Lost Religion of the Beothuk

Little is known about the spiritual beliefs of Newfoundland's now-extinct Beothuk people. But archaeologists have recently come up with some new theories.

An artist’s rendition of a group of Beothuk hunting birds on an island.

Todd Kristensen and Donald Holly Jr.

Map of the Exploits River, Newfoundland, and Beothuk villages along the riverbank, 1773.

John Cartwright / Library and Archives Canada

A compilation comparing the shapes and designs of carved Beothuk bone pendants with the feet and feathers of sea birds.

Todd Kristensen and Donald Holly Jr.

Beothuk carved bone pendants in the shapes of birds feet and feathers, with a one-dollar coin to show size.

Todd Kristensen and Donald Holly Jr.

The remains of human skeletons and other items found at a Beothuk burial site. Photographed by Samuel .H. Parsons of St. John’s, Newfoundland, circa 1890–1900.

The Rooms Provincial Archives

Drawings by Shanawdithit, one of the last of the Beothuks, representing a variety of subjects, such as cups, spears and a “Red Indian devil.”

Library and Archives Canada

This summer dwelling of the Beothuk as sketch by John Cartwright on his map of the Exploits River, circa 1773.

Library and Archives Canada / Memorial University of Newfoundland

The Beothuk people of Newfoundland became culturally extinct in the nineteenth century after being hunted down and driven from their land.

Little is known of Beothuk spiritual beliefs, but two archaeologists believe they may have found the key to understanding their religion — birds. Seabirds in particular were important sources of food for the Beothuk, who hunted the birds and their eggs by making dangerous journeys by canoe to nesting islands far offshore.

Artifacts found in burial sites, such as pendants carved in the shape of feathers and bird feet, suggest the Beothuk may have believed these objects would speed a departed person's journey into the afterlife.

For more about the Beothuk and their beliefs, see the story “Wings and a Prayer” by Todd Kristensen in the February-March 2014 issue of Canada’s History magazine. Subscribe today!