Big Trout Lake First Nation

This band of Ojibwa's of Big Trout Lake First Nation live at far northwestern Ontario just south of Hudson Bay. Their communities are situated on an island in Big Trout Lake and adjacent to or near the north shores of Big Trout Lake. Three are located on Post Island. The others near Big Trout Lakes north shores. Big Trout Lake First Nation Reserve knows their territory extends northwest to the Shamattawa, Manitoba region. In fact, HBC (Hudson Bay Company) Records indicate an Ojibwa People named "Shu-ma-ta-way" lived from Albany River to Hayes River at northeast Manitoba. Trade was conducted from Fort Albany to Fort Severn (aka Severn House) then to York Factory by Shumataway Ojibwa's. HBC records listed Shumataway (Henley House River - it's mouth is 74 miles or 119 kilometers southeast of Ogoki) Ojibwa's as Northern Ojibwa's. Definition of "Shamataway" is from "Ki-je Man-i-to." The "ki-je" must be "mi-she." It's translation is "extensive." The "man-i-to" represents "insect." Ojibwa's from Marten Falls to Shamattawa pronounce it "Mi-shay Man-to." They stopped using the "i" vowel. A 'wa' was included to form a composite. Dropping the "mi from mi-shi" and use of "se and she" more frequently than not, is used. Each "Se-man-to-wa and She-man-to-wa or Shi-man-to-wa," are used yet HBC used "Sa-ma-ta-way." Ojibwa's use "Sha-ma-ta-wa." To clear up confusion we'll use "She Man-to'ong" to identify "Extensive Insect Place." Remember "wa" represents a composite or Ojibwa words to use in place of the "wa" composite. The 'ong' is a locative added to Ojibwa words ending with a vowel to identify locations. Pronunciation of "Shi Mantoong" is how it's written or "Shi Man-toong." Ojibwa's from Marten Falls to Shamattawa will agree each summer the name lives up to it's reputation. Other Ojibwa's HBC (Hudson Bay Company) Staff listed as Northern Ojibwa include the Mithquagomow (Red or Bloody River), Ougibowy (Winnipeg River), Uinescaw-Sepee (Winisk River), Wapus (Hare River or Rabbit River), Nameu-Se-pee (Trout River - Big Trout Lake are from them), Cristianaux (Lake Winnipeg and Nipigon) and Mistehay Sakahegan (Great Lake Winnipeg). The Christianaux are Cree Ojibwa's. We'll indentify Big Trout Lake Ojibwa's as "She Man-to Waag" Ojibwa's.

All Northern Ojibwa's are "She Manto Waag." Near Churchill the tree line tells observers the Barren Lands are before them. Few Ojibwa's made the Barren Lands their home. No fuel source prevented them from settling throughout the Barren Lands. Only those Ojibwa's forced to live at the Barren Lands for military reasons could obtain a supply of fuel to last them throughout the year. Trees grow as far north as Dubawnt (Carter) Lake and Yathkyed Lake at Nunavut. East of Yathkyed Lake then southeast to the northeast boundary of Manitoba, few or no trees grow. What trees grow at Nunavut do not cover the entire land area. More trees at the south of Nunavut and fewer the closer to Dubawnt Lake and Yathkyed Lake. A large Ojibwa population lived from the Manitoba/Nunavut Border to Dubawnt Lake and Yathkyed Lake. East of that region few people lived. The Ojibwa Navy used Hudson Bay to bring large amounts of peat from boglands and peatlands adjacent to and west of Hudson Bay at north Manitoba, when Hudson Bay was ice free during the warmer months, to the north Barren Lands. That allowed an Ojibwa Population to exist at the Barren Lands north of Dubawnt Lake and Yathkyed Lake. Ojibwa canoes were sturdy and could carry heavy loads of supplies. Their larger canoes could hold 20 to 40 sailors. Their average canoes perhaps 6 to 8 people. Ojibwa's also used kyaks. According to Samuel Hearne, while at Clowey Lake (it's location is Garde Lake and not McArthur Lake) Ojibwa's built canoes similar in appearance to their regular canoes yet were smaller and needed at least one person to lay down in it to keep the vessel from capsizing. It meant at least two people had to be in the vessel when used. Though Hearne made no mention of a cover, it's likely Ojibwa's did provide a cover for their smaller canoes. That allowed for one of more passengers to lay inside the canoe. Hearne created a drawing of the canoes Ojibwa's built at Clowey Lake. Inuit People did not invent the kyak. She Manto Waag Territory extended far up to the north Barren Lands and the Arctic Ocean.

