Indigenous Histories in Canada

Wampum are used primarily by Indigenous peoples of the Eastern Woodlands for ornamental, ceremonial, diplomatic and commercial purposes. Belts made of wampum were used to mark agreements between peoples.

Isaac, from the Anishinabek Nation, talks about the sacredness of wampum.

Isaac, from the Anishinabek Nation, talks about the agreements that wampum is used to document.

Learn about these Wampum belts that document important agreements for the Haudensaunee.

A more detailed article about the Two Row Wampum Treaty between Dutch settlers and the Haudenosaunee.

The belt symbolizes an agreement of mutual respect and peace between the Haudenosaunee and European newcomers to North America.

The 1613 Teioháte Kaswenta (Two Row Wampum Belt) records the first non-paper agreement between Europeans and Indigenous peoples, specifically the Dutch and the Haudenosaunee, on Turtle Island, which includes Canada.

Learn about the Two Row Wampum treaty -- the original treaty agreement in Canada and it is still in effect today.

In this video, you'll learn about wampum which is a type of picture used to help people remember rules they make. Wampum has been used in Canada for a very long time!

Learn how wampum was made and how Indigenous peoples and Europeans used wampum in North America.