Mi'kmaq Series: Program 1 Arrival at the Summer Encampment Part 1 6R
1. Geographically, where did the Mi'kmaq camp for the summer? Why?
-along the coast, for the ease of catching fish, seal, and gathering clams
2. What did they carry their possessions in when travelling from one place to another and what material was it made from?
canoe made of birch bark covering a wooden frame
3. How long did a future husband have to spend with his future wife's family? Why did this happen?
-at least one year, to show he was a willing worker and a good hunter, and they could get to know each other
4. What spirit did Netukulit worship?
-the spirit of the bear
5. What did the Mi'kmaq lash their wigwam poles with to hold them together?
-spruce roots
6. What did they use for their cooking pot, how was it made and how / why was it stored?
a log kettle, made out of a maple hollowed out with fire and stone axes, this was left permanently at the camp site and turned over to keep water out to help preserve it.
7. What did Musqun use a clam shell lined with clay and punk to carry? Why was it carried this way? Why was it important?
- a hot ember from the fire to start a new fire at the next camp site, the punk kept it insulated and alight. - If not then have to start the fire with the bow method
8. How were they able to reuse birch bark from their previous encampment?
-placed it in water with rock on it to soften and flatten it out, carried rolled up
9. Who was usually expected to collect firewood?
-the children
10. Where did they store their fish spears from one year to another?
- on tree limbs
11. What did they line the bottom of their wigwams with? Why?
- fir boughs, it was a good insulator, it was soft and fragrant (pleasant smell)
12. What was the sign of an unwed woman in Mi'kmaq culture?
- long, uncut braids