The Algonquins are indigenous inhabitants of North America who speak the Algonquin language, a divergent dialect of the Ojibwe language, which is part of the Algonquian language family. Culturally and linguistically, they are closely related to the Odawa and Ojibwe, with whom they form the larger Anicinape (Anishinaabe) grouping. The Algonquin people call themselves Omamiwinini (plural: Omamiwininiwak) or the more generalised name of Anicinape. Though known by several names in the past, the most common term "Algonquin" has been suggested to derive from the Maliseet word elakomkwik (IPA: [elae'gomogwik]): "they are our relatives/allies".

The Algonquin first met Europeans when Samuel de Champlain came upon a party led by the Kitcisipirini Chief Tessouat at Tadoussac, in eastern present-day Quebec, in the summer of 1603. They were celebrating a recent victory over the Iroquois, with the allied Montagnais and Etechemins (Malecite). Champlain did not understand that the Algonquins were socially united by a strong totem/clan system rather than the European-styled political concept of nationhood. The several Algonquin bands each had its own chief. Within each band, the chief depended on political approval from each of the band's clan leaders. Champlain needed to cultivate relationships with numerous chiefs and clan leaders. From 1603, some of the Algonquin allied with the French under Champlain. This alliance proved useful to the Algonquin, who previously had little to no access to European firearms.  Champlain made his first exploration of the Ottawa River during May 1613 and reached the fortified Kitcisipirini village at Morrison Island. Unlike the other Algonquin communities, the Kitcisipiriniwak did not change location with the seasons. They had chosen a strategic point astride the trade route between the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. They prospered through the collection of beaver pelts from native traders passing through their territory. They also were proud of their corn fields.  At first, the French used the term "Algonquin" only for a second group, the Wawackeciriniwak. However, by 1615, they applied the name to all of the Algonquin bands living along the Ottawa River. Because of keen interest by tribes to gain control of the lower Ottawa River, the Kitcisipiriniwak and the Wawackeciriniwak came under fierce opposition. These two large groups allied together, under the leadership of Sachem Charles Parcharini, to maintain the Omamiwinini identity and territory.

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