The Eastern Woodlands was a Native American cultural region long before colonists came to start settlements

The Eastern Woodlands was a Native American cultural region long before colonists came to start
settlements. It stretched from the east side of the Great Plains all the way to the east coast. It also reached
north to the Great Lakes area and south to the Gulf of Mexico. The region had climate changes to match the
seasons. The winters were cold, and the summers were hot and humid. The Native Americans in these areas
learned to adapt to the seasonal changes so they could survive. The Eastern Woodlands was rich with a
variety of resources. It included rich farmland, forests, mountains, rivers and lakes. In addition, it had the
oceans of its coastal borders. Water is the most important resource for living things. The Eastern Woodlands
region had many rivers, lakes and streams. These bodies of water met the needs of people and animals for
drinking and washing. They also provided a way for people to travel and transport goods. The flexible bark of
the birch tree was an important resource. Using it, the natives were able to make canoes. They used canoes
for traveling and for catching fish. Natives who lived near the ocean waters also collected seashells. They
used them to make jewelry and other ornaments. The forests of the Eastern Woodlands had many other
resources besides birch bark for canoes. Several kinds of plants were woven to make baskets, trays and
even sandals. An abundance of animals lived in the forest. They provided plenty of fresh meat for the natives
who hunted them. Some animals that were commonly hunted by the natives were deer and rabbits. Native
Americans used every part of the animals they hunted. The meat was eaten. The bones were carved into
tools or arrowheads. Finally, the skins were used to make clothing and blankets. A bear skin made a nice,
warm winter blanket or coat. Using the large amount of resources in the Eastern Woodlands, the Native
Americans were able to survive and thrive. Later, when European colonists arrived, they would also use these
resources.
1. How were the water resources beneficial for the Eastern Woodland natives?
2. What characteristic of the forest's birch trees made them suitable for building canoes?
3. Many natives were skilled in working with plant materials. Name something that was made out of local
plants?
4. How did the coastal Native Americans use seashells?
5. What resources did the Eastern Woodland natives use for clothing?