Swampy Cree facts for kids

The Swampy Cree people are a group of Cree Nation members. They are also known by names like Néhinaw or Mushkekowuk. Sometimes, people call them Lowland Cree or Homeguard Cree.

These communities live in northern Manitoba, along the Saskatchewan River in northeastern Saskatchewan, and near Hudson Bay and James Bay in Ontario.

The Swampy Cree are divided into two main groups, mostly because of where they live and the way they speak their language:

• Western Swampy Cree: They call themselves Mushkego or Mushkegowuk. They speak the western dialect of the Swampy Cree language.
• Eastern Swampy Cree: Also known as Western James Bay Cree, they call themselves Omaškêkowak or Omushkego. They live along the western shores of Hudson and James Bay. They speak the eastern dialect of the Swampy Cree language.

First Meetings with Europeans

The Swampy Cree in Manitoba first met Europeans around the year 1600. This happened near the mouths of the Nelson River and Hayes River in northern Manitoba. A group from the Hudson's Bay Company traveled about 100 miles inland and recorded this meeting.

Swampy Cree Communities Today

The Cree people have many different groups. The Swampy Cree are one of these important groups. They are known for living in the lowlands and swampy areas.

Today, many different First Nations communities are part of the Swampy Cree. Some other Cree groups, like the Moose Cree, sometimes also identify as Swampy Cree because of their shared history and culture.

Here are some of the First Nations communities connected to the Swampy Cree: