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Continued from page 2
pm. Rain date scheduled for July 22 same time, same place.
If you are from out of town and like camping, Silver Lake Provincial park is close by located on #7 Hwy.
The History of Algonquin People
The Nature of Algonquin Communities
The following chapters of this report provide histories and family information on three off reserve communities on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. The community histories of the Antoine First Nation, Bonnechere Metis Assoc. and Ardoch Algonquins focus on the families that make up the communities, as kinship and affinal relations were the basis upon which traditional Algonquin social, cultural and political structures were based.
Over the course of many centuries the Algonquins developed a highly flexible culture which particularly adapted to the harsh climate and demanding forested region of the upper an lower Ottawa Valley and neighbouring areas. The fluidity and flexibility of this culture allowed them to efficiently use and occupy their environment through all seasons of the year and changing environmental and socio-political conditions.
Over the centuries since European contact, in addition to the age-old challenges of environmental changes and fluctuations in food resources, the Algonquins have been confronted by raiding and warfare, epidemic disease, the introduction and decline of a commercial fur trade, non-Native settlement and resource extraction, and the imposition of economy. The flexibility of Algonquin culture has facilitated their survival by allowing individuals and families to shift locations within their traditional area and to rely on their many kinship connections for mutual aid and support in as often hostile social, political and judicial environment.
Like most Algonquin speaking peoples, traditional Algonquin bands consisted of a network of family groups bound by the ties of descent (blood) and affinity (marriage and adoption). Bands where based on patrilineal extended families that included parents, children as well as grandparents, single adult and their children, newly married couples without children, widows and orphans. While Algonquin social structure was based on descent through the male line, kinship ties to both father's and mother's family were recognized, thus providing the widest network of relations to draw upon.
Each family group occupied a relatively distinct area contiguous to the hunting grounds of other families of the same band. The entire territory used and occupied by one band was relatively separate and distinct from the territory belonging to neighbouring bands. The hunting grounds or territories held by each family were well-known and respected by other family groups. Territories were usually bounded by natural features such as waterways, rock outcroppings or stands of trees. Hunting grounds often encompassed the drainage basin of a particular river, lake or stream, with the ridges or heights of land markings the division between different territories. While boundaries between groups and families were generally known and respected, it was not uncommon for families or groups to give permission to others to use their lands on a temporary basis.
Next issue more on History of Algonquins
General Information:
Any one who received a registration for land claims please forward to the address below, "Not to AAFNA"
Also family histories must be filled out by the person applying. If you are not sure check with family member's who would know.
National Aboriginal day is June 21st.
Come to Old Fort Henry to observe our celebration
Grand entry is scheduled for 11am. Come and be proud of your heritage and share it with others. To Page 4 >
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Ardoch Algonquin First Nation Banner created by Kevin Wight.