Page 20 - Moose Deer Point First Nation

Moose Deer Point First Nation: A Timeline of Events

1000–1700s People of the Three Fires Confederacy move into the Great Lakes Basin.

1763 Royal Proclamation issued by King George III declares the Great Lakes area beyond the
Appalachian Mountains to be First Nations territory and strictly off limits to settlers. This
agreement is made in writing and with a wampum belt.

1775–1794 The American Revolution or War of Independence takes place in the United States as
Americans fight against the British. Many First Nations, including many Pottawatomi,
support the British. Those who remain in the United States afterwards are shocked
to learn that lands they see as theirs are given up to the United States by the British.
Americans maintain that First Nations had given up their title to the land when they
sided with the British.

1795 Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe offers shelter in Canadian territory to First
Nations people living in the United States.

1812 During the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States, 10 000 First Nations
people ally with the British. Of those, 2000 are Pottawatomi living in the United States.
Britain’s use of First Nations allies proves to be “the single most important factor in the
successful defense of Upper Canada.”
In ending the war, the British give up Fort Michilimackinac—an important fort where
the Pottawatomi received gifts as allies of the British Crown. A new post is made at
Drummond Island, located between Michigan and Manitoulin Island. The British custom
of gift giving to military allies continues through the Drummond Island Indian Agency.

1828 In 1828, Drummond Island is determined to be American, and the Drummond Island
Indian Agency begins to move to land now known as Penetanguishine, Ontario. The
Pottawatomi also begin to move to this location.

18 Moose Deer Point First Nation

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