Remember Our Ambassadors

Wampum Carriers brought messages within Wabanaki territory. They relayed information and news of events to each community.

The people in the villages would catch sight of the Carriers traveling in their canoes. The messengers would carry a flag along with the Wampum Belt. The Chief would gather his people and relay this message to them: "Those who are coming arrive as messengers". The community members would walk down to the shores to welcome them.

A designated messenger would step ashore and sing a song of welcome. After the song, the Carriers were invited to a feast in their honour.

The following day, the Chief arranges a meeting with his Council and gathers in the Council Lodge. The visitors hand the Wampum to the Smag-nis and then speaks his message to the Council. At the end of the meeting, decisions are forwarded.

The messengers would travel to the next community with the information and the Wampum.

Beads for the Wampum were carved out of seashells and painted using natural dyes made from plants. Beads were strung together to record the important information. This process recorded our history accurately.

Wampum records kept the Wabanaki people united.