To better define the history of Big Trout Lake First Nation and Northern Ojibwa's, a line from the mouth of Albany River to South Indian Lake where Churchill River is is necessary. HBC used that line to determine Lowland Cree (they are really Eskimos or the Inuit) Territory. HBC also referred to Upland Cree yet they are Northern Ojibwa's. Lowland Cree feared Upland Cree and were quick to leave HBC Forts if Ojibwa's were known to be nearby. Another group HBC staff were not honest about were Ojibwa's who were lured to HBC Forts by use of alcohol and opium. HBC staff tossed out alcohol and opium to lure in iditoic Ojibwa's who were quick to become addicts. So addicted to alcohol and opium were they, pimping their women was very common and over trapping as well. They protected HBC Forts and Trade Posts and supplied them with food and were lawless or rejected the Ojibwa Totemic System which governed Ojibwa People. They made their women do all their work and often beat and murdered them. Feuds among them frequently led to murders and revenge murders. That process continues now. Instead of paying attention to what's going on, far too many non whites become gang members. Unbeknownst to them, European leaders conspired 100's of years ago (before 1492) to cause civil unrest among them.

Lowland Cree or the Inuit, feared those Ojibwa's who became alcohol and drug addicts. Inuit People were not addicts. Europeans (the Russians) brought them to North America to fight their wars for them. Thus, they kept alcohol and opium from them. Upland Cree or iditotic Ojibwa's addicted to alcohol and opium, always kept close to HBC Forts and Trade Posts. They feared Ojibwa's more than the Inuit feared them. Ojibwa Soldiers patrolled their land and kept the Europeans, Inuit and idiotic Ojibwa's from expanding west. European leaders had an objective of gaining control of the Northwest Passage. At Alaska, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories the Russians were established with their Inuit allies. At Hudson Bay the English were established with their Inuit allies and idiotic Ojibwa's who they didn't trust. In 1774, they did sneak their way to what is now the Cumberland House region at Saskatchewan and established a fort. Russians also commenced to expand at Alaska in 1774. Earlier, Italians had established trade posts as far west as near what is now Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. After they converted the trade posts to forts, Ojibwa leaders became outraged. Italians had broke treaty agreements. The 1750-1763 War followed. During that conflict Ojibwa Soldiers destroyed all Italian Forts at Manitoba and Saskatchewan. After 1774-1794's War or during a truce in that conflict in 1784, treaties were signed in late 1784 and early 1785 that established very large Ojibwa Reservations. However, Ojibwa Soldiers continued to wage war against white invaders illegally settling Kentucky. Ojibwa leaders demanded a large Ojibwa Reservation at Kentucky yet American leaders refused to share land south of Ohio River. That kept 1774-1794's War in progress. Instead of sharing land south of Ohio River, American leaders opted to send American Soldiers to Indiana to attempt to stop Ojibwa Soldiers from that region, from reinforcing Ojibwa's native to Kentucky. Per treaty agreements from 1783, Ojibwa leaders allowed their English enemies to establish forts and trade posts at Saskatchewan and north Alberta, north British Columbia and Northwest Territories. Europeans now had control of the Northwest Passage.

Upland Cree or those idiotic Ojibwa's addicted to alcohol and opium, willingly helped the English establish forts far west of Hudson Bay. Ojibwa Soldiers eventually drove them to central British Columbia by the early 19th century where they're known as the Carrier Tribe. They obtained that name because they ventured from HBC Forts at Hudson Bay's west and south shores, to bring European trade items (most was alcohol and opium) to unsuspecting Ojibwa's. That's how their population increased. HBC staff referred to them as the Cree. However, they used Beaver Tribe more frequently and also Keskatchewan which refers to Saskatchewan River including Hayes River which is really Saskatchewan River.

