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Saulteaux facts for kids

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Anishinaabe, Nakawē
ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯ, ᓇᐦᑲᐍ
Anishinaabe-Anishinini Distribution Map.svg
Homelands of Anishinaabe and Anishinini, ca. 1800
Regions with significant populations
Canada (Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba)
United States (Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin)
Languages
English, French, Ojibwe
Religion
Midewiwin, Catholicism, Methodism, and others
Related ethnic groups
Odawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Oji-Cree, Algonquin
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The Saulteaux (pronounced SAWL-toh or SOH-toh) are also known as the Plains Ojibwe. They are a group of First Nations people. You can find them in parts of Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia in Canada. They are a part of the larger Ojibwe group who moved west over time.

The Saulteaux developed a unique culture. It combines traditions from both woodlands and plains Indigenous ways of life.

Who are the Saulteaux People?

The Saulteaux are a specific group within the Ojibwe Nations in Canada. Sometimes, they are called the Anihšināpē. The name Saulteaux comes from a French word. It means "people of the rapids." This name refers to where they used to live near Sault Ste. Marie.

Historically, the Saulteaux were skilled hunters and fishers. They also traded a lot with the French, British, and later, Americans. This trading happened at important posts like Sault Ste. Marie.

Where Do the Saulteaux Live?

Long ago, the Saulteaux lived around Lake Superior and Lake Winnipeg. This was mainly in areas like Sault Ste. Marie and northern Michigan. Over time, they were pushed west by European Canadians and Americans. This led them to move into Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. There is also one community in British Columbia.

Today, many Saulteaux live in the Interlake District of Manitoba. You can also find them in Swan River, Duck Bay, and Camperville. In Saskatchewan, they live in Kamsack and nearby areas. They were fortunate to keep much of their land as reserves. This was because the land was not good for European crops. The Saulteaux generally have three main groups.

Ontario Saulteaux Communities

The Eastern Saulteaux are also known as the Ontario Saulteaux. They live around Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods. These areas are in Northwestern Ontario and southeastern Manitoba. Many Ontario Saulteaux First Nations signed Treaty 3.

Their language is a form of Anishinaabemowin. It is sometimes called Northwestern Ojibwa language or simply Ojibwemowin. Today, many members speak English as their first language. The culture of the Ontario Saulteaux comes from the Eastern Woodlands traditions.

Manitoba Saulteaux Communities

The Central Saulteaux are mostly found in eastern and southern Manitoba. They also extend west into southern Saskatchewan. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, they moved northwest. They partnered with the Cree in the fur trade. They settled in the Swan River and Cumberland areas of Manitoba. They also moved into Saskatchewan along the Assiniboine River.

Once they settled, the Saulteaux adopted some customs from their allies, the Plains Cree and Assiniboine. Because of this, the Manitoba Saulteaux are sometimes called Plains Ojibwe. Many Manitoba Saulteaux First Nations signed Treaty 1 and Treaty 2. Their culture is a mix of Eastern Woodlands and Plains traditions. The term Bungi or Bungee is sometimes used for Manitoba Saulteaux. It can also refer to their Métis population. The Métis are people with mixed Indigenous and European heritage. Their language is called the Bungi language.

Western Saulteaux Communities

The Western Saulteaux live mainly in central Saskatchewan. They also extend into southwestern Manitoba and central Alberta. You can find them in eastern British Columbia too. They call themselves Nakawē (ᓇᐦᑲᐍ). This is their own name for their people.

The nearby Plains Cree call them Nahkawiyiniw (ᓇᐦᑲᐏᔨᓂᐤ). This word has a similar meaning. Their language is Nakawēmowin (ᓇᐦᑲᐍᒧᐏᐣ). It is also known as Western Ojibwa language. Like most First Nations, many members speak English as their main language. Many Western Saulteaux First Nations signed Treaty 4 and Treaty 6. The Saulteau First Nations in British Columbia signed Treaty 8. The Western Saulteaux culture is based on the Plains culture.

Saulteaux Communities and Their People

Here are some of the Saulteaux communities. The population numbers are from May 2013, unless noted.

Notable Saulteaux Individuals

Many Saulteaux people have made important contributions. Here are a few examples:

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