Algonquians around 1500

Algonquian Women

In most Nations that were part of the Algonquian language family, all members were equal. That means women were full members of the tribe and played an important role in the band’s life. Among the Algonquians, men and women had their own separate tasks. It was very rare for a woman to do a man’s work and vice versa.

Women’s tasks

In general, Algonquian women took care of everything that concerned the camp. They built dwellings, collected firewood and stored the food. They also made clothes and gathered wild fruit. When a tribe moved, the women carried the bags so that men could go hunting at a moment’s notice if they spotted any interesting prey.

Author: Alexandre Lanoix. Adapted and translated by LEARN/RÉCIT

See also:  Traces of the Past:  Women’s Tasks 
 


Important Concepts & Big Ideas

patrilineal society
division of labour
resources
social structure
nomad
trade network
Habitation

Quickly check your knowledge:

Educator's Corner

Discover our educational resources and activities related to Algonquian Nations around 1500.