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Rainy River (Manitou Rapids) First Nation
HistoryRainy River First Nations are direct descendants of the Saulteaux Ojibway tribes that initially populated the shores of the Ontario Rainy River. Settlements ranged from the east mouth of the Rainy River to the western regions of Lake of the Woods. Archeological evidence has revealed habitation dating back as far as 10,000 years.
The thriving, lush habitat of the woodland Rainy River area provided all of the necessary ingredients for survival, including natural shelter from the elements and abundant fishing, trapping and hunting grounds. Gathering of regional plants, roots and berries and “ziibing” or harvesting of wild rice added to the menu. Spring marked the annual “sturgeon spawn”, reason for surrounding tribes to gather for feasting and celebrating.
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The Rainy River Ojibways were renowned for their birch bark creations, including wigwams (covered shelters), canoes, baskets and sacred scroll paintings. Various forms of pottery was shaped and modeled from natural clay obtained from the riverbeds, and vibrant designs of floral patterned beadwork were also traditional trademarks of the Ojibway.
With natural waterways extending as far as the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Rainy River First Nations were ideally situated at the centre of an active network of established trade routes. “Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung” (The Place of Long Rapids), was Manitou Rapid’s designated meeting and trading destination. With a 5,000 to 6,000 year history, this site is regarded as sacred to present day.
In 1873, seven individual First Nations, including Rainy River First Nation, were signatory to Treaty #3, otherwise known as the “North West Angle Treaty”, with seven separate sites surveyed for reserve land.
During 1914-1915, six of the seven Nations signed to Treaty #3 surrendered their land to the Crown, leaving Rainy River First Nation with 2,464 hectares of designated reserve land, initially referred to as “Manitou Rapids Reserve”. Former members of Little Forks, Long Sault and Hungry Hall First Nations presently belong to Rainy River First Nation.
2005 celebrated a historic 90-year land claim settlement between the Government of Canada, the province of Ontario and the members of Rainy River First Nation. The First Nation was awarded 18,725 hectares of original homeland that was part of the 1914-1915 land surrender, to be developed over a 40 year period.
Geography
Rainy River First Nation is situated 39 kilometers west of Fort Frances, Ontario. Presently occupying 2,464 hectares of reserve land, an additional land area of 18,725 hectares was awarded in 2005, relating to outstanding surrendered land claim issues from the previous century.
Approximately 760 members are registered to Rainy River First Nation, with close to 240 members residing on reserve land. The Nation is governed by the Pwi-di-goo-zing Ne-yaa-zhing Avisory Services Tribal Council and the Grand Council of Treaty #3.
Arts and Culture
Rainy River First Nation is a community dedicated to the restoration and preservation of its ancestral Ojibway culture and tradition. Individual achievements acquired through personal commitment and discipline reflects on the whole.
Al Hunter is a published poet and author, with his works exploring First Nations history and heritage. In the summer of 2000, he and his wife led a sacred 1,200 mile journey around Lake Superior, encouraging the community to “bring forth visions to protect the air, land and water”, and in March of the same year, he was named “Anishinaabe Achiever of the Treaty #3 Nation” for his outstanding contributions to education and the environment.
Robert Horton-Rosten is applying his invaluable education in Sociology to the betterment of his Rainy River home community. Combining his university knowledge with that of his respected Elders and local experts, he has developed an Anishinaabe focused curriculum that is presently being adopted into the Rainy River Board of Education and the school district’s Aboriginal studies program. Upon completion of his Masters, he hopes to teach traditional Anishinaabemowin at the instructor level.
Carissa Copenace resonates with her Anishinaabe name of “Nigaan-niga-bawik”, meaning “female leader”. With a collection of academic and leadership awards already to her name, Carissa was appointed one of twelve 2007/2008 national role models for aboriginal youth, chosen from 150 nominees. 2007 also earned her top position in the Miss Manito Ahbee Pageant. An accomplished jingle dress dancer, Carissa is educated in Ojibway language, culture and traditions and aspires to work with Aboriginal youth.
