Naskapi

The Naskapi are an Indigenous people of the boreal forest in northeastern Quebec and Labrador, Canada. They are one of the two groups of Innu, with the other being the Montagnais. Historically, the Naskapi were nomadic hunters, following caribou herds across their vast traditional territory. Their language, Innu-aimun, is part of the Algonquian language family.

The Naskapi have a rich cultural heritage tied to the land and the natural resources it provides. Traditional practices included skilled hunting, fishing, and trapping, as well as the creation of intricate clothing and tools from animal hides and other natural materials. Their social structure was historically based on family bands that would convene for communal hunts and ceremonies.

In the modern era, the Naskapi have faced challenges related to land rights, resource development, and cultural preservation. They are organized politically and govern themselves through elected councils. The Naskapi Development Corporation plays a role in economic development and managing community services. Efforts continue to maintain and revitalize their language and cultural traditions, ensuring their heritage is passed down to future generations. Their ancestral lands are a significant part of their identity and livelihood.