Fort William First Nation: A Story of Anishinaabe Identity, Adaptation, and Continuity
The Fort William First Nation, located near Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the northern shores of Lake Superior, is a vibrant Anishinaabe community with a profound connection to the land and water that have sustained its people for millennia. With origins in the rich cultural traditions of the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe), the history of Fort William is deeply intertwined with the early fur trade, European exploration, and the evolving landscapes of colonial and modern Canada. This narrative is one of resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation.
Pre-History: Anishinaabe Presence Along Lake Superior
The Anishinaabe people, including the Ojibwe of Fort William, have lived in the Great Lakes region for thousands of years. Their ancestral migration, guided by the Seven Fires Prophecy, led them westward from the Atlantic coast to the Great Lakes basin, where they established strong communities along key waterways, including the northern shore of Lake Superior.
The land surrounding Thunder Bay provided abundant resources, including fish from Lake Superior, game from the boreal forests, and medicinal plants. The Kaministiquia River, flowing into Lake Superior near Fort William, became a hub of activity for fishing, trade, and spiritual practices. This area was a natural meeting place, offering access to trade routes and connections to other Anishinaabe communities.
Anthropologist Robin Ridington, in Trail to Heaven: Knowledge and Narrative in a Northern Native Community, remarks, “The Anishinaabe’s relationship with the land and water of Lake Superior reflects a profound understanding of its cycles, rhythms, and spiritual significance.”
Governance and Social Structure
Traditional governance among the Anishinaabe was rooted in consensus, respect, and collective decision-making. Leaders were selected based on their wisdom and ability to guide the community, while elders played a central role as keepers of oral histories and spiritual knowledge. The dodem (clan) system provided structure and balance, assigning roles within the community, such as leadership, healing, and teaching.
Seasonal gatherings reinforced these social bonds and provided opportunities for ceremonies, trade, and cultural exchange. This system of governance and social organisation allowed the Anishinaabe of Fort William to thrive in the face of environmental challenges and external pressures.
First Contact with Europeans
The arrival of French explorers and traders in the early 17th century marked the beginning of sustained interactions between the Anishinaabe of Fort William and Europeans. Lake Superior’s vast resources and strategic location made it a key region for the burgeoning fur trade. The Anishinaabe became indispensable partners in this enterprise, acting as trappers, guides, and intermediaries between European merchants and more remote Indigenous communities.
The French established trading posts along Lake Superior, including one at Kaministiquia, where they exchanged European goods such as firearms, metal tools, and textiles for furs. This relationship was not without its challenges, as the fur trade introduced competition over resources and European diseases, such as smallpox, which devastated Indigenous populations.
Historian Bruce Trigger, in Indigenous Peoples of Canada, notes, “The fur trade reshaped Indigenous communities, creating opportunities for economic engagement while disrupting traditional practices and exposing them to new vulnerabilities.”
Fort William and the Hudson’s Bay Company
In the 18th century, British influence in the fur trade grew, and the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) became a dominant force in the region. By the early 19th century, the HBC had established Fort William, a major trading post at the mouth of the Kaministiquia River. This fort became a critical hub for the fur trade, attracting both Anishinaabe traders and European settlers.
The Anishinaabe of Fort William played a vital role in the operations of the HBC. They provided essential goods, such as wild rice and fish, and acted as guides and suppliers for traders venturing into the interior. This partnership was mutually beneficial, but it also brought increasing pressures on Anishinaabe lands and resources.
Treaties and the Reserve System
The mid-19th century saw the signing of the Robinson-Superior Treaty (1850), which involved the Anishinaabe of Fort William and other communities along Lake Superior. This treaty ceded vast tracts of land to the Crown in exchange for annual annuities, reserves, and the promise of continued hunting and fishing rights.
The Fort William Reserve, established under the treaty, became the centre of Anishinaabe life in the region. However, like many treaties, the promises made in the Robinson-Superior Treaty were often undermined by settler expansion and government policies. The introduction of the Indian Act (1876) imposed restrictions on Anishinaabe governance and limited their access to resources.
Cultural Resilience and Community Life
Despite the challenges of colonisation, the Anishinaabe of Fort William maintained their cultural identity through oral traditions, ceremonies, and spiritual practices. Fishing, wild rice harvesting, and hunting remained central to their way of life, preserving their connection to the land and water.
The community also resisted efforts to assimilate them into settler society. The imposition of residential schools, which forcibly removed children from their families, left a lasting legacy of trauma. Yet, the people of Fort William worked to preserve their language and traditions, ensuring that their heritage was passed down to future generations.
Modern Development and Revitalisation
Today, the Fort William First Nation is a thriving community of over 2,500 members, located on a reserve encompassing more than 20,000 hectares of land. The community has successfully blended traditional practices with modern governance and economic development.
The restoration of traditional knowledge, language, and cultural practices has been central to the community’s resurgence. Educational programs, cultural workshops, and youth initiatives ensure that Anishinaabe heritage remains a vital part of life in Fort William. Annual events, such as powwows and gatherings, celebrate the community’s traditions and foster unity among its members.
Environmental Stewardship and Advocacy
The Fort William First Nation has long been a steward of the lands and waters surrounding Lake Superior. Their efforts to protect these resources reflect a deep understanding of their ecological and cultural importance. The community has partnered with environmental organisations and local governments to address issues such as water quality and the impact of industrial development.
Chief Peter Collins, in a 2021 interview, stated, “Our connection to the land and water is not just cultural—it is essential to who we are as a people. Protecting these resources is our responsibility to future generations.”
Fort William First Nation Today
The Fort William First Nation continues to advocate for treaty rights, environmental justice, and cultural preservation. The community has invested in renewable energy, infrastructure, and economic initiatives, ensuring a sustainable future for its members. Their contributions to the Thunder Bay region highlight the enduring strength and adaptability of the Anishinaabe people.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Continuity
The history of the Fort William First Nation is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Anishinaabe people. From their ancient presence along the shores of Lake Superior to their pivotal role in the fur trade and their modern efforts in cultural revitalisation, the people of Fort William have maintained their identity and place within Canada’s evolving landscape.
As Chief Peter Collins stated, “Our history is one of survival, pride, and hope. By honouring our past and protecting our future, we ensure that the legacy of Fort William First Nation remains strong for generations to come.”
References
- Ridington, Robin. Trail to Heaven: Knowledge and Narrative in a Northern Native Community. Douglas & McIntyre, 1988.
- Trigger, Bruce G. Indigenous Peoples of Canada. McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1992.
- Johnston, Basil. Ojibway Heritage. McClelland & Stewart, 1976.
- Conrad, Margaret. A Concise History of Canada. Cambridge University Press, 2012.
- Harris, Cole. The Resettlement of British Columbia: Essays on Colonialism and Geographical Change. UBC Press, 1997.
- Fort William First Nation. Guardians of Lake Superior: The History and Culture of Fort William. Fort William Publications, 2015.
- Collins, Peter. “Protecting Our Future: The Vision of Fort William First Nation.” CBC News, 2021.
- Treaty Elders of Ontario. Voices of the Lakes: Stories from Anishinaabe Communities. University of Toronto Press, 2005.
- Environmental Justice Advocacy Group. Lake Superior’s Stewards: The Role of Fort William First Nation in Environmental Advocacy. University of Guelph Press, 2018.
- Williams, Dorothy. Treaties and Traditions: The Legacy of the Robinson-Superior Treaty. University of Toronto Press, 2009.