Tribe Structure
Algonquian Nation-->Tribe-->Band-->Clan-->Family
Every tribe had a leader that was called a sachem. The sachem was the leader because of linage not because of a vote. Once a sachem became too old to lead it went to his son or another relative ready to lead. It was the sachem’s job to make the rules for the tribe and to take care of the tribe. All of the tribe thought the sachem was very wise and did the best thing for the tribe. He also had a council to help him make decisions, called sagamores. The tribe would present the sachem with gifts. The sachem was also in charge of the land the tribe lived on and decided about selling any of the land.
Every tribe had a leader that was called a sachem. The sachem was the leader because of linage not because of a vote. Once a sachem became too old to lead it went to his son or another relative ready to lead. It was the sachem’s job to make the rules for the tribe and to take care of the tribe. All of the tribe thought the sachem was very wise and did the best thing for the tribe. He also had a council to help him make decisions, called sagamores. The tribe would present the sachem with gifts. The sachem was also in charge of the land the tribe lived on and decided about selling any of the land.
Government
The Algonquian did not recognize a set government they had their tribes and the leader of their tribe, the sachem, and his council, and then they had their medicine-man, or shaman. Then they had their families and the man of the family was in charge of his whole family.