Native Americans of the Northeast because very familiar with
water, particularly how to use it to their own advantage. During times of war,
Native American tribes would often flee to remote islands and prepare them for
defense. Many tribes quickly learned how to fish, which obviously because a
very valuable resource. Navigating on the many waterways the northeast was
definitely a hassle, however, one particular invention greatly helped them
navigate the waterways.
Birch trees were very common in the northeast, and the
Native Americans realized that birch bark could be used to form strong and
stable canoes. The wood of the birch tree was light – however – it proved to be
extremely sturdy in rough waters. Native Americans discovered that the bark was
water resistant, helping to repel water from entering the canoe. These canoes
made from the birch tree were made for unique purposes. For example, many Native
Americans to pride in fashioning their own individual canoe and using it only
for him or her. There are also reports of Native Americans building birch bark
canoes reaching an incredible 30 feet that could hold up to 50 individual
paddlers. These new canoes quickly helped the Native American tribes travel great
distances than they ever have before. The birch bark canoes could be used for exploring,
hunting, fishing and for war campaigns.
Bibliography
http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-life/birch-bark-canoe.htm
How you describe and set up the punch line " the importance of the canoe" was great wording to say the least. I did not know the importance of the canoe, nor how it came to be. This seems obvious now that I think about it but thank you for bringing it to the light. I totally agree that this invention helped expand the possibilities for the Indians of that time. This helped Indian sustain their way of life.
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