From that line mentioned earlier that extends from Albany Rivers mouth to South Indian Lake where Chruchill River is, the idiotic Beaver Tribe trapped. However, it was a very dangerous task yet they were so addicted to alcohol and drugs they risked it. Ojibwa Soldiers eventually brought those idiotic Ojibwa's living at or near HBC Forts at Hudson Bay back under their control. However, by mid 19th century, changes took place that forced an ease in Ojibwa control of that entire region. During the 1830's the revolver was invented. That placed Ojibwa's at a disadvantage. A Christian Mission was established near Norway House (Rossville) where whites corrupted Ojibwa Language. HBC staff armed the Inuit and Ojibwa's addicted to alcohol and opium with revolvers. That action altered everything. Inuit People made their way to the Norway House region and the land to the north and south (Red River Colony). Ojibwa Soldiers could not dominate them using bows and arrows. Peter Jacobs wrote of a pale looking Eskimo people at York Factory. He was angry while at Norway House and York Factory in 1852. After 1850, the whites no longer needed the Inuit and eventually stopped supplying them with revolvers. By late 19th century both the Inuit and Ojibwa's were helping each other.

For Northern Ojibwa's we'll include these following as Shumataway Ojibwa's: Shumataway Ojibwa's are Albany River (Kenogami River) Ojibwa's (Albany River does not continue on west yet extends south to Long Lake then Lake Superior where it's known as Kenogami River so we'll name that portion they refer to as Albany River "North Branch Kenogami River" and that portion from Hudson Bay to where North Branch Kenogami River is "Kenogami River," and it does lead to Lake Superior), Attawapiskat River Ojibwa's, Uinescaw (Winiska) River Ojibwa's, Big Trout Lake (Nameu River) Ojibwa's, Sachigo River (it's known as Severn River yet satellite images clearly indicate Sachigo River flows to Hudson Bay and Severn River is a tributary of Sachigo River) Ojibwa's, Hayes River Ojibwa's, Nelson River Ojibwa's and Churchill River Ojibwa's. All must be identified as Shumataway Ojibwa's. Historically, they were reinforcements sent from east of Lake Superior to reinforce Ojibwa's already living between Kenogami River and Churchill River. Their territory actually extends to Quoich River and up to the Arctic Ocean. A war was going on between Ojibwa's and the Inuit sent to Hudson Bay by Europeans and idiotic Ojibwa's. English leaders did not trust their idiotic Ojibwa allies yet did use them to fight their wars. If HBC Forts had no supply of alcohol and opium, often they dealt with extremely angry Ojibwa's in need of alcohol and opium.

Big Trout Lake First Nation or in Ojibwa Language "Ga-mi Chi Na-me or Ga-mi Chi Na-me-goss" (Lake Big Trout), is an isolated Ojibwa community. Most Ojibwa's live on Post Island at Big Trout Lake First Nation that is connected to land adjacent to their north by a bridge and road. However, these communities are very isolated. Three of their communities are located along Big Trout Lakes north shores. The others are located on Post Island. Population of Big Trout Lake First Nation is 1,029 according to 2021's census. They have 289 dwellings with 276 lived in. Average household size is 3.7 persons per household. An estimated 3.9% of the population of Big Trout Lake First Nation is 70 years of age or older. Around 295 people speak Ojibwa Language at Big Trout Lake First Nation. Leaders of Big Trout Lake First Nation must agree with all leaders of Ojibwa First Nations at Ontario to petition Canada for a very large Ojibwa Reserve to be set aside at north Ontario. Cree People are really the Athabascan Beaver Tribe. There are no Cree First Nations at Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec! Below the photos are excerpts from very old books that will help educate you! Look for the 18th century maps. Instead of south to north they are from southeast to northwest. Churchill River is the north boundary. A few Assiniboine and Cree lived west of Lake Winnipeg but were driven to the northwest by 1800 by Ojibwa Soldiers. Churchill River was a boundary used in the 18th century. From Churchill, Manitoba to South Indian Lake, Manitoba to Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan to Buffalo Narrows, Saskatchewan where the source of Churchill River is, this river flows for 1,000 miles. It's source is Churchill Lake, Saskatchewan. All land north of Churchill River is Chipewyan land. Chipewyan is the correct pronunciation of O Chib-bwan or Chib-bwan which means "The Originals and Originals in Ojibwa Language." Remember that white leaders are suppose to prove to Native Americans that whites are the brothers and sisters of Native Americans!

