Trade and Warfare
The Ojibwe lived near many lakes, which made contact with other Aboriginal tribes easy. They could use canoes to send and bring goods & messages. Due to most Ojibwe living in forested land, they travelled on land by foot and wore snowshoes during the winter, transporting goods on dog sleds.
Ojibwe ceremonies used the miigis (cowrie) shell, which is only found in distant coastal areas. Their use of miigis shells demonstrates a vast trading network across the continent and their use & trade of copper (at that time, only present from present day Ohio), also has been proof of a large trading network. The Ojibwe would also trade certain types of rock used for spears and arrow heads over large distances. They were closely allied to the Huron so furs and maple sugar (which were abundant in their forest lands) were traded to the Huron for maize and tobacco. The Northern Ojibwe also borrowed extensively from the Cree. But the most important trading partner to the Ojibwe was other Ojibwe. There were many Ojibwe clans, with large populations, and all were closely allied to each other. The Ojibwe were also allies with their nearest kinfolk, the Ottawa and Potawatomi tribes. These three tribes called themselves: “The Council of Three Fires.” They frequently fought with the Iroquois Confederacy and Sioux tribes.
Ojibwe ceremonies used the miigis (cowrie) shell, which is only found in distant coastal areas. Their use of miigis shells demonstrates a vast trading network across the continent and their use & trade of copper (at that time, only present from present day Ohio), also has been proof of a large trading network. The Ojibwe would also trade certain types of rock used for spears and arrow heads over large distances. They were closely allied to the Huron so furs and maple sugar (which were abundant in their forest lands) were traded to the Huron for maize and tobacco. The Northern Ojibwe also borrowed extensively from the Cree. But the most important trading partner to the Ojibwe was other Ojibwe. There were many Ojibwe clans, with large populations, and all were closely allied to each other. The Ojibwe were also allies with their nearest kinfolk, the Ottawa and Potawatomi tribes. These three tribes called themselves: “The Council of Three Fires.” They frequently fought with the Iroquois Confederacy and Sioux tribes.
The Ojibwe heavily believed in black magic and often employed sorcery as revenge against their enemies. Suspicion of sorcery was one of the main causes of conflict and could result in long-lasting feuds between families and tribes. Conflict also stemmed from hunting and trapping in someone else’s territory. This could lead to arguments against tribes and after occurring several times, also war.
In conclusion, the Ojibwe had customary contact with other groups, including trade, warfare and alliance.