2. Economic Activities and Systems of Alliances
Notes 1.3

3. The Purpose of Trade
The purpose of trade among Indigenous nations was to satisfy needs
Allowed them to obtain natural resources that they could not find in their environment
To establish alliances
Two nations that were trading partners also became political and military partners
Trade gatherings were opportunities to hold discussions about the renewal of alliances and the maintenance of peace between nations

4. Trade among Indigenous Nations
Example:
The Iroquoians traded pottery and agricultural products [corn, squash, beans, tobacco] with the Algonquians in exchange for meat and fur

5. Commonly Traded Items Copper Particularly valued by Indigenous peoples
Easy to work with because it was quick to melt
Used it to make tools and weapons such as:
Hooks
Needles
Knives
Arrowheads
Commonly Traded Items

6. More Items of Trade 2. Shells 3. Obsidian Obsidian is a hard stone
Shells were used to make jewellery and adornments
Ex. belts and necklaces
3. Obsidian
Obsidian is a hard stone
It was used to make sharp, durable weapons and tools
Obsidian
Obsidian Spear Point
A Shell Necklace

7. Trade Networks The Scope of Trade Networks
Across the continent of North America large trade networks were established
These vast trade networks facilitated the exchange of goods
Trade Networks

8. The Use of Waterways and Forest Trails
Indigenous trade often took place at the confluence of two waterways
When navigation was impossible they used forest trails
Indigenous peoples sometimes travelled very long distances over several weeks or even months to trade with other nations
Definition: Confluence
The place where two waterways meet

9. Systems of Alliances Several nations joined together for common goals
They coordinated their actions to:
Conduct trade
Defend each other
Fight a common enemy
Maintain political relations

10. The Wampum Belt
Wampum belts were presented with chiefs’ proposals during alliance meetings
During negotiations, if a belt was presented to a nation and they took it, this meant that the proposal was accepted
They were made of shells arranged in patterns on strips of leather
Each element had a meaning
Patterns, colors, symbols: communicated a specific message

11. Rivalry and War Tensions could arise between systems of alliances
Due to hunting territory conflicts
Competing for control over certain trade goods
When nations demanded a toll for passing goods through its territory
Failure to resolve these issues could lead to war
Rivalry and War

12. Prisoners of War Fate of Prisoners
Among Iroquoians: prisoners brought to the enemy's territory were sometimes adopted by a family to replace a deceased family member
That person would start a new life in this nation
Other prisoners were tortured and killed
Prisoners of War