Waubojeeg facts for kids

Waubojeeg, also known as Waabojiig or "White Fisher" in the Ojibwe language, was a brave warrior and important chief of the Ojibwe people. He was born around 1747 near Chequamegon Bay, a place called Zhaagawaamikong on the western side of Lake Superior.

Waubojeeg belonged to the Adik (caribou) doodem (clan). His father, Mamongazeda ("King of the Loons"), was also a famous warrior who fought for the French during the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Even though Waubojeeg's family sometimes married people from the Dakota people during peaceful times, and he had Dakota relatives like the chief Wapasha I, Waubojeeg still fought in many battles against the Dakota and Meskwaki tribes. His children, especially his son Weshkii ("the renewer") and his daughter Ozhaguscodaywayquay, became well-known in the Sault Ste. Marie area, which was a big center for the fur trading business.

Waubojeeg's Life and Leadership

Waubojeeg was a strong leader who cared deeply about his people and their land. He was cautious of white settlers because they were moving onto Native lands.

A Chief's Decision: His Daughter's Marriage

One day, a young Scots-Irish fur trader named John Johnston fell in love with Waubojeeg's daughter, Ozhaguscodaywayquay. John Johnston asked the chief for permission to marry her. At first, Waubojeeg said no because he didn't trust white men. However, John Johnston proved his respect and love, and Waubojeeg eventually agreed to the marriage. John Johnston later became Waubojeeg's son-in-law.

The Warrior Poet: Waubojeeg's Battle Song

Besides being a respected warrior, Waubojeeg was also known for his poetry. He created a powerful poem called "Waubojeeg's Battle Song." His son-in-law, John Johnston, later translated this song into English. The poem talks about bravery, loss, and the hope for future generations to continue fighting for their people. It shows Waubojeeg's deep feelings about his community and their struggles.

"On that day when our heroes lay low, lay low,
On that day when our heroes lay low
I fought by their side, and thought, ere I died,
Just vengeance to take on the foe,
Just vengeance to take on the foe.

On that day, when our chieftains lay dead, lay dead,
On that day, when our chieftains lay dead,
I fought hand to hand at the head of my band,
And here on my breast have I bled, have I bled,
And here on my breast have I bled.

Our chiefs shall return no more, no more,
Our chiefs shall return no more -
Nor their brethren of war, who can show scar for scar,
Like women their fates shall deplore, deplore,
Like women their fates shall deplore.

Five winters in hunting we'll spend, we'll spend,
Five winters in hunting we'll spend,
Till our youth, grown to men, we'll to the war lead again,
And our days like our fathers' will end, will end,
And our days like our fathers' will end.