Algonquin

Algonquin (Algonkin) are a group of communities of Algonquian-speaking people living in western Québec and adjacent Ontario, centering on the OTTAWA RIVER and its tributaries. They call themselves Anissinapek ( Anishinabeg) or by the name of their local community. The Algonquin have been known to Europeans since 1603, when they were allies of the French and of the MONTAGNAIS-NASKAPI and HURON against the IROQUOIS. This conflict, which had its origins in the competition over the European FUR TRADE, lasted throughout much of the historic period.

Keywords

Native Tribes

The Algonquin language has been classified as a dialect of Ojibwa, one of the languages of the Algonquian family. As the dialects of Ojibwa merge one into another, it is not possible to establish a definite linguistic boundary between other Ojibwa dialects and Algonquin. However, the Algonquin are politically distinct from the OJIBWA. Neighbours of the Algonquin include CREE, OTTAWA, Huron and Iroquois.

Moose Hunt
Having trailed a moose until the dogs force its collapse, a team of Algonkian hunters close in for the kill (artwork by Lewis Parker).

Algonkian Canoe
The birchbark canoe of the Algonkian peoples was ideal for travel by rivers and lakes separated by narrow watersheds or portages (artwork by Lewis Parker).

Early Economic and Social Systems

Since Algonquin bands or local communities were largely independent of one another, relations between an individual Algonquin band and other groups depended largely on local conditions. Marriages took place between Algonquin and other groups and generally relations between neighbouring bands were tempered by kinship ties regardless of language or tribal designations. Relationships with the Iroquois fluctuated, with hostilities most pronounced during the 17th and 18th centuries; however, some Algonquin resided alongside Catholic Iroquois at Oka, a mission reservation near Montréal.

The Algonquin were hunters who lived in bands consisting of related families. The bands were egalitarian, with leadership provided by respected individuals and heads of families. In the southern portion of their area where both climate and soils permitted, some bands practised gardening. During the historic period they became involved in the fur trade. Summer encampments near trading posts became larger and, as time spent trapping for furs increased, some necessities were purchased from the traders to supplement hunting and fishing. Their skills have led to employment in forestry and other industries in recent years.

During the 19th century, modern INDIAN RESERVES and communities emerged, often near the former trading posts. Hostilities with Iroquoians ceased as Algonquin and Iroquois worked together for the betterment of conditions for native peoples as a whole. More recently the Algonquin have joined with the Cree and others to strive for mutual goals as various development projects threaten their traditional way of life. The number of registered Algonquin was 10 457 in 1996.

See also NATIVE PEOPLE: EASTERN WOODLANDS and general articles under NATIVE PEOPLE.

Author MEREDITH JEAN BLACK

Links to Other Sites

Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples
The website for the "Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples." Click on the links for feature articles about Canada's many multicultural communities, access to their extensive digital archives collection, learning modules, and much more. From "Multicultural Canada."

Languages of Canada
A comprehensive online database of languages currently in use in Canada. Also provides details about extinct languages. Check out the "language maps" for more information. Based on "Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Fifteenth edition." From SIL International, a US website.

Raid on Deerfield
A narrated history of the 1704 Raid on Deerfield and its aftermath from Native and European perspectives. Also features fascinating stories about Native societies, cultures, trade practices, and traditions. This multimedia website is from the Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, Massachusetts.

Our Languages
An extensive website about the history and languages of First Nations peoples in Saskatchewan. Includes multimedia dictionaries for the Cree, Dene, Dakota, Algonquian languages. From the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre.

Jean Nicollet de Belleborne
A detailed biography of Jean Nicollet de Belleborne, the 17th century explorer, interpreter, and French liaison with native North Americans. From the “Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online.”

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

Ottawa River Heritage Designation Committee
The ORHDC website offers an extensive description of river ecology and the history of First Nations and European habitation of the region.

Native Dance
A superb multimedia website dedicated to native dance traditions from coast to coast in Canada. Features audio and video clips, in-depth interviews and articles for students, the image research database for scholars, downloadable resource kits for teachers, and more. Produced by Carleton University and The Sumner Group Inc., with the assistance of many other organizations and contributors.

Abitibi-Témiscamingue
An online guide to the history of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.

Tanakiwin
The website for the Algonquin Nation in present day Ontario. Check out the proud history of the Algonquin people in the Ottawa River region.