Moose Cree First Nation

Typical residential street in Factory Island 1 Indian Reserve, Moose Factory.

The Moose Cree First Nation (formerly known as Moose Factory Band of Indians) is a Cree First Nation band government in northern Ontario, Canada. Their traditional territory is on the west side of James Bay. The nation has two reserves: Factory Island 1 (the northern two-thirds of Moose Factory Island); and Moose Factory 68, a tract of land about 15 km upstream on the Moose River covering 168.82 square kilometres (65.18 sq mi).

History

The Cree were a peaceful nation who, for most of the year, would travel to and from harvesting areas, living off the land. During the summer months they traveled on the waterways by canoe: harvesting and preserving fish, berries and other food staples. Bountiful waterfowl was harvested during the fall months along the shores of the James Bay. Prior to the arrival of harsh winter months, the families made their way to their wintering grounds where they would harvest big game and small fur bearing animals. Just prior to the spring thaw, the Cree families hunted waterfowl as they migrated north. Thus was the annual cycle of the Swampy Cree.

The early exposure to the European society had drastically influenced the lifestyle of the local inhabitants of the area. A fur trading post was "established" in Moose Factory area in 1673 by the Hudson's Bay Company. As a result, the Cree began to congregate in and around the fur trade post and became deeply exposed to European lifestyle. Today, Moose Factory holds the "distinction" of being Ontario's oldest English speaking settlement.

In 1905, on behalf of the King of England, treaty commissioners negotiated a treaty with Moose Cree First Nation. Treaty #9 was signed on the ninth day of August 1905. To view the contents of Treaty No 9 go to: [1] Two tracts of land were subsequently set aside for use and "benefit" of Moose Cree First Nation members. Moose Factory Indian reserve #1 is located on the Moose Factory Island. It occupied approximately two thirds of the island. The second tract of land, namely, Moose Factory Indian reserve #68 is located approximately 10 miles south from Moose Factory at the mouth of the French River.

The name "Moose Factory" is derived from its location on the Moose River as well as from the fur trade era of the Hudson's Bay Company. The officer in charge of the fur trading post was referred to as the "factor". Another account is that the name originates from the name of the river and a furniture factory that was once located within the community.

As of September 2014 the total population of Moose Cree First Nation is 4,440. Moose Cree's website: www.moosecree.com

External links

• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada: First Nation Detail
• The Moose Cree First Nation Website
• Moose Cree Education Authority
• Mushkegowuk Council