Moose Cree facts for kids

The Moose Cree are an important group of Indigenous people in Canada. They are part of the larger Cree nation. Their own name for themselves in the Cree language is Mōsonī or Ililiw. Sometimes, they are also called Moosonee. They are closely related to the Eastern Swampy Cree. Together, these groups are sometimes known as Central Cree, West James Bay Cree, or West Main Cree.

The Moose Cree speak a special form of the Cree language called the l-dialect. This means that in some words, they use an "l" sound where other Cree groups might use a "y" or "n" sound.

History of the Moose Cree People

The Moose Cree people have lived in their traditional lands for a very long time. The first written records mentioning them come from 1671. These records were part of the Jesuit Relations, which were reports written by Jesuit missionaries who traveled in North America. They noted the Moose Cree living along the shores of James Bay and along the Moose River.

Later, around 1728, an old map drawn by a man named Ochagach also showed the Moose Cree. On this map, they were called "Monsonnis." The map showed that their territory stretched quite far inland, reaching as far as the Rainy Lake region. This helps us understand how widespread their traditional lands were.

Moose Cree First Nations Today

Today, the descendants of the historical Moose Cree groups live in several First Nations communities. A First Nation is a self-governing Indigenous community in Canada. Many of these communities are located in what is now the province of Ontario.

Here are some of the First Nations that have historical ties to the Moose Cree:

• Abitibi River Cree (historical groups):
  • Abitibiwinni First Nation (also connected to Algonquin and Ojibwe peoples)
  • Wahgoshig First Nation (also connected to Algonquin and Ojibwe peoples)
• Moose River Cree (historical groups):
  • Brunswick House First Nation (also connected to Ojibwe people)
  • Chapleau Cree First Nation
  • Constance Lake First Nation (also connected to Ojibwe people)
  • Kashechewan First Nation (also connected to Swampy Cree people)
  • Matachewan First Nation (also connected to Ojibwe people)
  • Missanabie Cree First Nation (also connected to Ojibwe people)
  • Moose Cree First Nation (This is the main First Nation that carries the Moose Cree name today)
  • Taykwa Tagamou Nation
• Other historical groups include the Lake Nipigon Cree, Piscotagami River Cree, and Rainy Lake Cree.

These First Nations work to preserve their culture, language, and traditions. They also manage their own affairs and lands.