Wabbicommicot facts for kids

Wabbicommicot (died 1768) was an important leader, also called a chief, of the Mississauga people. He worked hard to keep peace and good friendships between his tribe and the British. As a chief, Wabbicommicot led about 150 warriors.

Wabbicommicot's Life

We don't know exactly when Wabbicommicot was born. We first learn about him from British records in July 1761. These records describe a meeting he had with Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet. Sir Johnson was a British leader who worked with Indigenous peoples in the north. This meeting happened at Fort Niagara.

Working for Peace

At that time, there were rumors that some Seneca leaders were trying to start a fight against the British. Because of this, Sir Johnson traveled to Detroit to meet with tribes who had been friends with the French. Wabbicommicot went with Johnson on this trip. He thanked Johnson for bringing peace to "our Country which was in a treamor," meaning their land was very unsettled. However, the British had been cutting off important supplies to Indigenous peoples for years. This made it hard for Johnson to make things completely peaceful.

Challenges and Demands

During the winter of 1762–1763, Wabbicommicot told a trader in Toronto that Indigenous groups in the area were ready for war. They had heard that French soldiers would soon arrive to take back the land. Wabbicommicot said he was against this plan. But he also felt he could not stop his people from joining if war started.

In May 1763, Wabbicommicot went to Fort Niagara. He asked for important supplies for his people. He warned that if his request was not met, he could not promise that things would stay friendly. Even though Wabbicommicot was a friend to the British, news soon reached Fort Niagara. Some traders were attacked by Mississaugas near the Grand River.

Making Peace

In October 1763, Wabbicommicot traveled to Detroit. He offered peace to the British commander there. He said that not only his own tribe, but also the Ottawas and the Ojibwas, wanted peace in the region. To show they were serious, the Ojibwa people later released six prisoners.

By 1764, the fighting had stopped. In September of that year, Wabbicommicot was present when a major peace treaty was signed in Detroit. In the years that followed, Wabbicommicot continued his friendship with Sir Johnson at Fort Niagara. He often shared important news with Johnson. In 1767, the British asked Wabbicommicot to help stop illegal trading happening in Toronto.

In August 1768, some Mississaugas arrived at Fort Niagara. They told Sir Johnson that Wabbicommicot had passed away.