Exploring Minnesota Chapter 4: The Ojibwe

Introduction  The Dakota Sioux took control of the Gull Lake area sometime in the early 1600s. Pushed the Blackduck Indians northward into the Boundary Waters area. (Lund)  The Dakota knew that they were not alone in the world sometimes trading with other Indians and hearing about native nations from beyond the lands that they knew about.  One day they heard that another people had settled at the eastern edge of their lands.

Introduction continued  In many ways, these people were much like the Dakota, living in forests and moving with the seasons, hunting games, harvesting wild rice and making sugar from maple sap.  Also, different living in wigwams and using birchbark canoes instead of dugout ones. They also spoke a different language.

Introduction continued  Ojibwe first moved to land near Sault St. Marie waterfalls.  Dakota called them Hahatonwan, or People of the Falls.  Some began to move closer to the Dakota and battles began to break out as both groups watched each other cautiously.

A People on the Move  The new neighbors called themselves Anisnaabe – The People.  Unlike the Dakota, they had a history of migration, which (like the Dakota) is told through Oral Tradition. See pg

A New Way of Life  In the 1600s, other Indians arriving in Ojibwe lands in Wisconsin had new goods the Ojibwe had never seen before (see pg. 45). Also, brought news of strangers who traded them the goods for animal furs.  Many Ojibwe began to get sick. Many died.

A New Way of Life continued…  Despite this, the Ojibwe still prized the new goods and began to devote more time to getting the furs – less time spent on traditional activites.  After a few decades the fur bearing animals became harder to find. (overhunting)? They began to hunt farther west often in Dakota lands, leading to conflict.

Conflict in the Great Lakes Fur Trade  The Ojibwe were not the only ones moving toward Dakota lands. By the mid 1600s, the Great Lakes region was the site of frequent skirmishes as almost every Indian nation in the region had formed an alliance with either the French or the British.  European allies would encourage fighting amongst the Indians whenever they thought it would benefit the fur trade, but when it threatened to cut off trade routes they would encourage peace.

War and Peace Between the Dakota and the Ojibwe  By the 1670s the Dakota knew all about the French and the fur trade. Had already pushed out the Huron and now turned their attention to the Ojibwe.  See page 47.

 Fighting continued throughout the 1670s.  Ojibwe continued to push farther into Dakota territory forcing the Sioux south and west onto the prairies by (Lund)  Both groups grew tired of fighting and realized that trade goods would no longer be available to them if they were constantly defending themselves against an enemy instead of collecting furs. (Lund) Finally made peace at a gathering near Duluth.  Meeting was important for all involved.

 Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du luth pushed for peace as he knew that war threatened the fur supply.  The Ojibwe got to trap farther west in Dakota territory.  The Dakota got access to French trading goods – also from Ojibwe.  After 200 years as weary, warring neighbors, two groups were finally at peace.  Despite occasional clashes, peace held and groups coexisted and learned from one another.  At this point, Europeans were only occasional visitors to these lands, but that was about to change.

Closer Look at Dakota and Ojibwe Cultures  Similarities – –Both dependent on the woods, lakes, prairies and streams for survival. (Lund) trees, animal life, fish, fowl, berries, nuts, wild rice, stones for tools, clay soil for pottery –Both traded for metals after the coming of Europeans. –Tobacco –Both loved paint and feathers, singing/dancing, games. Sioux loved betting games. –Sugar and maple syrup. –Both had roughly the same routines throughout the seasonal changes. –Religious – both believed in a Supreme Being or Great Spirit as well as lesser spirits – usually derived from nature. –Both believed in polygamy.

Differences (Lund)  Language  Physique – Sioux taller, athletic. Ojibwe shorter and stocky.

Gull Lake Village Sites  Inhabited area off an on for at least 4,000 years so it is likely that there were village sites at some time on nearly all pieces of high and dry ground around the lake. But since the lake level has been raised nearly six feet by the Gull River Dam, we can assume that most of these sites are now under water. We do know from journal records that villages were located on:

 Mission Point at the south end of the lake where Madden’s is presently located.  Gull Point (Squaw Point) including both sides of the point and both sides of the dam site  The narrows between Gull and Round lakes, including the area between the lakes and the east shore between the narrows and the St. Colombia Mission site (also Mission Point).  Dutchman’s Bluff, both on and below the bluff.  And just north of Sandy Point.

Also artifacts have been found suggesting village sites at:  North end of upper Gull east of the bridge over Spring Creek.  Northeast end of Steamboat Bay  North end of the lake – SW of Schaefer’s Point.  North peninsula at the channel between Gull and Bass Lake  South of narrows of Upper Gull and the East side between Gull and Lost Lakes.