1. The People of the Prairie Region

2. First Nations People There were three distinct groups of First Nations in the Prairies ◦ 1) Blackfoot: hunted bison for food, shelter and clothing ◦ 2) Tsuu T’ina ◦ 3) Nakota

3. Prairie First Nations were NOMADIC people, meaning they moved wherever they could find resources they needed. As a result, they developed a close knowledge of nature and animal life. This would be a key feature of their culture.

4. Roles were usually assigned by gender. ◦ Men= hunted and trapped animals ◦ Women = gathered roots and berries when in season PEMMICAN: high in protein and ENERGY! A mixture of bison meat, fat and berries. The Blackfoot made and traded pemmican with First Nations further north for caribou and antelope.

5. Blackfoot Confederacy The Blackfoot Confederacy was an alliance between several different groups or ‘Clans’ of Blackfoot people. Mostly a military alliance, it was greatly feared by its enemies on the Prairies. ◦ It was in place and actually controlled much of the Prairie region before European contact.

6. The Métis The Métis were descendants of European fur traders and First nations. By 1750, they had a large enough population to be recognized as a separate group of people.

7. They were different than the French and First nations: ◦ Bilingual: spoke French and Cree or Blackfoot ◦ Religious: Roman Catholics, but celebrated Aboriginal traditions ◦ Both farmers and hunters

8. They were different than the Eastern Settlers as well

9. Time to Think! Read pg H 77 from the text as a class: “Metis Culture and Lifestyle”. In pairs, discuss Q#2 in THINKING it Over (bottom, right corner of the page). Be ready to share your thoughts with the class!