Oji-Cree facts for kids
| Anishinini | |
|---|---|
Distribution of Anishinaabe peoples; the Oji-Cree are depicted by the orange band.
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| Regions with significant populations | |
| Canada (Ontario, Manitoba) | |
| Languages | |
| Oji-Cree, English | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Ojibwe, Cree |
The Oji-Cree are a First Nation in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. They live in a long, narrow area. This area stretches from the Missinaibi River in eastern Ontario to Lake Winnipeg in the west.
The Oji-Cree people have a unique history. They are descendants of both the Ojibwe and Cree cultures. However, they are seen as their own distinct nation. They are part of the larger Anishinaabe group of peoples. Their lands are usually found between the traditional Ojibwe lands to the south and Cree lands to the north.
Historically, the Canadian government often called the Oji-Cree "Cree." The Oji-Cree themselves often identified with the Swampy Cree people. They did not usually identify with the Ojibwe to their south. The Ojibwe traditionally called them Noopiming-ininiwag, meaning "People in the Woods." Some Oji-Cree at North Caribou Lake First Nation were known as Ajijaakoons, or "little cranes." This was because their chief's name was Ajijaak. The Oji-Cree call themselves Anishinaabe or Anishinini, which means "Original Human."
Language and Culture
The Oji-Cree people have a special language and culture. These come from both Ojibwe and Cree traditions. Their language is called Anishininimowin, also known as the Oji-Cree language. It is structured more like the Ojibwe language. However, its written style is more like the Cree language. About 12,600 people speak Anishininimowin.
Oji-Cree Communities
The Oji-Cree people live in many different communities. These communities are often called "First Nations" or "bands." A band is a group of Indigenous people recognized by the Canadian government. These groups manage their own affairs and lands.
Some of the Oji-Cree communities include:
- Bearskin Lake First Nation
- Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation
- Muskrat Dam Lake First Nation
- Sachigo Lake First Nation
- Deer Lake First Nation
- Keewaywin First Nation
- North Spirit Lake First Nation
- Sandy Lake First Nation
- Garden Hill First Nation
- Red Sucker Lake First Nation
- St. Theresa Point First Nation
- Wasagamack First Nation
- Cat Lake First Nation
- Mishkeegogamang First Nation
- Slate Falls First Nation
- Ojibway Nation of Saugeen First Nation
- Aroland First Nation
- Eabametoong First Nation (also known as Fort Hope First Nation)
- Marten Falls First Nation
- Neskantaga First Nation
- Nibinamik First Nation
- Kasabonika Lake First Nation
- Kingfisher First Nation
- North Caribou Lake First Nation (also known as Weagamow Lake First Nation or Round Lake First Nation)
- Wapekeka First Nation
- Wawakapewin First Nation
- Webequie First Nation
- Wunnumin Lake First Nation
