An Ancient Bond with the Land

Communal Hunters

Communal Hunting

People moved to the best hunting locations, based on their knowledge of the land and of animal behaviour, and the recommendations of their scouts. They travelled on foot, aided by dogs bearing packs and pulling travois. In the winter, people travelled on snowshoes.

Hunts required considerable planning, and generally involved the use of traps or ambushes. Community members were organized to intercept the herd and manoeuvre the animals into the trap. Once caught, the animals were killed with stone-tipped thrusting spears, atlatl darts, or arrows.

An atlatl in use Drawing: Susan Laurie-Bourque © Canadian Museum of Civilization