The Woodland Cree

1. The Woodland Cree The Woodland Cree are one of many tribes in Canada. They lived in the harsh conditions that we today have resolved with inventions, like air conditioning and heating. They are an Algonquian nation. The Cree lived in the northern regions of Canada, like Algonquian Park.

2. Clothing • The Cree had a very interesting fashion sense , so great, that we today wear some of the things they created for themselves , like moccasins. Woman wore dresses made from animal hide, they added knee-length leggings when it was winter. Men and boys wore breechcloths, shirts and moccasins. They didn’t wear pants, but when the weather got colder they also wore thigh-length leggings. Woman sewn coats and blankets from rabbit skins. Moose and Caribou coats, hats and blankets were made for winter time. They wore boots lined with fur over their moccasins to stay warm.

3. Food • The Cree lived off the land. This meant they needed to hunt , fish, and gather . The weather and the season determined what variety they have to choose from. If the summer and fall are hot and dry with not much water, the fields will die, and that means less food for the tribe. They ate moose , deer, bear, and rabbit , but only on special occasions. The Cree used sugar to make syrup and collected bird eggs for meals. They had a huge portion of berries , nuts , roots , and honey as well as special plants used to make medicines. Food was smoked or dried for later in the year so it won’t rot.

4. Trading • Trading was important for the tribe. They got some resources that they didn’t have in their territory. They traded wood, furs, corn, and tobacco. In return for wild rice, arrowheads, and copper. They could have lived without trade if they wanted to, but most of the time they trade to help other friendly tribes. Birch Bark trees didn’t grow long enough in their area, that’s one of the reasons they trade. The tribes they normally traded with were the Anishinabeand the Iroquoian tribes.

5. Transportation • The Cree used many of their creations to transport goods from place to place. Canoeing was one of the transportations they used. The canoes were made out of Birch bark wood, but they could be easily damaged by being hit by rocks. The families stayed away from dangerous rapids and waterfalls by portaging, carrying their canoes and goods. They snow shoed in the winter, and used • toboggans for extra support.

6. Culture • Culture was as important to the Cree as it is to us. They spoke Algonquian and lived in harmony with nature , meaning they thought the earth was its mother and everything has a spirit. In the summer the Cree lived with their family’s , while in the winter they lived in larger group’s. We believe that’s because of the warmth they needed during the winter. If you were a member of the Cree your marriage would be planned in the summer. They were not allowed to marry from the same clan , it would be like marrying your own brother or sister. Before the couple could get married the man had to show the woman that he was capable of hunting, while the woman had to show the man that she was reliable and could be depended on. The woman must leave her clan and go to the man’s clan. Fun fact: The Cree believed that dream catchers would chase away bad spirits and nightmares, what an interesting belief!

7. Housing • Wigwams were what the Cree called home, wigwams are like tipis, the only difference is that they are round and have more space. Therefore more people can live inside and keep warm. Wigwams are made out of birch bark wood, but in the winter wigwams are covered in evergreen leaves, animal hide, and moss to keep the tribe warm and secure during rough winter storms.

8. Vegetation/ Climate • The Cree had a very rocky territory with lots of gorgeous greenery. They thought nature was beautiful and loyal to them. They believed nature was their mother and they would never hurt her. There was lots of rippilyrivers and small streams for fishing , swimming , and keeping clean.

9. Closing • The Cree were a very lively tribe. We should continue respecting the Earth the way they did, so we can live in harmony with the world. Thank you. =)