When did the first nations live?

The presence of First Nations peoples in North America dates back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest inhabitants of the continent arrived during the last glacial period, around 15,000 years ago. These Paleo-Indians were nomadic hunter-gatherers who followed herds of large mammals such as mammoths and mastodons across the land bridge that connected Siberia and Alaska.

Over time, as the climate warmed and the glaciers retreated, different groups of First Nations peoples began to settle in specific regions of North America. They developed diverse cultures and traditions, based on their unique environments and resources. In the Arctic, for example, Inuit communities relied on hunting marine mammals and fishing for survival, while in the Great Plains, Indigenous tribes such as the Blackfoot and Sioux were skilled buffalo hunters.

The arrival of European explorers in the late 15th century had a profound impact on First Nations peoples. Colonization brought disease, warfare, and cultural disruption to their communities. Despite these challenges, First Nations peoples have maintained their distinct identities and cultures, and continue to play an important role in the societies of Canada and the United States today.