The Elders of Rainy River First Nation are held in the highest regard and are routinely sought after for their guidance and wisdom. Respected community Elders, such as Ann Wilson, speak at organized First Nations gatherings to remind attentive audience members that we are all connected in a delicate web of life, and that each of us holds the responsibility to treat ourselves and every element of creation with reverence.
Rainy River First Nation is host to an Annual Sobriety Traditional Pow Wow, generally held in early spring. 2008 marked the 8th consecutive year of this welcome celebration. Without question, the 2,000 year old sacred burial site of “Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung”, meaning “The Place of the Long Rapids” is the most direct link to Rainy River First Nations’ ancient ancestors.
Once a vibrant, continent-wide trading destination, the site now houses 20 – 25 burial mounds, the largest of its kind in Canada. The sacred mounds edging the river terraces of Rainy River and Long Sault Rapids were declared a National Historic Site in 1970.
With architects working to create a reproduction of a tribal Elder’s vision, a world-class Interpretive Cultural Centre was built at Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung, over three decades in the making, officially opening in 1999. Also known as “Manitou Mounds”, (Manitou meaning “Spirit), the Centre is literally built into a riverbank, containing five galleries with over 10,000 artifacts, a conservation lab, a gift shop and restaurant serving traditional Ojibway cuisine. Manitou Mounds attracts thousands of annual visitors, eager to observe displays and interpretations of ancient Ojibway culture.
As the original ancestors of the Ojibway people would gather in the spring to feast and celebrate the spawning of the sturgeon, present day members of Rainy River First Nation carry on the yearly tradition by hosting an Annual Fish Fry held in May at Manitou Mounds. The event attracts more than 1,500 attendees and celebrates the success of the community and honors the partnerships formed in the creation of Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung.
Achievements and Progression
The Rainy River First Nation economy is sustained through a combination of forestry, farming, and land leasing. Locally owned and operated industries included a wild rice processor and distributor, sawmill and an economic development company.
Rainy River community members have access to a community hall and recreation centre, health clinic, Child and Family Services, a Mennonite church, and a homemakers program. A fire hall, ambulance service and First Nations Policing are also available.
Joe Hunter of Rainy River First Nation was appointed Hatchery Manager of “Manitou Fish Hatchery Ltd.”, a progressive sturgeon hatchery that provides “fingerlings” to both state and tribal governments in Wisconsin, Missouri and Minnesota, where sturgeon populations were dangerously depleted. The ten million year old prehistoric fish that once thrived in the Rainy River area were grossly over harvested during the European trade era. At the urging of Rainy River Elders in 1995, the Nation took on the challenge of the implementation and training necessary to establish the hatchery, which continues to contribute to increased sturgeon populations in their original breeding waters.
“Pwi-di-goo-zing Ne-yaa-zhing Advisory Services” is the governing Tribal Council of seven First Nations, including Rainy River, within the surrounding area. Providing services including Economic Development, Housing, Financial, Technical, Indian Registration and Fire Protection, they strive to incorporate traditional Anishinaabe culture and practices into their services and training offered to local First Nations.
“Seven Generations Education Institute”, established in 1985, offers educational instruction at the secondary, post-secondary and vocational levels to Rainy River First Nations and First Nations in the Rainy Lake area. The Institute endeavors to blend contemporary technology with cultural Ojibway traditional teachings in an effort to offer programs that contribute to the progression of First Nation education and opportunity.
The members of Rainy River First Nation community have faced daunting challenges to reclaim and restore their cultural and traditional roots. At the heart of these gentle, spiritual people, lives the essence of their true nature that is clearly reflected in their resolution.
As keeper and caretaker of their sacred homeland, the Ojibways of Rainy River First Nation recognize and accept their ethical responsibilities. In their offering of the historical Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung site, the Rainy River First Nations of today seek to honor the intentions of their ancient ancestors, to graciously preserve, respect and share that which was offered to them.
Just the Facts Please (Source: 2006 Statistics Canada Census)
2006 Population 261
2001 Population 239
Population Fluctuation +9.2%
Land Area (square km) 71.03
Population Density (per square km) 3.7
Total Private Dwellings 97
Total Population 15 Years and Over n/a
Knowledge of Aboriginal Language n/a
