The boardwalk bridge over the Mindemoya River
The Anishnabek people of Wikwemikong are citizens of the Three Fires Confederacy: an alliance of Odawa, Ojibway and Pottawatomi nations. The Odawa inhabited Manitoulin Island or “Mnidoo Mnis” for many years prior to any other tribal settlements; and Manitoulin has been referred to as "Odawa Mnis”. Manitoulin Island has also been called “Ogemah Mnis”, the home of the ancestors as recorded by many chiefs having been buried here. The Ojibway arrived in Wikwemikong during the 1850s era treaties. These families continue to reside and contribute to the community.
In 1832, three Pottawatomi families were already settled in Wikwemikong. With the ratification of the 1833 Treaty of Chicago in 1835, the U.S. government agents forced the Pottawatomi and neighbouring tribes to sell their land. More than 3,000 Anishnabek consequently left their homelands. Pottawatomi families began to arrive in Canada around this time. Concurrently in 1836, the main objective of the Bond Head Treaty was to initiate the migration of Upper Canada First Nations to Manitoulin Island where they could live free from the influences of the encroaching white civilization.
The Upper Canada First Nations did not migrate to Manitoulin Island as intended. Therefore, in 1862, the Mcdougall Treaty was initiated and signed. This treaty targeted the surrender of unsold lands on Manitoulin Island. Wikwemikong did not sign the treaty and thus it became known as an Unceded Reserve. In 1968, an amalgamation took place among three bands: Manitoulin Island Reserve, Point Grondine and South Bay. This amalgamation created the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve.
The people of Wikwemikong take great pride in the living history, culture and language of their community and in the diverse traditional arts that are present. In 2006, the citizens of Wikwemikong formally implemented a community-based Anishnaabemowin Language Strategy to retain their language for all future generations. It was also during this time that the Department of Canadian Heritage designated Wikwemikong as one of several Cultural Capitals of Canada.
Located in Wikwemikong, Holy Cross Mission is the oldest Catholic Church in Northern Ontario. Construction began in 1849 (by Jesuit priests and local First Nations people) and Holy Cross Parish was officially dedicated in 1852. In 1954 the Church, Hall and residence were destroyed by a fire however the parish records and most of the items were saved by the alertness of some parishioners. The external walls of what was the residence remain today, and are used in the summer by the De-ba-jen-mu-jig Theatre Group to host theatrical productions.
Nearby, the village of Manitowaning is the first European Settlement on Manitoulin Island - the settlement was established in 1837. St. Paul's Anglican Church was built in 1845 and is the oldest Anglican Church in Northern Ontario.
Across from St Paul's Anglican Church is the Manitowaning Lighthouse, built in 1886.
For many years Manitowaning was a major shipping port on Manitoulin Island. The S.S. Norisle, on display at Heritage Park, was a former cargo and passenger ferry in service from 1946-1974. Manitoulin Roller Mills and Burn's Wharf were built in 1883 and contain some of the original machinery.
A little further north on the island is the community of Sheguiandah with a beautiful look-out spot overlooking Sheguiandah Bay in the North Channel.
Back to the B&B again - and thought you might like to see the view from the second storey deck that is for guest use. It was a lovely spot to have coffee in the mornings (and dinner too).
A mural painted on the side of the little local store/art gallery/coffee shop
Lake Huron - at Providence Bay
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