The Mi’kmaq and Maliseet of eastern Canada lived off the land to survive. Whether it was along the coast, on the river systems, or in the inland forests, Aboriginal people developed a way to sustain themselves despite the harsh conditions of the changing climate. Several times a year the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet gathered at strategic locations throughout the Maritime region. These gatherings served to rekindle family relationships and were an occasion for elders to share their wisdom and knowledge. Having survived many winters, the elders learned, through observation and experience, to become wise and knowledgeable. The elders knew the movements of the sun, moon, stars, eclipses, and comets. They could forecast the weather based on cloud formations, winds, colours of the sky, the bend of the leaves, and the behaviour of the birds. They observed the behaviour of children and animals, the movement of fish, the growth patterns of plants and the migration of birds to determine the right time to gather food and medicine. They knew the right time to prepare appropriate clothing and shelter, and to make tools and implements for travel. The elders advised the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet leaders. The leaders and elders relied on the young people for their vision, physical strength and spiritual giftedness. The women brought new life to the group and, as mothers, taught the children to care, share, and rely on each other for survival. All of these people and their expertise left behind physical evidence in the form of cultural objects. We invite you to see and learn more about them in this web site.