Glossary

Algonquian

The Algonquian language family is one of the largest in Canada. It is spoken in many provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Some of the dialects include Cree, Ojibwa, Algonquian, Blackfoot, and Gros Ventres.

Athabascan

The Athabascan language group is spoken in a number of provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and parts of the Northwest Territories. Dialects within the Athabascan group include Beaver, Dene, Dogrib, and Sarcee.

Blackfoot Nation

One of the best known of the northern tribes, the Blackfoot were the first nation to meet the fur traders. Also known as the “Siksika,” this Nation has occupied the Plains for a many generations.

Community

People who are part of a large group that share similar interests and backgrounds (religion, language, ancestry).

Iroquoian

The Iroquoian languages are spoken mainly in Eastern Canada. There are only two dialects in this language group – Iroquois and Huron.

Kootenayan

One of the smallest language groups, Kootenayan is spoken in Southern Alberta. The only dialect is Kootenay.

Métis

A distinct cultural group, who claim both Aboriginal and European ancestors. Métis is a French word meaning “mixed blood.”

Michif

The language spoken by the Métis People. It is a mixture of Cree and French.

NOTE: ALL OF THE ABOVE DEFINITIONS ARE TAKEN FROM HERE

Conical

Resembling a cone, especially in shape.

Tipi

A large conical shaped living space used by Aboriginal Peoples across the plains. It was constructed of various forms of wooden poles (usually pine or cedar) and covered with hides (usually buffalo).

Cree Nation

The Plains Cree originated in the East and moved to the Plains through their involvement with the fur trade. While the term "Cree" most likely originated from a French name of unknown origin, their own term Nehiyawak means "exact people." There are many branches of the Cree nation spread across the country, typically divided into the Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Swampy Cree, and Moose Cree. Originally they were woodland people and spoke the Algonquian language of Eastern Canada.

Dendrochronology

The scientific study of tree rings.

Reserve

A specific area of land that was set aside for Aboriginal People based on the Numbered Treaties set forth and determined by the Canadian Federal Government and Aboriginal band leaders in the later 1800s and early 1900s.