Flying Post facts for kids

Flying Post was a special place called a Hudson's Bay Company trading post. Imagine it like a small store and meeting spot far away in the wilderness! It was built in 1800 by a person named Donald McKay.

This post was located on the Kukatush River, which is also known as the Groundhog River. This river flows into a bigger river called the Mattagami River. Flying Post was about 80 miles (129 km) downriver from Groundhog Lake and 100 miles (161 km) upriver from where the Groundhog River joins the Mattagami River. It was also about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of a place called Matawagamingue.

Who are the Flying Post First Nation?

The Flying Post First Nation are an Indigenous community with a strong connection to this area. They are a group of people who have lived on and cared for this land for a very long time.

Where do the Flying Post First Nation live?

Today, the Flying Post First Nation has about 250 registered members. All of them live off their main reserve land. The current chief, or leader, of the community is Ray Murray.

Even though their main office is in Nipigon, Ontario, their reserve land is located on the Kukutush River. This area is between the towns of Foleyet and Timmins. Many members of the First Nation still live in this region, keeping their connection to their traditional lands.

What is the Flying Post No. 73 Reserve?

The official reserve land for the Flying Post First Nation is called Flying Post No. 73. It covers a large area of about 5,957 hectares (which is about 14,720 acres). This reserve is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario.

What is Treaty 9?

The Flying Post First Nation is a signatory of Treaty 9. A treaty is like a very important agreement or contract between different groups of people. Treaty 9 was signed on July 16, 1906. It was an agreement between the Indigenous peoples of Northern Ontario and the Canadian government. These treaties often dealt with land use and the rights of Indigenous communities.