Pequawket facts for kids
The Pequawket people were a group of Native Americans. They were part of the larger Abenaki people. Their name, apíkwahki, comes from the Eastern Abenaki language and means "land of hollows."
The Pequawket once lived near the Saco River. This area is now in Carroll County, New Hampshire and Oxford County, Maine. The name Pequawket is also used for the town of Fryeburg, Maine. It is also the Abenaki name for Kearsarge North mountain.
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Who Were the Pequawket People?
The Pequawket were a branch of the Abenaki nation. The Abenaki are an Algonquian-speaking group. They lived in the northeastern parts of North America. The Pequawket had their own special traditions. They also shared many customs with other Abenaki groups.
Where Did They Live?
The Pequawket lived in a beautiful area. It had rivers, forests, and mountains. Their main home was near the headwaters of the Saco River. This river flows through what is now New Hampshire and Maine. This land provided them with everything they needed.
What Does Their Name Mean?
The name Pequawket comes from their own language. It means "land of hollows." This name likely describes the landscape where they lived. It might refer to valleys or dips in the land.
Life in Pequawket Lands
The Pequawket people lived off the land. They were skilled hunters and fishers. They also gathered plants and farmed crops. Their lives were connected to the seasons. They moved to different areas to find food.
Daily Life and Traditions
Pequawket families lived in villages. They built homes called wigwams. These were made from natural materials. They had strong community bonds. Storytelling and ceremonies were important parts of their culture. These traditions helped pass down their history.
Famous Pequawket People
One well-known Pequawket woman was Molly Ockett. She lived in the early 1800s. Molly Ockett was famous for her healing skills.
Molly Ockett: A Healer
Molly Ockett was known as a traditional healer. She used plants and natural remedies. She helped many people in her community. Her knowledge of medicine was very important. She is remembered as a wise and caring person.
