The Ojibwa, Odawa and Potawatomi of
The Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve

19th Century

  • 1836 August 9th

    • Sir Francis Bond Head meets with Indians at Manitowaning and signs with them the Treaty of 1836 which signifies that all of Manitoulin and surrounding Islands are an Indian reserve for the Indians.

  • 1838

    • Fall- By order of Bishop Gaulin, Father Proulx makes his ordinary residence at Wikwemikong. "establishment" at Manitowaning is opened.

  • 1841

    • Father Proulx blesses and erects a cross at the Hudson's Bay Post at Nipissing. He baptizes 30 persons, mostly adults.

  • 1844 July 9th

    • Father Chone, S. J. arrives from Sarnia with an interpreter, Ferdinand Roque and a crew of seven Indians. Father Proulx accompanies them.

    July 14, Father Chone, S. J. receives his Indian name "GA-MASH-KA-WI-TA-GOSI" which means "THE MAN WITH A STRONG VOICE." November 28, Fathers Chone and Proulx move into a house fixed up for them at Manitowaning by Adam Anderson. First hint of a new church. First efforts to raise money from the sale in France for $600.00 of a box of Indian bead work.
  • 1845 Jan. 28th

    • Father Chone, gives his 1st Ojibwa sermon without using any book or paper.

    • 1845 Aug. 24th

      Father Chone who left on June 7th returns from Sandwich with Father Hanipaux, S. J.

    • 1845 Aug. 31st

      A new bell weighing 550 lbs is blessed, this bell was bought by Father Proulx.

    • 1845 September 4th

      Father Hanipaux is given a Indian name, "MISSAWAKWAT" meaning "The strong tree with two limbs.

    • 1845 October 10th

      Father Proulx departs from Wikwemikong. He died in May 1851

    • 1846 July 9th

      • Roof and steeple of old church repaired with bark by the community of Wikwemikong.

      • 1846 Aug. 11th

        The community of Wikwemikong gather timber for the new church.

      • 1846 Oct. 27th

        Wikwemikong community contribute corn, potatoes and squash to the mission. Also, during this time a former school teacher's house is taken down and rebuilt near the new house.

      • 1846 Dec. 1st

        Arrival of Brother Jean Veronneau, S. J.

      • 1846 Dec. 25th

        Father Hanipaus, S. J., preaches his first sermon in the ojibway language without reading it.

    • 1847 February 1st

      • Father Chone returns from a 6 week mission to the Catholics of Owen Sound, Beausolell and Penetanguishene

      • 1847 Feb. 15th

        Father Chone over generous in his gifts to the community of Wikwemikong.

      • 1847 Feb. 16th

        Brother Veronneau, S. J. given Indian name "Kiwekockam" - "The day is on the decline."

      • 1847 May 24th

        Sugar crop very important to the community of Wikwemikong. All in the bush making maple syrup.

      • 1847 May 24th

        first apple tree planted on the reserve near the church.

      • 1847 June 19th

        Residence still in the making. Community of Wikwemikong help, Masons finishing the walls.

      • 1847 August

        Father Chone goes to lake Superior to find a suitable spot to establish a mission and chooses Pigeon River.

      • 1847 August 7th

        Father Auguste Kohler, S. J. arrives and stays in Manitowaning with Father Hanipaus, S. J.

      • 1847 Dec. 8th

        A school is mentioned.

    • 1848 January 9th

      • Father Kohler's Indian name "Songiteeskang".

      • 1848 May 10th

        Father Nicholas Point, J. S. arrives as Superior.

      • 1848 Aug. 2nd

        An addition is made to the old church. In the fall of this year, the community of Wikwemikong start gathering stones from an island ten miles away to build the new church.

    • 1849 November 7th

      • Thomas G. Anderson, government employee gives a speech to the Indians. My friends, most of you are too young to have seen these days, but here is Manitowaube, who was at the battle of Detroit. He can tell you how the Indians "War Club" or the steel of the "Red Coats" - Though many snow season have melted away since the Indian Warrior was amused at the flight of the "Big Knives". The Red Coat never forgets that. But ever loves the brave - Manatowaube. You were but a young warrior when you helped drive the Big Knives fromt heir strong place, Detroit, but the Red Coats saw how brave, how fearless and how obedient you were to the Great Red Coat who commanded you, your name with the names of many equally brave have not been forgotten, here is a mark of distinction (holding up the war medal) which I have been commanded to give you, as a proof of your great mother's approbation of your conduct and bravery at Detroit, be proud of it, be careful of it, let it be handed down to your children's children that they may know how brave a man, their ancestor Manatowaube was.

        Young men, you can see that the warriors of the "Red Coats" are never forgotten you see their reward, if ever any of you should be called upon to sing the war song and grasp the war club, let Victory by your cry, and your reward will be honorable as is that of Manatowaube this day.

        Source:Government Archives, Shanahan Report

    • 1851 January 11th

      • Two sodalities start, one for boys, and one for girls.

      An effort is made by a certain McCormick to start a trading post in Wikwemikong.

      During the winter months, a large number of logs were brought to Wikwemikong for the framework of the church. The devoted workers were Wakegijig, Kinoshameg, and Iawaagijik.

    • 1851 March 10th

      A fire broke out on the roof of the school house. The two main workers responsible for putting it out were Animikwaam and Aguonie.

      Brother Veronneau with the assistance of Wikwemikong's youth make 10,000 shingles for the church.

    • 1851 May 1st

      Father Boulanger, S. J. Sup. Gen. and Father Peter Point, S. J., meet with the chiefs of Wikwemikong, urging them to take up farming, and promising to help secure farm implements.

      The walls of the church going up under the leadership of Bemanakinang.

      Five community members are at work on the church. Community male youth carry the sand in "Makeks."

    • 1851 July 31st

      First beams laid on the church masonry. Slow work and delayed by all sorts of obstructions. Payment of work is made in goods

  • 1852 February 12th

    • A barrel of flour costs 20 cords of wood.

    • 1852 July 25th

      The bishop arrives. Church sufficiently finished for its dedication.

    • 1852 Oct. 3rd

      Father Point goes to Sandwich to arrange for direct shipping of goods.

    • 1852 Oct. 31st

      On return from Sandwich, Father Point loses his way. He also brought a great deal of supplies.

    • 1852 Nov. 15th

      There are two main teachers and two assistants at the schools.

    • 1852 December 12th

      Collection of goods taken to help the needy in winter time.

  • 1853 January 1st

  • A group called the soldiers, who fire the guns at festivities come on New Year's Eve and fire a salute at the door. They are treated to cakes and tobacco. Shaking of hands on New Year's Day and special visit of the Chiefs. At Vespers, blessing and distribution of crosses sent by Father Boulanger, S.J. as rewards.

  • 1853 February 2nd

    Girls' Sodality of the Immaculate Conception meet regularly. Schools and catechism classes well attended.



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    Last Updated November 9, 2007