Niagara: An Aboriginal Center of Trade

This work delves into the early centuries of Niagara’s history, when the great waterfalls stood at the heart of a thriving indigenous trade network. Drawing on oral traditions and the scant written references that survived, it paints a picture of annual gatherings where neighboring tribes exchanged goods, shared stories, and performed rituals tied to the powerful cascade. The author also examines the three enduring legends—of worship, healing, and burial—that reveal how the river’s roar shaped the spiritual lives of the peoples who lived nearby.

Beyond myth, the narrative explores the practical side of life along the gorge: the portage routes, the makeshift ladders of vines and tree trunks, and the unique mineral found at the falls that was prized for its curative qualities. By weaving together anthropology, geology, and folklore, the book offers listeners a nuanced glimpse of a world long before modern tourism turned Niagara into a global landmark.