Moose Cree First Nation facts for kids
The Moose Cree First Nation is a group of Cree people in northern Ontario, Canada. They are a First Nation with their own band government. Their traditional lands are on the west side of James Bay.
The Moose Cree First Nation has two special areas called reserves. One is called Factory Island 1, which covers most of Moose Factory Island. The other is Moose Factory 68. This reserve is about 15 kilometers up the Moose River. It covers a large area of land. In their own language, Cree, they are called Cree: ᒨᓱᓂᔨ ᐃᓕᓕᐗᒃ, môsoniyi ililiwak.
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What's in a Name? The Story of Moose Factory
The name "Moose Factory" comes from two things. First, it is located on the Moose River. Second, it relates to the fur trade era. The person in charge of a trading post was called a "factor."
Another idea is that the name comes from the river and a furniture factory. This factory was once in the community.
A Look Back: History of the Moose Cree First Nation
Traditional Life of the Cree People
The Cree are indigenous people of the Subarctic. Long ago, they lived by hunting and gathering food. They moved with the seasons to find what they needed.
In summer, they traveled on waterways using canoes. They would fish and gather berries and other foods. In the fall, they hunted birds along the shores of James Bay.
Before winter, Cree families moved to their winter homes. Here, they hunted large animals and small, fur-bearing animals. Before spring, they hunted birds migrating north. This was the yearly cycle for the Swampy Cree people.
European Contact and the Fur Trade
Early meetings with European society changed Cree ways of life. The Hudson's Bay Company set up a fur trading post in 1673. This was in the Moose Factory area.
Because of this, Cree people gathered near the trading post. They started to learn about European customs. Moose Factory became the first English-speaking settlement in Ontario.
Treaty No. 9: Land Agreements
In 1905, a treaty was signed with the Moose Cree First Nation. This was Treaty No. 9, signed on August 9, 1905. It was made on behalf of the British Crown.
The treaty set aside two areas of land for the Moose Cree First Nation. These lands were for their use and benefit. The first area is Moose Factory Indian Reserve No. 1. It covers about two-thirds of Moose Factory Island. The second area is Moose Factory Indian Reserve No. 68. It is about 16 kilometers south of Moose Factory. It is located at the mouth of the French River.
Community Today: Population and People
Moose Cree First Nation Population
In September 2014, the population of the Moose Cree First Nation was 4,440 people.
Notable People from Moose Cree First Nation
Duane Linklater is a well-known Canadian artist. He is Omaskeko Cree, from Moose Cree First Nations. His art has been shown in many places. These include local, national, and international galleries.
