Algonquians of the Coastal Plains
Ways of Life & Culture
Ways of Life
- The women were in charge of building the wigwams.
- They were trees bent to make the house by the men.
- They were covered by the available materials: birch bark, animal skins, corn husks, grasses, and reeds.
- The wigwams had a hole on the top of the house so when thy cook inside in the winter the smoke could get out.
- Corn was one of the most important foods to all Native Americans.
- The corn was used for bread, soup, ash, cakes, and food on the go.
- The children would watch their parents to learn how to do things.
- Everyone had a important role in survival. Everyone had to help out.
- Survival was the most important thing to all Algonquians.
Deer, Elk, and Moose
- All animals they caught they were going to eat.
- They never ate more than they caught.
- They used each part of the animal in many ways.
Bows and Arrows
- They were made of shag bark, hickory, white ash, cedar, or white oak.
- They are the largest group on our coast.
- They speak Native Algonquian Language.
- Dream Catcher- a dream catcher is a web to catch the good dreams and untangle the bad dreams so the Indian Tribes can sleep well.
- Powwow-Powwow is like a doctor because he used to help the people that were sick in the Indian Tribes and he will start the ceremonies.
- Marriage- The Algonquins would explain what they would do if they got married. They wouldn’t have a ceremony. The man would give the the women an animal bone to show how he could provide for the family. The women would give the man a ear of corn to vow that she would grow the crops. Marriage was just an agreement to become husband and wife.
- Family history- The family history is when the parent explain their family history but through the fathers line only.
- The Algonquins would believe that the 'Great Spirits' had blessed them with the animals.