Look for the mountain peak shape on the map. That's where Churchill is located. Churchill River is almost adjacent to Churchill Town. Part London of Hudson Bay is written above the mountain shaped peak. You can tell it's been violated! It should read "Part of Hudson Bay." Andrew Graham drew the map in 1774. In 1991, another source "Ruggles," either copied the 1774 map of Andrew Graham or changed it. Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba (Mantouabau) look awkward!. That's because the map is from southeast to northwest. Nekawawuck Indian Country represents Northern Ojibwa Territory. It's definition is not known. However, the "ne" represents point in Ojibwa Language so it refers to a place and people. Discovering what "ka-wa-wuck" means won't be easy! Word for "Freezing" in Ojibwa Language is either "Mash-ka-wad-ji-win or Ga-wad-ji-win." The 'd' is not pronounced. It's used to let learners know that the following 'j' is pronounced like judge, just, ect. Not like 'zhi.' Ne Ka-wa-wuck probably means "Point Freeze People." Pronunciation is "Nay Ga-wa-wug." An excellent description of the Churchill, Manitoba region! Of course, you've noticed the point where Churchill is! Keskachewan (Italians and the Beaver Tribe or Cree) Territory extends to almost Nunavut. Dogrib Territory (Ateemouspecky) Territory is located at southwest Nunavut.

This is a satellite image of the same region from google earth. It's from a southeast to northwest direction. It fits in well with the 1774 Andrew Graham Map. Lake Winnipeg looks almost similar to how it's depicted on the 1774 Andrew Graham Map.

What did they mean by "Keskachewans Resort Prior To European Settlements?" Were they indicating the Keskachewans resorted to migrate west. If they did resort to a west migration, Graham was writing about the establishment of Cumberland House at Saskatchewan in 1774. That would confirm the Keskachewans were Europeans with some of the Beaver Tribe (the Assiniboine and Cree) who sneaked their way to what is now the Cumberland House Region of Saskatchewan in 1774. Italians had already reached that area decades earlier! That's why Graham was familiar with that region! If Graham was referring to Italians reaching Manitoba and Saskatchewan in the 1730's and early 1750's that is! Fort de la Corne was built in 1753. It was located east of what is now Prince Albert, Saskatchewan almost adjacent to the east border of James Smith Reserve. Fort La Jonquiere was built in 1751 and was located near what is now Nipawin, Saskatchewan. Italians had established forts at south Manitoba in the 1730's. Using alcohol and drugs they lured in idiotic Ojibwa's (the Beaver Tribe or Assiniboine and Cree) who pitched their camps near the three Italian Forts built at south Manitoba. After Ojibwa Soldiers drove the Italians out during 1750-1763's War, those idiotic Ojibwa's relocated to European Forts adjacent to Hudson Bay. If Keskachewans do represent Europeans it means Northern Ojibwa Territory extends as far north as the Arctic Ocean! Graham wrote "NORTHERN KESKACHEWAN - BEAVER INDIANS." Cursive writing on the maps is very difficult to decipher. Graham was certainly referring to Europeans and idiotic Ojibwa's (the Assiniboine and Cree) as being the KESKACHEWANS AND BEAVER INDIANS. SOUTHERN KESKACHEWANS REPRESENT EUROPEANS OR ITALIAN'S. Evidently Italians continued to live at south Manitoba in the late 18th century. Though Graham wrote Assiniboine as Asenepoets we know who they are. Asenepoets is pronounced 'Ah-sin-ni-poats.' Read the following carefully. At Island Lake, Manitoba, Ojibwa leaders of Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake are so stupid they don't know what "Oji" means. It's a combined word meaning "The originals." The "O" means 'the' in Ojibwa Language. Similar in sound to the Ojibwa word for 'that' which is "aw." It's pronounced "ow." It ryhmes with 'cow.' Oji is from "O Tchi Bwa." Word for before as in original in Ojibwa Language is "Tchi Bwa." It's pronounced "Tchib Bwa." Some Ojibwa Language Dialects pronounce it "Ji Bwa or Jib Bwa." They're scared and looking for excuses!