Three chapters READING quiz (( Aboriginal Treaties ) Assignment

Three chapters READING quiz (( Aboriginal Treaties ) - Assignment Example Marriages were mostly used by non-natives to cement social, political and economic links with the natives. Strangers who were perceived beneficial to the aboriginal people were incorporated into the kinship ties via association/adoption. For example, prisoners of war were incorporated into the society rather than being executed as a way of ensuring the communities had higher numbers (Ch. 1, pg. 5). A ceremonial ritual would be carried out for traders or new comers as a welcome gesture. Together with the community leaders, the newcomers would smoke a ceremonial pipe and then enjoy meals. This ceremony would be repeated severally in the future to strengthen the already existing relationship and also to renew it. However, this ceremony was only meant for non-native traders and not for prisoners of war. The latter were given a feast of honor by the families that adopted them after which they became full members of the community. (Ch. 1, pg. 6) Due to their extensive reliance on skills, knowledge and labor and the good treatment that the Europeans enjoyed at the hands of the natives, they easily accepted the terms of their hosts. This was essential for trade as the natives would allow them to operate in their lands. They would also give them permission and access to navigation routes, market for their goods and also protection. (Ch. 1, pg. 10) Gifts were extremely important to aboriginal people since it assured them that their trading partners had not backtracked from their initial relationship. To them it was a sign that there was no enmity between them. Furthermore, gifts could be used to wipe away tears in the event of a misfortune like death of members or business loss. Aboriginals claimed that gifts could ‘clear the throat’ and ‘unstop the ears’- expressions that translate to honesty and loyalty respectively (Ch. 1, pg. 18). The act of gift giving among the natives was practiced