C1. Social, Economic, and Political Context
Specific Expectations
C1.1
analyse some ways in which contact and exchange between Indigenous and European communities and individuals affected the material lives of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, French, and British individuals and communities in Canada during this period (e.g., with reference to clothing, transportation, weapons, domestic animals, agricultural products and other foodstuffs, medicines, tools)
- What imported materials came into regular use by various First Nations and Inuit during this period? How significant were these changes in the lives of First Nations and Inuit individuals? Did they alter traditional practices of First Nations communities?
- How important were Indigenous products and practices to the survival and welfare of early European colonists?
- How did the change from a subsistence economy to a market economy affect the way of life of some First Nations during this period?
C1.2
explain the impact, including the main short- and long-term consequences, of the spread of European diseases on Indigenous peoples during this period, and comment on consequences in terms of colonial development as well (e.g., with reference to the decimation of Indigenous populations; social, cultural, and economic disruption within Indigenous communities; mistrust and hatred of colonists suspected of intentionally spreading disease; the work of missionaries in caring for the sick; the use of “smallpox blankets”; colonial expansion on the heels of epidemics)
- Why did European diseases spread so quickly among Indigenous populations?
- What was the historical context for British General J. Amherst’s delivering disease-infested blankets to First Nations communities in 1763? What social and political values were reflected in this decision?
C1.3
describe some key economic trends and developments that affected Indigenous peoples during this period (e.g., changing trade networks, fluctuations in prices for furs, loss of land to colonists, economic disruption and realignment caused by war, the impact of horses on the socio-economic life of Plains nations, the establishment of the Hudson’s Bay Company [HBC] and its outposts, the liquor trade, economic agreements between Indigenous peoples and imperial powers), and analyse their impact on relations among Indigenous peoples and between Indigenous peoples and the French and the British
- How would you describe relations between the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat and/or Algonquin during this period? What economic factors affected their relations?
- Were the economic strategies of Indigenous participants in the fur trade similar to or different from those of French and British traders? How might you account for any differences?
- What economic factors led to the Halifax Treaty of 1752? What provisions were the British promised in the treaty? What provisions were the Mi’kmaq promised? In your opinion, how effective was the treaty-making process in improving the economic outlook of the Mi’kmaq and in restoring relations between the Mi’kmaq and the British?
C1.4
identify some key First Nations leaders from this period (e.g., Chief Membertou and Jean Baptiste Cope of the Mi’kmaq, Chief Ochasteguin of the Wendat, Chief Iroquet of the Algonquin, Chief Atironta of the Arendarhonon, Chief Minweweh [Le Grand Sauteux] of the Ojibwa, Chief Neolin of the Lenape, Chief Pontiac of the Odawa), and explain how political relations between these leaders and colonial governments affected social and economic dynamics between settlers and First Nations peoples
- What social and economic changes occurred for First Nations communities when their leaders formed political alliances with colonial governments?
- How and why did the political relationships between some First Nations leaders and colonial governments shift during this period?
