Area History
Oral history tells of a time when the Anishnaabe traveled Northern Ontario's intricate network of lakes and rivers. The Aboriginal people in our area were skilled hunters, fishers and gatherers. An intimate knowledge of the ecosystems emphasized lifestyles that were in balance with nature.
The abundance of natural resources varied considerably from one region to another providing a basis for trade within and among Aboriginal nations. Trade was often pursued to gain prestige and to build and maintain alliances.
In fact, in our region, archeologists have discovered artifacts such as turquoise from as far away as Mexico in our region – evidence that trade routes were extensive.
In addition, remnants of historic gathering places and historic pictographs depicting the Anishnaabe clans of the area can still be seen today.
The fur trade factored prominently in Canada's early development in the 1500's with the French amongst the first to establish relations and trade with the local Anishnaabe people.
The Anishinabek in our area have entered into many treaties since 1764, treaties that protect our rights and privileges.
The Great Treaty of Niagara of 1764 marked the beginning of peaceful relations with Great Britain.
In 1867, the British Imperial Parliament granted to Canada, a charter of limited self-government entitled the "British North America Act" wherein Section 91 (24) assigned to the general government of Canada "the responsibility for Indians, and Lands reserved for Indians."
And in 1981, the Canadian Constitution was repatriated to Canada and Section 35 continues to protect the "existing rights" of the Anishinabek.
The family of First Nations form the region encompassed by The Great Spirit Circle Trail – are known as Anishinabek – the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi people.
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