Missanabie Cree First Nation facts for kids
[[image:
 Location in Ontario
Missanabie Cree First Nation
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| People | Cree |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 9 |
| Headquarters | Garden River |
| Province | Ontario |
| Land | |
| Main reserve | Missanabie Cree First Nation |
| Land area | 38.923 km2 |
| Population | |
| On reserve | 3 |
| On other land | 2 |
| Off reserve | 491 |
| Total population | 496 |
| Website | |
| https://www.missanabiecreefn.com/ | |
The Missanabie Cree First Nation (Cree: masinâpôy ininiwak, ᒪᓯᓈᐴᔾ ᐃᓂᓂᐗᐠ) is a First Nation in Canada. They are part of Treaty 9, an important agreement. Their name comes from the Missinaibi River and Missinaibi Lake. These places are where their traditional lands are located. The name "Missanabie" means "Pictured Water." This refers to old rock paintings, called pictographs, found along the Missinaibi River.
The main language of the Missanabie Cree people is Swampy Cree language. This language is also known as the "n-dialect" of the Cree language.
Contents
A Look at Missanabie Cree History
The Missanabie Cree First Nation has a long and rich history. Their people have lived in the areas around Missinaibi Lake, Dog Lake, and Wabatongushi Lake for a very long time.
Early Times and Traditional Lands
Records show that by the 1570s, Missanabie Cree people were already settled in these areas. Elders (respected older members of the community) say that their people have used these lands forever. They hunted, fished, and trapped for food. They also used the land for important ceremonies. This helped them keep their culture, spirituality, and economy strong.
In the 1660s, a person named Father Allouez confirmed something important. He saw that the Cree people regularly traveled between Lake Superior and James Bay. This shows how much they used the land.
By the 1730s, Cree-speaking people gathered at Bawating, which is now Sault Ste. Marie. They met there in the summer to fish, trade goods, and hold ceremonies.
Treaties and Land Rights
In 1904, the Canadian government's Indian Affairs Department recognized the Missanabie Cree. They were seen as an "Indian band" that should be part of Treaty 9. This treaty was planned for 1905.
In 1905, Canada and Ontario signed Treaty 9 with many Cree and Ojibwa groups. This treaty gave the government control over a huge area of land, about 130,000 square miles (336,700 square kilometers).
However, in 1906, the government did not formally sign the treaty with the Missanabie Cree First Nation. They also did not set aside any reserve land for the 98 members of the First Nation living at Missanabie.
Seeking Recognition and Land
The Missanabie Cree continued to seek their rights.
- In 1915, their request for land was turned down by the government department in charge of Indigenous affairs.
- In 1925, the Chapleau Crown Preserve was created. This made it harder for the Missanabie Cree to hunt and fish for food, which was part of their treaty rights.
- In 1929, their request for land was turned down again.
Finally, in 1951, the Missanabie Cree were officially recognized as an "Indian band" by the government.
Modern Steps Towards Justice
In 1992, the Missanabie Cree First Nation took another big step. They elected their first Chief and Council under the Indian Act.
In 1993, the Missanabie Cree First Nation filed a specific claim. This claim was about their right to land that was promised but not given under the treaty. This is called Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE).
- In 1996, Canada accepted their claim. But they said that Ontario, which also signed Treaty 9, needed to be involved in the talks.
- In 1998, the Missanabie Cree and Canada started holding meetings.
- In 1999, studies began to help with the claim. These studies looked at family histories, traditional land use, and possible land locations.
- In 2000, Ontario said they would share their position on the claim.
- In 2001, discussions began between the First Nation and both levels of government (Canada and Ontario) about how to negotiate.
Land Agreements and Future
In 2006, Ontario agreed to transfer 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) of land to the Missanabie Cree. This land would count towards the final settlement of their land claim. Discussions with Canada continued about adding this land to a reserve and about money for the time they couldn't use their land.
In 2008, the Missanabie Cree turned down an offer of $15 million from Canada.
Then, on August 17, 2011, a big agreement was signed. The Missanabie Cree First Nation and the Government of Ontario signed a deal. This agreement gave the Nation 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) of land. This was the first part of the 70 square miles (181 square kilometers) they are owed under Treaty 9.
