by Becky Robbins

Created on: July 03, 2009   Last Updated: August 26, 2009

A tribe rarely reaches the point of extinction, but often evolves from interactions with other cultures. The Beothuk were an aboriginal tribe of Newfoundland who survived off the land as hunters, gatherers, and fishers. When the Europeans arrived in the late 15th century-early 16th century, it unfortunately signaled the beginning of the end for the Beothuk people.

It has been estimated the Beothuk crossed over to Newfoundland around 50 B.C. Their history is shrouded in mystery and controversy.

The self-sufficient Beothuk found resourceful ways to live off the land and sea. Most bands, made up of 7-10 families, would spend the warmer months on the coast. There, they would catch fish, clams, lobsters, and mussels. They would also hunt harp seals, harbor seals, otter and a variety of sea birds.

As the seasons began to change into fall and winter, the Beothuk would migrate inland. During the winter months, they would hunt fur-bearing mammals. The main source of diet for the Beothuk was caribou. They also used the skins for clothing and the sinews for thread. The bands would even gather edible roots, fruits, and berries in season, so if there was a lean year on the animals, they would not go hungry.

Then the Europeans arrived, mainly staying on the coast at first for fishing, and the winds began to change. There was not a real impact on the Beothuk way of life initially. There was some casual trading between the Beothuk and the Europeans. Many say it was silent trading, where the groups never came into real contact with one another. However, it never developed into a full blown trading relationship, as many other tribes faced in the 17th century. Instead, the Beothuk collected the desired metal goods they needed from abandoned fishing sites.

By the 18th century, Europeans were expanding their claim further inland. The Beothuk shied away from the Europeans and moved further inland, where food became scarce. Not only were the Beothuk suffering from starvation, but conflicts with the Europeans were causing their numbers to dwindle. Those not taken by starvation or conflict suffered from the germs Europeans brought with them.

During the late 18th century, Europeans attempted to reach out to the Beothuk peacefully. Due to all the conflicts, the dwindling tribe shied away from them. The numbers were said to be around 13 remaining Beothuk in 1823 when 3 sick and starving Beothuk women were captured and taken to St. John's. Unfortunately, 2 of the women died, which brought the numbers to 11 surviving Beothuk.

The third woman, Shanawdithit, remained with the European settlers for 6 years sharing her story and information about the Beothuk tribe. When she described the Beothuk religion, she spoke of three spirits from the spirit world; the first batch of white men that came to Newfoundland was sent by the good spirit. Those that came later along with the Mimacs came from the bad spirit.

Sadly, Shanawdithit died of tuberculosis in June 1829. With her the tribe reached complete extinction.

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