Page 44 - Beausoleil First Nation

Beausoleil First Nation
is rich in natural resources
such as fish, forests, and
agricultural land.
WORDS TO KNOW
Indian Agent: in the past, a
representative of the Canadian
government in charge of the
affairs of First Nations
42 Beausoleil First Nation
ogemawahj_community_book2.indd 42
Economic Development
Before the Europeans came into the area that is now called
Ontario, the Anishinaabeg hunted, fished, and gathered food.
Hunting of large game animals was mainly a job for men and
was carried out in the winter months. In the summer, most
of the family took part in fishing. Berry picking was a fun time
for the children, along with their grandmothers, mothers, and
aunties. When the Europeans arrived with their goods, we began
to trade with them. The missionaries introduced farming, and
some of the Anishinaabeg found it easier and more certain to
raise livestock and plant, rather than follow their food through
the bush by hunting and gathering.
Beausoleil First Nation is rich in natural resources such as
fish, forests, and agricultural land, which have been used at
various times in our history for a variety of purposes. When our
ancestors first moved to Christian Island, the Indian Agent who
lived on the island encouraged them to set up farms. At that
time, farmsteads were established on the island, along with
apple orchards. Later, logging, pheasant farming, and charcoal-
producing plants were started to take advantage of available
resources. These industries made profits for a time, but over the
years, we gave them up and started other industries.
2019-02-27 10:33 AM