Depending on the coastal people, they could have fished (most coastal people), hunted whales and seals/sea lions (Pacific Northwest and up Canadian/Alaskan west coast), or travelled to other islands. These travellers would likely have been many years ago such as people from Asia island-hopping to Indonesia and the Philippines , eventually ending in Australia. The similar languages of Madagascar and those in Indonesia, specifically Borneo, show possibility of people crossing the Indian ocean on canoe. I believe I read somewhere that Some African peoples migrated to Australia many years ago, giving Aborigines similar skin color.
Coastal Indians main ways of transportation was by walking or by using dug-out canoes Coastal Indians main ways of transportation was by walking or by using dug-out canoes
The Carib and Arawak peoples, indigenous to the Caribbean, primarily used canoes for transport. These canoes were typically made from hollowed-out trees and were well-suited for navigating the coastal waters and rivers of the region. The Arawaks were known for their larger, more durable dugout canoes, which facilitated trade and communication among islands, while the Caribs often employed smaller canoes for swift travel and fishing. Both groups relied on their maritime skills to connect with other communities and gather resources.
Plateau canoes were traditionally crafted by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, primarily from cedar trees. Craftsmen would select a suitable log and then use tools like axes and chisels to hollow out the wood, shaping it into a canoe. The construction often involved bending and joining multiple pieces of wood to create a sturdy and functional vessel, which was then often waterproofed with natural resins. These canoes were essential for fishing, transportation, and trade along rivers and coastal waters.
Yurok, Tolowa and Tututni peoples of the Pacific Coast (present day N. California and S. Oregon) use redwood traditionally for making canoes.
The first canoes are believed to have been used by early indigenous peoples and would have likely landed on various coastlines and riverbanks for fishing, trading, and exploring. Specific locations would depend on the time period and geographic region of the indigenous group using the canoes.
The Haida people, indigenous to the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada, primarily used canoes for transportation. They crafted these canoes from cedar wood, which was abundant in their environment, allowing them to navigate the coastal waters and rivers efficiently. The canoes were vital for fishing, trading, and traveling between islands and coastal villages. Additionally, the Haida utilized trails for land travel, connecting their settlements and resource areas.
The Makahs of the northwest coast primarily used cedar trees to make their canoes. Cedar wood is lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for constructing traditional dugout canoes. The wood was often treated with natural oils to enhance its water resistance, allowing these canoes to navigate the coastal waters effectively.
From peoples that traveled from coast to coast.
Ann Schafer has written: 'Canoeing western waterways, the coastal States' -- subject(s): Canoes and canoeing, Guidebooks 'Canoeing Western waterways, the Mountain States' -- subject(s): Canoes and canoeing, Guidebooks
The Cheyenne Native Americans did not paddle canoes. Instead when they traveled by water they built rafts. They were not coastal people either. originally the Cheyenne would use dogs pulling travois (a kind of dog sled) to help them carry their belongings.
The Cheyenne Native Americans did not paddle canoes. Instead when they traveled by water they built rafts. They were not coastal people either. originally the Cheyenne would use dogs pulling travois (a kind of dog sled) to help them carry their belongings.
The Mi'kmaq, an Indigenous people of Canada’s Maritime provinces, primarily used canoes for transportation. They crafted these canoes from birch bark, which were lightweight and well-suited for navigating rivers and coastal waters. In addition to canoes, they also utilized sleds for winter travel, pulled by dogs, to transport goods and people across snow-covered landscapes.