First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 11 · Historical Contexts and Colonial Impacts · 2.º Período

Pre-Contact Societies and Early Treaties

Study the complex societies, trade networks, and governance systems of Indigenous peoples prior to European contact. Analyze the intent and impact of early peace and friendship treaties.

TL;DR:This topic explores the sophisticated societies that existed across Turtle Island long before European arrival. Students will investigate complex governance structures, such as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and extensive trade networks like the grease trails. The focus then shifts to early contact and the 'Peace and Friendship' treaties, which were intended to establish a framework for coexistence and mutual benefit.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• C1.1 Describe pre-contact Indigenous societies
• C2.1 Analyze the significance of early treaties

About This Topic

This topic explores the sophisticated societies that existed across Turtle Island long before European arrival. Students will investigate complex governance structures, such as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and extensive trade networks like the grease trails. The focus then shifts to early contact and the 'Peace and Friendship' treaties, which were intended to establish a framework for coexistence and mutual benefit.

Understanding pre-contact complexity is essential for Grade 11 students to dismantle the 'terra nullius' myth. It provides the necessary context for why early treaties were negotiated between sovereign nations. This topic is particularly effective when students can simulate trade networks or model governance structures through collaborative role play.

Key Questions

1. What did Indigenous societies look like before European contact?
2. How did early trade networks operate?
3. What was the original intent of early treaties like the Two Row Wampum?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Indigenous peoples were 'primitive' or lacked organized government.

What to Teach Instead

Pre-contact societies had highly organized legal, political, and economic systems. Using simulations of trade and governance helps students experience the complexity of these systems firsthand.

Common Misconception

Treaties were always about Indigenous people giving up land.

What to Teach Instead

Early treaties were often about peace, friendship, and sharing resources without any transfer of land ownership. Analyzing the specific language and intent of early wampum belts helps clarify this.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

Pre-Contact Trade Networks

Assign different regions and resources (e.g., copper, shells, dried fish) to student groups. They must negotiate trades with other groups to get what they need, discovering the complexity of pre-contact economic relationships and the importance of diplomacy.

50 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle

The Great Law of Peace

Students examine the structure of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. They create a visual diagram showing how different nations and clans contributed to decision-making, highlighting the roles of both men and women in this governance model.

45 min·Small Groups

Role Play

Two Row Wampum Negotiation

Pairs of students act as Dutch traders and Haudenosaunee representatives. They must 'negotiate' the terms of the Two Row Wampum, focusing on the concepts of non-interference and parallel paths, then reflect on what this meant for early sovereignty.

30 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 'Two Row Wampum'?

The Two Row Wampum (Guswenta) is a 17th-century treaty between the Haudenosaunee and the Dutch. It is represented by a belt with two parallel purple rows on a white background, symbolizing two ships (the Haudenosaunee canoe and the European ship) traveling down the river of life together, side-by-side, without interfering in each other's affairs.

How did trade work without a currency?

Trade was based on a system of exchange and gift-giving that established social alliances. Items like obsidian, copper, and oolichan oil were highly valued and traveled thousands of kilometers through established trade routes, showing a high level of inter-nation cooperation.

How can active learning help students understand pre-contact societies?

Active learning, such as simulations of trade or governance, allows students to see Indigenous peoples as active agents with complex interests. Instead of just reading about the past, students have to problem-solve and negotiate, which makes the sophistication of pre-contact diplomacy and economics much more tangible and memorable.

Why is the term 'Turtle Island' used?

Turtle Island is a name used by many Algonquian and Iroquoian-speaking peoples to refer to the continent of North America. It comes from various creation stories where the world was built on the back of a great turtle. Using this term acknowledges Indigenous geography and history.