The Innu are a First Nations people found in northeast Quebec and Labrador. The word "Innu" means "human being". The Innu language is called "Innuaimun." The Innu can be traced back 1200 years to the Point Revenge people. Archaeological links from before this time are scarce.
The northern Innu were called Naskapi. The southern branch were called Montagnais. The Montagnais (mountaineers) lived near the south coast of Labrador. The Naskapi lived in the barrens to the north. The Naskapi called themselves Nonenot. This term means “true men”.
The Innu are Cree in language and culture. The Cree live in the northern forests. They can be found from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains. The Cree are part of the Algonquian language family.
The Innu were never farmers. Early Innu were nomad hunters. They were known for taking long journeys. This was more so when food was scarce. Most of their time was spent inland. The Innu hunted caribou, beaver, bears and wild birds. They fished in rivers and lakes. The Innu gathered wild berries and eggs on the coast in summer.