The Nipissings (Niibisings)

Introduction This is by no means an accurate account of how things actually happened, but I like the story - it would make a great movie. This story is derived from a great book written by a chiropractor, of all people. The late Dr. Leatherdale practiced his trade in North Bay after the war and I guess he had an interest in local history. He met with a number of elders from the reserves and gathered some of their stories of their history as it was passed by oral tradition. He also researched what records that existed at that time, which included some Jesuit writings. I read the story in the late 60's and it stirred a bit of pride in me for my heritage which, up till then, that pride was non-existant. The book began a journey of learning which lead me to visit many native teachers and medicine people. This path is still very evident in my travels today. Another Disclaimer It may seem that I take some liberities in writing this account and if what is written here is contrary to your own understanding of the history, please consider the offering with an open mind. A Short Story The Nipissing Nation existed since the retreat of the ice during the ice age some 10,000 years ago. They, and many other tribes, moved north following the melting ice until they arrived in the Great lakes. Back then, the tribes moved nomadically, to follow the game and to harvest what bounties mother Earth provided. Lake Nipissing eventually became home to a small Algonquin speaking tribe that were called the 'Nipissings' by the fur traders who found them. These people were one of the foremost native traders in the New World, which prompted the fur traders built a fort on the shores of the lake to trade with them. The name Nipissing, I believe, comes from a Ashinawbe word Neebising, or place of the elms. There were many of these trees around the lake back in that time. In the late 1700's, the Iroquois nation was on the move and with the blessing of the British who controlled much of upper Canada, the Iroquois invaded most of Ontario's native lands. They did this in a series of invasions of each native nation in succession over the years. Taking over a territory, the Iroquois would make a treaty with the neighboring nation until the Iroquois had enough warriors and supplies to conquer the adjoining nation.. The Iroquois began in upper New York state and eventually controlled all of the land of southern Ontario, up to the edge of the Nipissing territory where they stopped, and made a treaty with the Nipissings. The peace lasted for many years. As was the custom, with most tribes, shaman were used for guidance for hunting, war strategy or general consulting. This book told of the Nipissing's shaman, who had a vision after spending a number of days on a secluded island in a sweat lodge. The vision was about an impending invasion of the Iroquois. When he told the tribe about the vision, they immediately began packing to move. The Iroquois were indeed on the move for invasion. The Nipissings barely escaped, traveling up the Ottawa river north, with the Iroquois warriors in hot pursuit. The entire tribe made it to the Cree nation, who controlled much of the northern territory from Hudson Bay and south to the upper edge of the Ashinawbe Nation. But the Cree did not want to be involved, and expelled the Nipissings. Finally the Nipissings ended up in Ashinawbe territory at the head of the Lake Nipigon - north of Lake Superior. As a footnote, this territory was not initially Ashinawbe territory as the Ashinawbe were a plains tribe living in what is now known as the Dakotas. The Sioux pushed them out of the plains when the Sioux appeared in the plains. The Sioux were originally from the east coast and many years before the coming of Columbus their shaman foresaw the coming of the Europeans. This nation decided to vacate the coast and go far enough inland in order to escape the impending invasion. But this is another story. Meanwhile, back at Lake Superior, the Ashinawbe decided to allow their allies, the Nipissings, refuge. So the Nipissings joined the Ashinawbe nation. Now the story gets better. The Ashinawbe, realizing the strategy of the Iroquois has put them next on the invasion list, decide to take action. The chiefs called a big meeting with the chiefs of the surrounding nations. A big pow wow that saw the Black Feet, Potawamys, Chippewas and other Great Lakes tribes get together in the biggest council of war this continent had seen. The alliance of tribes put together a flotilla of 10,000 war canoes which were used to transport the warriors and supplies. In brilliant piece of war strategy, their assault began on two fronts. One large group traveled down the lakes into Lake Huron and landed at Kettle Point (near Detroit). This group swept into the heart of the Iroquois territory, and fought their way east liberating the lands of Southern Ontario. The other group landed on Georgian Bay at a point north a couple hundred miles from the southern assault. This group fought their way through the Iroquois nation at this point. They then swept southward, effectively cutting off the supplies to the Iroquois to the north. In a beautifully designed pincher movement, this group met with the southern army and the war was effectively over. The mopping up of the Iroquois nation meant killing all of the men, but allowing women and children free. The Iroquois had captured many people during their reign, and these people were freed and allowed to return to their lands. But the devastation by the Iroquois was heavy as all of the previously captured nations were decimated. Therefore many of the Ashinawbe people settled in the areas that were now not occupied. This is why the Ashinawbe reserves can be found all over Ontario. This great nation was never defeated in war and sought peaceful co-existence the other nations and with the incoming settlers. Where are the Nipissings? They were absorbed into the Ashinawbe culture and lost their distinct identity. This not a bad thing. Traditionally wars captured people of other tribes. These people were used initially as slaves, but over time became members of the tribe. This way fresh blood was mixed into the gene pool. To be continued.... Return to Native Stuff