Land use and land classification traditions of Northeastern Algonquians remain poorly understood. Even less clear are traditions governing use of sacred lands: ceremonial places as well as hunting and gathering lands. Epistemic genocide, also called “erasure” and “vanishing act,” in concert with destructive policy and oppressed Native narrative, obstruct our path to understanding. What is Northeastern Algonquian zoning practice? Through traditional narrative, archaeology, ethnohistory, and onomastics, Northeastern Algonquian land classes and uses are described—sacred lands in particular. We discover that ritually circumscribed activity includes not only ceremony but hunting and gathering. When informed by Native cultural sources, we can apprehend Algonquian land use patterns, knowledge that we can apply to improve sacred site preservation and plan for intelligent land management.
Resource Added October 19, 2023
