Hunters and Gatherers

The prehistoric people who came to this area are called northern hunters and gatherers. Since no written record of the Maritime Archaic Indian way of life exists, archaeologists reconstruct lifeways by using information gained at the sites, and by making inferences from documented, historic, aboriginal cultures that have a similar way of life.

• The Maritime Archaic Indians were a very mobile group of people who had a seasonal round, migrating from one area to another at different times of the year when the resources in a particular area were most plentiful. For example, they moved to Phillip's Garden in the spring when seals there are plentiful.

• The Maritime Archaic Indians lived in small groups of extended families, with no more than 25 people in a group. The only time numbers exceeded this (up to 100) was when larger numbers were required to harvest a resource, or for social occasions, e.g., finding partners, renewing ancestral and cultural ties.

• The Maritime Archaic Indians had no elected leaders and decision-making within the groups was made collectively, often with the best hunter having the most influence.

• Sharing of resources and labour is a significant characteristic of the Maritime Archaic Indians.

• Northern hunters and gatherers relate to the Maritime Archaic Indians and their world in spiritual ways.

A Way of Life

Indian Cemetery

Health and Life Expectancy

Hide Manufacture

Ideology

Resources