sparseness of population and to isolation under diverse geographical conditions. In 1960, the Indian population of Canada was 136,000, divided into nearly 600 separate Indian communities known as“ bands”. Except for a few far northern nomadic groups all others live on more than 2,200 reserves ranging in size from a few acres to more than 500 square miles. They are not amalgamated with the total North American population, and while under protection their rights as citizens are limited. Nearly one-half the total Indian population depend on their traditional trapping, hunting and fishing. Officials encourage natural resource programmes of conservation and rationalization to support their general line of economy and life.
Aborigines are biologically the same group, although conditions and locations vary greatly. Plains and far north groups were predominantly hunters, and the Eskimos, in fact, were entirely dependent on animals for food, clothing, and utilities. Housing, like elsewhere, is of natural material on hand, in this case being ice and snow igloos. The north and plains Indians conducted social events and took critical problems to the oldest, and considered the wisest, member in charge. As we can judge from earlier descriptions, meetings were conducted in traditional solemn manner, young and old participating. New ideas and suggestions were discussed with denial or approval. A definite religion was not established other than each person being his own mediator. They all believed in a higher spirit,“ Manittou”, associated with Mother Nature, Sun, Moon, Stars and even plants.
Instead of the common acceptance that the Indian has no religion whatever, every single act of his life carries with it some ceremonial function, and his whole being is surrounded by a shining host of devotional spirit. Perhaps the name we give the spirit in man that denotes his inward divinity is different, but the spirit is the same.
As an extreme comparison the farther south we go the more variety and better adaptability we have to natural environment. They used more plants, fish and water products, and in Mexico and South America more than 250 plants were cultivated. Bronze, gold, silver and platinum were artistically in use. Pottery was highly skilful. They had compulsory education; experimental botanical and zoological gardens; astronomy and mathematics had reached a higher plane than that of fifteenthcentury Europe. Roads and bridges comparable to those of Rome were built in Peru; whereas in parts of Brazil and northern Ontario scientific and engineering development was of rudimentary nature.
In Mexico the ceremonials were in reign of state priesthood comparable to the great mysteries of Greek and Roman drama, including religion. Their palaces were complicated, stone-cut, architectural achievements. They had simulated all sources of life over thousands of years, and classified social standing of slaves, commoner, aristocrats, princes, and divine kings. It is considered that their old way of life, despite reservation and isolation from the other communities, is gradually vanishing.
This dignity of mankind is inherited, not replaced.
FOODS FROM THE MOTHER EARTH
Our original Americans lived a life of natural dependence in the forests, plains and coastal regions, and existed festively for many generations. Depending on the area, the Indians used wild species as plant food. When weather and season permitted a variety of game and fish were utilized as food, clothing, instruments and decoration. Ferries of all kinds were eagerly gathered in the spring and eaten by everyone as a spring medicine or for specific treatment in haemorrhage and pain due to haemorrhage, high fever and convalescents, and as a general blood builder.