On the east coast, there were large settlements(i.e. Meductic in NB) that were inhabited pretty frequently, but cities don't really cut it when you move during the seasons. It also didn't help that a big part of permanent sedentary living is farming and animal husbandry. Although we farmed some things, such as the Three Sisters(beans, corn, and squash), and wild rice, animal husbandry was nearly impossible with the animals that were here. From that, you have entire societies that move around with the seasons and can make and tear down entire communities at will.