HuronWendat

The Huron-Wendat Nation is an Indigenous people of North America, historically inhabiting the areas around the Great Lakes. Their traditional territory encompassed the region of Huronia, located in what is now Southern Ontario, Canada. The Huron-Wendat were primarily agriculturalists, relying heavily on the cultivation of corn, beans, and squash, which formed the basis of their diet. They were also skilled hunters and fishers.

Historically, the Huron-Wendat were organized into several distinct clans, with a complex social and political structure. Their society was largely matriarchal, with lineage and property passed down through the maternal line. They were known for their extensive trade networks, interacting with various other Indigenous groups across a wide geographical area. This trading prowess, particularly in furs, brought them into contact with European explorers and traders, notably the French in the early 17th century.

The Huron-Wendat had a complex relationship with the Iroquois Confederacy. While sometimes allies, they were also frequent adversaries. In the mid-17th century, the Huron-Wendat suffered devastating attacks from the Iroquois, which led to the dispersal of many of their communities. Survivors sought refuge with other Indigenous nations and some eventually relocated to areas that are now Quebec, Canada. Today, the Huron-Wendat Nation continues to maintain its cultural identity and governance, with their primary community located in Wendake, Quebec.