Population of the Territory of Quebec

Organization of Aboriginal societies and their territory

Blue textbook pg 10-19

Circa 1500
Aboriginal nations had their own distinct languages, beliefs and ways of life, associated with well defined territory. The various peoples could be grouped according to their cultural practices, political affiliation (nations) or language. The Aboriginal nations were divided into 3 linguistic families: Iroquoian, Algonquian, and Inuktitut.

Population of Aboriginals
Demographics of Aboriginal peoples and their territory- See Text book page 16

Organization of Aboriginal societies and their territory Iroquoians-Sedentary Society As the Iroquoians people became sedentary, they developed a complex territorial, social and political organization. Matriarchal society-family line and any possession was handed down from mother to daughter. Men leave their families to live with wives Children are part of the mothers clan

Iroquoian Government
A sedentary life style need a more complex government. Certain Iroquoians joined forces to form leagues/confederation for trade, security, defence of Iroquoian nations The leagues did not have the power to impose their decisions on member nations Government was hierarchical and consisted of several councils

Iroquois Village

Algonquian and Inuit

Moved around to find the resources they needed for survival. This way of life determined their territorial, political, and social organization. Nomadic groups usually consisted of small families, which allow them to move around faster Patriarchal s society-family line and any possession was handed down from father to son. Women leave their families to live with husbands Lived in clans-Small families

Iroquoian Village

Algonquian government
Headed by a chief who was chosen for his hunting, courage and his ability to influence the groups. They had a simple and flexible social structure well suited for their way of life. Patriarchal society-family line and any possession was handed down from father to son. Women leave their families to live with husbands Lived in clans-Small families.

Aboriginal Relations
Aboriginal nations maintained relation with each other. Main contacts were through commercial trading or armed conflicts. Arm conflicts usually developed over hunting territory when the different groups crossed over into each other territory to hunt.