The poles were kept in place by a hoop of wood tied to the poles, just down from the top. Shorter poles were tied to the hoop to support a cover made of sheets of birch bark. Extra poles were laid over the outside to hold the birch bark. Birch bark was easy to carry and was waterproof. The top of the wigwam was left open to let fireplace smoke out. A large hide covered the entrance. Fir twigs, woven mats and animal furs covered the floor. Wigwams were usually put up by women.

Clothing was made from the skins of animals, birds and fish. The skins were tanned using smoke and oils from animals. Needles were made of bone. Animal sinew was used as thread. Clothing was decorated with patterns and pictures of animals, birds and humans. Dyes were made from earth, charcoal, eggshells, roots, bark, leaves and flowers. Decorations were made from animal teeth, claws, bone and porcupine quills.

The Mi’kmaq used sharpened stones as tools for carving wood, and for killing game and cutting meat. Food was served in bowls of birch bark. Women wove bags and mats from reeds and grasses. Traps to catch fish were also made this way. They were made of birch bark strips.

canoe