Today it is difficult to determine precisely which groups were directly associated with the Anishinabe before 1600. This classification was mainly statements of early explorers and priests. Thus the group of “Gens-de-terre” (Inland people) named because they did not live near the great circuit of the Ottawa River, were found in the area including Baskatong and river which still bares their name today. Although we consider that this group was rather associated with Atikamekw, their dialect and customs are also very close to the Algonquin. This is also the case with the “Têtes-de-boule”, named so because of their round head. Anthropologists believe many of these characteristics exist in the Barriere Lake Algonquin. It was also long considered that Nipissings were part of the Algonquin Nation to which they were allied. What is certain is that the relationships between these groups were very close and that marriages between Anishinabeg and Atikamekw were numerous. The Atikamekw language is very similar to that spoken by the Anishinabeg.
