Page 47 - Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Employment and Economic

Development

Before the Europeans came into the area that is now called
Ontario, the Anishinaabeg hunted, fished, and gathered food.
Hunting 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, although hunting
and gathering was practised regularly by members until the 1980s.
In the not so distant past, some families relied heavily on trapping
and fishing for food, as well as for income to support their
families. We remember Casswell, Ernie, and Percy Edgar, as well
as Arnold and Elwyn Goose when we think of this way of life.

Similar to many communities, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island WORDS TO KNOW
First Nation has had obstacles to overcome in developing a sustainable economy:
sustainable economy beyond farming for our people. Living on making income in a way that
meets human needs while
an island and having no water access were major obstacles to
protecting the environment for
growth. We have found ways to work around these problems future generations
and continue to develop and grow our ventures. The leasing of
farmland to non-Indigenous farmers and the development of the
Great Blue Heron Casino have both been creative responses to a
need for employment and economic growth for us.

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation 45

ogemawahj_community_book4.indd 45 2019-02-27 10:40 AM