This article contains a list of links to more information on each of the tribes included in the Algonquian language group.
Many people mistakenly believe that Algonquian is the name of a specific tribe. While there is a loose confederation of Algonquin Nations in Canada, algonquian is actually a language group which includes many tribes who speak a related language which contains several dialects and many variations that stemmed from one once common language.
The languages which originated in this language group now have their own tribal names and are distinct languages which are variations of the original group. These new languages have some words which are common among many tribes, while other words are distinctive to just one tribe and are not understood by speakers of another language that originated in this language group.
Algonquian Nations |
Algonquian Sub Nations |
Abitibi (Abitibiwinni, Pikogan)
Barriere Lake (Lac Rapide, Rapid Lake)
Bonnechere
Dumoine
Hunter’s Point
Kipawa
Lac des Quinze
Mainwawaki (Mainwaki)
Mitchitamou
Ouachegami
Outchatarounounga
Outimagami
Outurbi
Tadoussac
Temagami
Timiskamin (Timiskaming, Temiskaming, Timiscimi)
Barriere Lake (Lac Rapide, Rapid Lake)
Abitibiwinni (Dominion Abitibi, Pikogan)
Eagle Village (Kebaowek, Kipawa)
Kitcisakik (Grand Lake Victoria, Grand Lac Victoria)
Kitigan Zibi (Maniwaki, River Desert)
Lac-Simon
Timiskaming (Timiscamigue, Notre Dame du Nord, Ville Marie)
Winneway (Long Point First Nation)
Wolf Lake (Hunter’s Point)
Golden Lake (Pikwakanagan)
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Abenaki Ottawa – The name Ottawa is derived from the Algonquian adawe, meaning ‘to trade,’ an apt name for the tribe, who had an active trading relationship with the related Chippewa and Potawatomi as well as other tribes of the region. Like the Chippewa, they built birch bark canoes and harvested wild rice. Ottawa Chief Pontiac rose by 1755 as one of the most important Indian leaders of the era Pequot Tête de Boule (Atikamekw, Attikamekw, Attikamek, Atikamek) – Were part of the Montagnais or Cree. Tête de Boule is a French phrase that means “Ball Heads.” Wampanoag |
Iroquet – Known to the Huron as the Atonontrataronon or Ononchataronon, they lived along Ontario’s South Nation River. There is also a famous chief of the same name.
Kichesipirini (meaning: “people of the great river”) – Largest and most powerful group of Algonkin. Known variously as: Algoumequins de l’Isle, Allumette, Big River People, Gens d l’Isle, Honkeronon (Huron), Island Algonkin, Island Indians, Island Nation, Kichesippiriniwek, Nation de l’Isle, Nation of the Isle, and Savages de l’Isle. Main village was on Morrison’s (Allumette) Island. Kinounchepirini (Keinouche, Kinonche, Pickerel, Pike) – sometimes listed as an Algonkin band, but after 1650 associated with the Ottawa. Originally found along the lower Ottawa River below Allumette Island. Matouweskarini (Madawaska, Madwaska, Matouchkarine, Matouashita, Mataouchkarini, Matouechkariniwek, Matouescarini). Lived on the Madawaska River in the Upper Ottawa Valley. Nibachis – Muskrat Lake near present-day Cobden, Ontario. Otaguottaouemin (Kotakoutouemi, Outaoukotwemiwek). Upper Ottawa River above Allumette Island. Otaguottaouemin (Kotakoutouemi, Outaoukotwemiwek) Quenongebin Sagaiguninini (Saghiganirini) Saginitaouigama (Sagachiganiriniwek) Weskarini(Algonkin Proper, La Petite Nation, Little Nation, Ouaouechkairini, Ouassouarini, Ouescharini, Ouionontateronon [Huron],Petite Nation) – North side of the Ottawa River along the Lievre and the Rouge Rivers in Quebec. |
Later Algonquian |
Algonquian Now |