Canada’s Native Culture

Received: 5th November 2012 Distance: 6958 km (4,324 miles)  Travel time: 8 days.

Thank you, Cary from Canada!

The only information on the back says: Canada’s Native Culture. It does not say from which part or province. Nor of what tribe or group. Since sender Cary lives in the province of Saskatchewan, so it might be one of the 91,400 First Nations Indians or one of the 48,115 Métis living in Saskatchewan.

Aboriginal peoples in Canada totaled 1,172,790 people, or 3.8% of the national population, spread over 600 recognized First Nations governments or bands with distinctive cultures, languages, art, and music.

Aboriginal peoples in Canada comprise the First Nations, Inuit  and Métis. The descriptors "Indian" and "Eskomo" have largely fallen into disuse in Canada and are commonly considered pejorative.

Old Crow Flats and Bluefish Caves are some of the earliest sites of human habitation in Canada that archaeologists have found. The Paleo-Indian Clovis, Plano and Pre-Dorset cultures pre-date current indigenous peoples of the Americas. Projectile point tools, spears, pottery, bangles, chisels and scrapers mark archaeological sites, thus distinguishing cultural periods, traditions and lithic reduction styles.

The characteristics of Canadian Aboriginal civilizations included permanent settlements, agriculture, civic and ceremonial architecture, complex societal hierarchies and trading networks. The Métis culture of mixed blood originated in the mid-17th century when First Nation and Inuit people married Europeans. The Inuit had more limited interaction with European settlers during that early period. Various laws, treaties, and legislation have been enacted between European immigrants and First Nations across Canada. Aboriginal Right to Self-Government provides opportunity to manage historical, cultural, political, health care and economic control aspects within first people's communities.

As of the 2006 census, Aboriginal peoples in Canada totaled 1,172,790 people, or 3.8% of the national population, spread over 600 recognized First Nations governments or bands with distinctive cultures, languages, art, and music. National Aboriginal Day recognizes the cultures and contributions of Aboriginals to the history of Canada. First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of all backgrounds have become prominent figures and have served as role models in the Aboriginal community and help to shape the Canadian cultural identity.

Source Wikipedia.