Fishermen, Furriers, and Beothuks: The Economy of Extinction

These flashcards focus on key vocabulary and concepts related to the Beothuk people, their interactions with European settlers, and the economic conditions of Newfoundland as discussed in the lecture.

Beothuk

The aboriginal inhabitants of Newfoundland who became extinct in 1829.

Extinction

The permanent loss of a species; in this case, referring to the Beothuks.

Adaptation

The process by which species become better suited to their environments; contrasting the Beothuks with other groups.

European Presence

Refers to the arrival and impact of European settlers and traders on indigenous populations in North America.

Fur Traders

Individuals involved in the buying and selling of animal furs; a key category of Europeans affecting native economies.

Migratory Fishery

A type of fishing economy based on seasonal migration to catch fish; significant in Newfoundland's history.

Indian Agents

European representatives responsible for interacting with and managing relations with Native American tribes.

Missionaries

Religious individuals sent to convert indigenous peoples; absent from inland Newfoundland during key periods.

Scavenging

The act of searching for and using discarded materials; a method employed by the Beothuk to acquire European goods.

Pilferage

The act of stealing goods, particularly small amounts or items; used by the Beothuk to obtain materials.

Dumb Barter

A trade method involving leaving goods at a location to be picked up later, minimizing direct contact.

Nails

Commonly found metal objects that the Beothuk repurposed into tools; significant in the archaeological record.

Trade Goods

Items exchanged between different cultures, essential for understanding the economies of the Beothuk and Europeans.

Cultural Accommodation

The process by which cultures adjust or adapt to one another; contrasting Beothuk responses to European influence.

Geography's Role

The influence of physical surroundings on social interactions; critical in explaining the Beothuk experience.

Furriers

Individuals engaged in fur trading or processing; indicative of the changing economic landscape in Newfoundland.

Archaeological Evidence

Physical evidence uncovered through excavation that provides insight into past human activities, crucial for the study of Beothuk.

English Settlers

European migrants who established colonies in Newfoundland; had less need for Beothuk resources compared to other regions.

Montagnais

An indigenous group from Canada that potentially interacted or traded with the Beothuks.

Historical Economy

The economic structure of a society at a particular time; in this context, referring to Newfoundland's 17th-18th century economy.

Colonial Contact

Interactions between European settlers and Indigenous populations, which shaped the social and economic dynamics of the period.