Page 63 - Moose Deer Point First Nation

WAMPUM BELTS
Wampum belts are important records of historical areas would meet regularly to strengthen their peaceful
agreements for all First Nations of the Great Lakes relations. When they met, belts were shown, and
region, including the Anishinaabeg. The belts were used speakers recalled for one another what they understood
as a form of writing to inform everyone of important the agreements and treaties to be.
agreements or treaties. For example, the belt at the
The middle belt shown in the picture is referred to as
bottom of the picture below represents the Friendship
the Haudonosaunee and Anishinaabe Peace Treaty,
Belt that was made between the Anishinaabeg and
sometimes called Yellowhead’s Belt. This belt locates the
Haudenosaunee when they were no longer in conflict.
Anishinaabeg people along the lakes from Sault St. Marie
Quahog shells were used to make wampum beads that to the Credit River by clan.
were woven into belts. The belts were not worn around
The top belt of this picture is the “Dish with One Spoon
the waist but were worn across the shoulder to the
Belt.” It called upon people to look at the land as filled
opposite hip. People carried the belts with them when
with everything we need, like a dish with one spoon that
they travelled through the river systems, which were
all could share and eat together.
the original highways of this land. People from different

The three wampum belts pictured here are recreations of belts that come from this region.
The original belts are in private collections or museums, and some have been buried with
people who originally had them.

WORDS TO KNOW
quahog (qua-hock):
hard-shelled clams

Moose Deer Point First Nation 61

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