Mamongazeda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mamongazeda([Have Very] Big Foot) |
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|---|---|
| Ojibwa/Chippewa chief | |
| Born | Shagawamikong |
Ma-mong-a-ze-da (pronounced Mah-mong-ah-zee-dah) was an important Ojibwe chief in the 1700s. His name in the Ojibwe language, Mamaangĕzide, means "[Have Very] Big Foot." He was from a place called Shagawamikong, which is now in Wisconsin.
Mamongazeda was known for being a skilled leader in battles and a very good diplomat. This means he was good at talking to different groups of people and making agreements. He was also a strong friend and ally of the French during his time.
Who Was Mamongazeda?
Mamongazeda belonged to the Caribou doodem, or clan, which was also known as the "Adik Reindeer Clan." His family came from Grand Portage, a place on the north shore of Lake Superior.
His family history was quite unique. His mother had first been married to a chief from the Dakota people. This happened during a time when the Ojibwe and Dakota were at peace. However, when war started again between the two groups, the couple had to separate. The Dakota chief and their children stayed with the Dakota. Mamongazeda's mother then married an Ojibwe man.
Because of this, Mamongazeda had an older half-brother named Waḣpeša, also known as Wapasha. Waḣpeša became a chief of the Dakota people. Meanwhile, Mamongazeda became a chief of the Ojibwe. This meant that two brothers, from the same mother, became leaders of different groups that were sometimes at war.
A Leader in War and Peace
Mamongazeda was not only a great war leader but also a persuasive diplomat. He was very good at convincing people and making peace. He was a strong ally of the French, which was the name for the French colonies in North America.
During the French and Indian War, Mamongazeda gathered a group of Ojibwe warriors from the Lake Superior area. They joined the French army to fight against the British. His warriors were part of the army led by a French general named Montcalm. They fought in a very important battle called the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.
Mamongazeda lived to be very old. After he passed away, his son became the next chief. His son was a famous chief and warrior named Waubojeeg.
