Temagami Island facts for kids

Temagami Island is a large island located in Lake Temagami in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. It's the biggest island in the lake, with Bear Island being the second largest. This beautiful island is a great place to explore nature and learn about history.

Discovering Temagami Island

Temagami Island is a special spot in the heart of Ontario. It's known for its amazing natural beauty and interesting past. The island is a popular destination for people who love the outdoors.

Exploring the Island's Nature

Temagami Island is covered in a unique type of forest called an old-growth forest. This means the trees have been growing for a very long time, some for hundreds of years! You'll find huge white pine and red pine trees here. These forests are home to many different plants and animals.

The island also has many hiking trails. These trails let you walk deep into the ancient forest, perfect for adventurers who want to see nature up close.

A Look at the Island's History

Temagami Island has an important history, especially when it comes to mining.

The Copperfields Mine Story

In 1954, a copper mine called Temagami Mine opened on the island. It later became known as Copperfields Mine. This mine was very important because it held a huge amount of a mineral called chalcopyrite, which is a type of copper ore. It was one of the largest discoveries of its kind in Canada! The mine operated for several years before closing in 1972.

The Discovery of Temagamite

Something very cool happened on Temagami Island in 1973, just after the mine closed. A brand new mineral was found there! This bright white mineral was named temagamite after the island where it was discovered. It's a type of palladium mercury telluride, which means it's made of palladium, mercury, and tellurium. Finding a new mineral is a rare and exciting event!

The Original People of the Land

Temagami Island is located within a larger area called n'Daki Menan. This land, which covers about 4,000 square miles (10,000 square kilometers), is the traditional homeland of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai people. They have lived on and cared for this land for a very long time, and it's an important part of their culture and history.

Fun at Camp Wabikon

Temagami Island is also home to Camp Wabikon. This is a residential summer camp for young people. Kids get to stay on the island, enjoy the beautiful nature, and participate in lots of fun activities during the summer months.