<P> Some centuries later, the Algonquin tribe moved in and inhabited the islands and shores along the Ottawa . By the 17th century the first Europeans found them well - established as a hunter - gatherer society in control of the river . The Kitcisìpiriniwak showed entrepreneurial spirit . On Morrison Island, at the location where 5,000 - year - old copper artifacts were discovered, the Kitcisìpirini band levied a toll on canoe flotillas descending the river . </P> <P> The Algonquin of Quebec use an infusion of leaves of Epigaea repens for kidney disorders . </P> <P> In 1981, members of the Algonquin tribe successfully blockaded a commercial rice - harvesting venture which the Government of Canada had granted permission to harvest wild rice . The tribe had traditionally gathered this grain by hand for centuries . Hundreds of people blockaded roads, and despite police helicopters, paddy wagons, and "a lot of hostility and pushing and shoving," according to Harold Perry, honorary chief of the Ardoch Algonquins, the tribe and its supporters held their ground for 27 days--long enough for the federal government to reverse its decision and revoke the commercial permit . </P> <P> In recent years, tensions with the lumber industry have flared up again among Algonquin communities, in response to the practice of clear - cutting . </P>

Who became allies with the huron and algonquin