Topic 2.8 CONTACT

Introduction  In the beginning of European residence, there was little contact  WHY???  Europeans were more interested in cod stocks than anything away from the coast  Most aboriginal groups were not near the coast during this time  There was contact at times though  Some peaceful, some more violent

Inuit  First made contact in early 1500s, but not common until 1600s  By 1600s, relations were hostile, especially with French in Southern Labrador  WHY???  When French returned after fishing season, Inuit moved in and used/took all supplies  When French returned, they would attack Inuit near their stations

Inuit  Accounts of peaceful trading in late 1600s  Inuit acquired many European objects  Wooden boats with sails  Barrels  Screws and nails  Knives  European clothing  French trading post in 1743 in North West River  Led to regular trade

Innu  Remained relatively unknown for a long time  Spent most time inland, little time on coast  European presence didn’t alter Innu life much  Left over European equipment didn’t interest Innu

Mi’kmaq  Not located in Newfoundland (Maritimes)  Travelled there on occasion, while Europeans began moving into Maritime provinces  Had closest relationship with Europeans  Traded small furs with Europeans for supplies  They acquired iron kettles, guns, flour  These items became important to Mi’kmaq life  Guns ----  Conflict??  They relied on Europeans for ammo and servicing of guns

Mi’kmaq  They acquired European boats which made travel across Cabot Strait easier  Travel and trade increased  Some Mi’kmaq began to settle on the island  Mi’kmaq’s life were greatly altered by European contact

Beothuk  Beothuks travelled all over Newfoundland  Europeans greatly disrupted their travel  Very little contact, as Beothuk avoided Europeans. WHY??  Evidence of Beothuks being captured to be brought to Europe  Beothuks became wary of them and avoided them  > First peaceful meeting (shared a meal in Trinity Bay)  Second meeting fell apart as a passing ship shot at Beothuk  They responded by stealing and destroying fishing gear

Beothuk  No record of Beothuk activities in late 1600s  Very few contacts or sightings  This changed in 1700s  Europeans moved inland  Mi’kmaq settled in West and South coast  Innu moved into Northern Peninsula

Assignment 1. For each Aboriginal Group, summarize their relations with Europeans 2. Compare European relations between: 1.Innu and Inuit 2.Beothuk and Mi’kmaq DUE NEXT CLASS!!!!