The Beothuk are believed to have been an Algonkian Indian tribe. This would make them related to the Micmac, Montagnais and Naskaupi Indians. It is said that the Beothuk were lighter in colour than other North American Indians. They were also a little taller. The Beothuk used red ochre to paint their bodies and the things they owned. Europeans called them “Red Indians”.
Life for the Beothuk centered on the Exploits River in central Newfoundland. Their main food source was caribou. The Exploits crossed routes where caribou were known to travel. The Beothuk built fences along the river to trap caribou. When blown by the wind, the fences frightened and confused the caribou. The Beothuk killed them from half-circle mounds of earth nearby. The meat was stored in large structures near the banks of the river.
Winters were spent at Red Indian Lake, at the head of the Exploits River. They had access to Notre Dame Bay in the summer. The sea offered birds, seals and fish.
The Beothuk hunted with bows and arrows, spears and harpoons. Children’s toys were made from birch bark. Clothing decorations were made from bone. Birch bark was sewn with tiny roots to make pots and kettles.