The origins of Canada's Aboriginal peoples are largely shrouded in mystery, so theories abound. Societies and cultural groups embracing twelve major language families and over fifty languages evolved in vastly different ecological environments.

They relied on hunting and gathering, activities requiring a large land base. Fishing was extremely important as was whaling and sealing, and other marine harvests. Many plants were used for religious, ceremonial, medicinal and subsistence purposes.

In present-day southern Ontario and along the St. Lawrence, Iroquoian peoples were practising agriculture and a more sedentary lifestyle by the time Europeans arrived.

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