Wampum

Wampum, made of white and purple Atlantic coast seashells, had considerable value to Aboriginals in eastern Canada for ornament and ceremony and to non-Aboriginals for currency, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Wampum was threaded on string or woven into belts and sashes. Particular patterns symbolized events, alliances and people, and wampum was used to form relationships, propose marriage, atone for murder or ransom captives. Wampum was closely linked with the FUR TRADE in eastern Canada, where it was used as a trade good.

Before Confederation in 1867 some Aboriginal groups indicated their assent to certain INDIAN TREATIES by presenting wampum to crown officials. The Two Row Wampum Belt, or Kahswenhtha, of the Iroquois symbolizes an agreement of mutual respect and peace between themselves and European newcomers to North America. The principles embodied in the belt are a set of rules governing the behaviour of the 2 groups. The wampum belt stipulates that neither group will force their laws, traditions, customs or language on each other, but will coexist peacefully.

Author RENÉ R. GADACZ

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge
The website for the Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge, which features Canada's largest essay writing competition for Aboriginal youth (ages 14-29) and a companion program for those who prefer to work through painting, drawing and photography. See their guidelines, teacher resources, profiles of winners, and more. From the Historica-Dominion Institute.

Currency Museum
The website for the "Currency Museum" offers a fascinating online exhibit about the history of money. Features an extensive image database of notes, documents, coins, and tokens from Canada and around the world. Also provides an interactive timeline and other learning resources for students and their teachers. From the Bank of Canada.

Four Directions Teachings
Elders and traditional teachers representing the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and Mi’kmaq share teachings about their history and culture. Animated graphics visualize each of the oral teachings. This website also provides biographies of participants, transcripts, and an extensive array of learning resources for students and their teachers. In English with French subtitles.