First Peoples and European Exploration

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Origin of First Nation People

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First Nation People did not originate in North America. They came from elsewhere, with theories including crossing a land bridge (Beringia) during the ice age, island hopping across the Aleutian Islands, crossing the Pacific from Oceania, or from Europe via Iceland and Greenland.

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Timeframe of First Peoples' Migration

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The migration began approximately 30,000 years ago and was completed by the end of the ice age around 10,000 BCE.

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Population of First Nations at European Contact

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At the time of European explorations, the population of First Nations people in North America was believed to be equivalent to that of Europe.

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Impact of European Diseases on First Nations

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Approximately 85% of the First Nations population died out over the first 200 years of European contact due to exposure to new European diseases like smallpox.

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Iroquois Lifestyle and Social Structure

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The Iroquois lived along the St. Lawrence, were predominantly farmers, and had a matriarchal society with lineage traced from mother to daughter. They lived in longhouses and formed nations and confederations.

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Iroquois Governance

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Governance was by consensus, with two chiefs: a Civil Chief (hereditary) and a War Chief (temporary, chosen for bravery).

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Algonquin Lifestyle and Social Structure

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The Algonquin were nomadic, lived in wigwams, and had a patriarchal society. Social organization included nuclear families, hunting groups, and bands.

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Algonquin Governance

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Governance was by consensus, with a Band Chief chosen for hunting skills or influence.

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Inuit Social Organization

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The Inuit had a patriarchal society with a flexible social organization, including nuclear families, hunting groups, and regional bands.

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Inuit Governance

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Governance was by consensus, with a Band Chief as a temporary position held by the oldest active man.