Nissowaquet facts for kids
Nissowaquet (born around 1715, died in 1797), also known as La Fourche, was an important leader of the Odawa people. He belonged to the Nassauakueton doodem, which is like a family group or clan within the Anishinaabe culture.
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Who Was Nissowaquet?
Early Life and Family
Nissowaquet's father was Chief Returning Cloud Kewinaquot, and his mother was Nesxesouexite Neskes Mi-Jak-Wa-Ta-Wa. He grew up in a place called Michilimackinac. In 1741, when he was around 26 years old, he moved about 32 kilometers (20 miles) to L'Arbre Croche. He brought about 180 warriors with him.
A Leader's Journey
Nissowaquet had a sister named Domtilde. She married French traders, who were often called coureurs de bois. These were brave explorers and fur traders. Domtilde was also the mother of Charles Michel de Langlade, who became a well-known Métis leader. Métis people have both Indigenous and European heritage.
Alliances and Conflicts
Friend of the French
Because of his sister and nephew, Nissowaquet built strong connections with the French. They lived in a region known as the Pays d'en Haut, or the "Upper Country." This area included much of what is now the Great Lakes region. In the 1750s, Nissowaquet and his warriors joined Langlade. They fought alongside the French against the British.
Shifting Loyalties
Later, in 1764, Nissowaquet attended a peace meeting. This meeting took place near Niagara, close to Youngstown, New York. At this conference, Nissowaquet promised his loyalty to the British. This shows how alliances could change during those times as different powers competed for control of the land.
