, but they came together during lean periods to increase the chances of acquiring enough food.
Religion
Religion was involved in every decision and activity that was done. Aboriginals believed that animals had a spiritual power that under proper circumstances be used to a person’s advantage. These people practiced Ghost Dance in Canada and also in the United states. Aboriginals had a belief that clothes worn during the dance would protect them from bullets.
How Culture Changed
Entrance of Europeans to Canada led to a huge societal change. Quillwork became extinct due to the introduction of metal wares and glass.