Long before European colonization, many distinct First Nations lived throughout the lands that are now Canada. They developed ways of life suited to different environments, including forests, plains, coasts, river valleys, and northern regions.
First Nations communities used local plants, animals, waterways, and other resources for food, clothing, shelter, tools, transportation, and trade. Their ways of life varied greatly depending on where they lived and the traditions of their nations.
The Sacred Circle of Life
Many First Nations traditions recognize connections among people, animals, plants, the land, and the changing seasons. In some communities, the circle is an important symbol because it can represent cycles such as the seasons, life stages, and relationships within the natural world.
Seasonal movement was important for some First Nations. Communities might travel to particular places at different times of year to hunt, fish, gather plants, trade, or take part in ceremonies. These movements followed familiar routes and patterns rather than being aimless.
Major Migrations
First Nations moved and changed settlement patterns for many reasons. Climate changes, animal migration, trade, warfare, population changes, and relationships with neighboring peoples could all influence where communities lived.
Ways of obtaining food differed across regions. Some communities depended heavily on hunting and fishing, while others also farmed crops, gathered wild plants, or combined several methods. Some moved seasonally, while others lived in permanent or semi-permanent settlements.
These patterns show how First Nations adapted to the environments in which they lived.
Complex Cultures
First Nations developed complex cultures, economies, technologies, and trade networks. Communities used materials from their surroundings to make food, clothing, shelter, tools, weapons, containers, artwork, musical instruments, and ceremonial objects.
Different nations also developed specialized knowledge about farming, fishing, hunting, navigation, plant use, building, and trade. These practices were passed from one generation to the next and changed over time.
First Nations did not all live in the same way. Their cultures reflected the environments, histories, and traditions of their individual nations.
Government
First Nations developed many different systems of leadership and government.
In some nations, families, clans, bands, councils, chiefs, or elders had important leadership roles. Some leaders inherited their positions, while others were selected because of their experience, skill, or the support of the community.
Decision-making also varied. Some councils worked toward consensus, meaning members discussed an issue until they could reach broad agreement. Other nations used different forms of leadership and decision-making.
Religion
First Nations developed many different spiritual beliefs and practices. There was no single religion shared by all First Nations.
In many traditions, relationships among people, animals, plants, land, and water held spiritual importance. Ceremonies, stories, songs, dances, and teachings helped communities express beliefs and pass them from one generation to another.
Beliefs and practices differed from nation to nation, just as languages, governments, and customs did.
Oral Tradition
Oral tradition has been an important way for many First Nations to preserve and share knowledge. Histories, teachings, laws, family relationships, and stories were passed from one generation to another through speaking, storytelling, songs, ceremonies, and other forms of communication.
Some communities had people with special responsibilities for remembering and sharing histories or teachings.
First Nations also used visual and physical records. Wampum belts, carvings, paintings, objects, and other forms of recording could preserve agreements, histories, and important events.
Origin stories and other traditional narratives helped communities explain their histories, values, relationships, and understandings of the world. These traditions continue in many First Nations communities today.