Maritime Boreal Archaic culture

The Maritime Boreal Archaic culture was a prehistoric Indigenous culture that existed in the eastern boreal forest region of North America, roughly from 3000 BCE. These people adapted to a forest environment, utilizing terrestrial resources like caribou and fish. Their material culture included stone tools, such as points and knives made from slate, which were similar to copper implements found further west.1

Evidence suggests trade networks existed between eastern and western groups, with copper tools found as far south as Louisiana and marine shells in the Great Lakes area. This indicates the use of canoes for transportation. The Maritime Boreal Archaic culture is part of the broader Archaic culture period in North America, characterized by a diverse subsistence strategy that included hunting, fishing, and gathering.12