FIRST NATIONS & INUIT ECONOMIES Economic Empowerment

QUESTIONS What do we mean by ‘economic empowerment?’ What economic changes occurred when Europeans came to North America? QUESTIONS

First, consider who has been here since time immemorial (for as long as anyone can remember) – how did the European settlers change their world? PREDICT

Needs are things we need to survive/live and thrive Needs are things we need to survive/live and thrive. For example, we NEED water, air, shelter, food, clothing, love/care, as well as education and medicine. Wants are things we do not require, but simply would truly like to have. For example, the latest brand name clothing, Smartphones, Heinz ketchup, Cadillac Escalade, etc. NEEDS VERSUS WANTS

Needs and Wants: Over 300 Years Ago Air Food Land Clothing Handmade Goods Family Better tools/equipment Prayers/ceremonies Best hunting/fishing/ gathering areas Needs and Wants: Over 300 Years Ago

First Nations and Inuit Economies In the past, First Nations and Inuit depended on the land and natural resources for survival – the economy of each nation was based on the natural resources available in that region. Examples: The Inuit used blocks of snow or whale bones, stone and sod to build their winter homes (location). First Nations and Inuit Economies

Aboriginal Peoples Aboriginals: the first people of the region; “living in a land from earliest times.” Inuit First Nations Metis The First People of the region north of the tree line, as well as parts of Quebec and Labrador. First People of the rest of the land known as Canada. Ie. Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, Innu. The children of either Inuit or First Nations women, and European traders. Today’s Metis are the descendants of these people.

Groups found in Nova Scotia: Passamaquoddy, Penobscot and Mi’kmaq Resources used: Birch, deer, caribou, river, and ocean fish. Aboriginal Peoples

How did the First Nations and the Inuit meet their needs in the past? By making things by hand, mostly using stone and bone tools. For example: The Innu used all parts of the caribou. The meat was used for food, the bones were made into tools, and hides were used for shelter, clothing, and footwear. PRODUCTION

Many of these groups were nomadic Many of these groups were nomadic. What does this mean (your book gives examples): People who travel during the year to harvest or hunt resources as they become available. Ie. In spring, many traditionally went to the coast or rivers to fish. Some travelled in small groups, while sometimes entire communities would travel, following the food. Nomadic Groups

Explain the beliefs of all First Nations and Inuit societies around the use of land and natural resources: They believe that people and nature are not separate. People are part of a natural system that includes the land, water, plants, and animals. The land and natural resources are seen as the source of life and must be used wisely to ensure the survival of future generations.

DISTRIBUTION In most First Nations and Inuit communities, everyone helped with production, and everyone shared equally in what was produced. What was the main difference between those in the Maritimes and those who lived in more Northern communities? In the Maritimes, resources were plentiful year-round, while in the North, communities often struggled. What reason(s) can you give for this difference? Weather/climate due to location, physical landscape, resources available.

No One Owns The Land! How did these groups divide/share the land? In some areas, certain families had the right to harvest or hunt in particular areas, but the idea of private ownership did not exist. Review your prediction from the beginning of this activity. Has your prediction changed, or can you add to it? No One Owns The Land!