The Algonquin Indians by Nolan 

                Imagine going on surprise raids through the forest with bows and arrows (and other weapons), killing off hundreds of men. The Algonquin were known for this and more. These Indians hunted, gathered food, had many uses for animals, were in many wars, and were best known for their myths and beliefs.

                First, the Algonquin had lots of ways to get food and many hunting techniques. They used a torch on their canoes to attract fish and then speared them. In the winter they went ice fishing, and used complex traps called “fish traps." They planted crops such as corn, beans, squash, etc. Corn was planted by whoever lived farthest south. Women and kids gathered berries, rice, and maple syrup. Men hunted moose, caribou, deer, porcupine, bears, etc. Some favorite foods were the beaver and water birds. Food became scarce in 1800s-1890s.

                Next, the Algonquin had many uses for animals. They used bones for tools and decoration. Teeth were used to shape wood mostly for fishing nets. Fur was used to make hats. They used deerskin for tunics and leggings. Animal grease was used as a mosquito repellent. Animal skin was used for household items, clothing, houses, large robes, and sleeping bags. Beaver, bear, raccoon hides were used to keep them warm. Animal hair (porcupine or deer) was used in a headdress called a “Roach."

                The Algonquin were also in lots of wars. Most of them were against their enemy, the Iroquois. They had a war called the Algonquin and Iroquois War, and it pushed the Algonquin to the east coast and it was overcrowded by newcomers. The great lakes economic resources were limited. They were in the French and Indian War and the war of 1812. Both were with British. Their allies were the Huron and French. Their enemy the Iroquois Indians joined colonists in the American Revolution which meant more trouble for the Algonquin because they were on the opposite side. They became enemies with the Iroquois in the early 1500s because they both wanted to control the fur trade with France. During the 1620s, they became enemies with their old allies the Huron and the French. They used weapons such as bows and arrows on surprise raids. In 1570 to 1600 they fought with the Mohawk and the Iroquois.

                 Lastly, the Algonquin were best known for their myths and beliefs. The smoking pipe was a way to send prayers. They also believed in Bigfoot and powerful little people. They thought evil spirits caused illnesses and deaths. They thought the world was created by one great being. Also they believed that bears once had long tails, but a fox tricked the bear by saying that if he put his tail down an ice fishing hole, he could catch fish, so the bear did this and the fish ate his tail. So from then on, bears had short tails. They also believed in a supreme being (G’zheminidoo) or Great Spirit. Last they believed in a supernatural half man/half spirit named Waynaboozhoo or the original man.

                In conclusion, these Indians hunted, gathered food, were in many wars (mostly with the Iroquois), and were best known for their many myths and beliefs. These Indians were hard to gather information on but interesting to learn about. The thing I liked best about the Algonquin Indians was their many myths and beliefs.          

Works Cited

Gaines, Richard. Algonquin. Edina, Minnesota: ABDO Publishing Company, 2000

Oestreicher, David. Algonquin of New York. New York. Rosen Publishing Group power kids press, 2003

Waldman, Carl. “Algonquians” encyclopedia of Native American tribes, 3^rd edition New York: facts on

 File, Inc, 2006. American Indian history online. Facts on file, Inc.

http://www.forweb.com/activelink2.asp? Item id = we43&ipin + Ind 2311 & single record = true

 (Accessed October 30, 2008)

National park service http://www.nps.gov/history/online books/pipe/adhi1.htm

 last updated December 10, 2008