Economics

Over time some Cree moved west to the plains of what is now Saskatchewan and Alberta. These Cree became known as the Plains Cree. The Cree traditionally hunted, fished, and gathered berries and wild plants for food. They used the bark of Birch trees to build cone-shaped houses similar to tepees. They also used birch bark to make canoes. Cree later used horses and began hunting bison (buffalo) on horseback. The Cree bartered, or traded belongings they had for the things they wanted. Each person had to agree that the items being traded had an equal value. Also, each person had to have something that the other person wanted. The Cree traded furs and meat to the people of Europe in exchange for guns, tools, clothing and other goods. They used beads made of shells, called Wampum, which were later used as a form of money. Trading stretched from the Plains of North America to Mexico and South America.

Cree hunting Bison (Buffalo) The Cree gathering Berries.

Cree using Birch bark for cone shaped Teepees.