Subarctic Indian

The American Subarctic peoples are Indigenous groups residing in the subarctic regions of Alaska and Canada. Their traditional territory is characterized by boreal forests and marshes. These peoples developed technologies to survive cold winters, including well-insulated homes, fur clothing, and specialized tools for snow and ice. Their diet consisted of game like caribou and moose, fish, and wild plants.1

The arrival of European fur traders in the 1600s significantly impacted their economies and way of life, introducing new goods and altering traditional subsistence practices. Despite these changes, many traditional beliefs and customs have persisted due to the region's relative isolation. The Subarctic peoples are broadly divided into Eastern Subarctic (Algonquian speakers) and Western Subarctic (Athabaskan speakers) groups.1