Weskarini Algonquin First Nation

The Weskarini Algonquin First Nation, also known as Wàwàckeciriniwak ("people of the deer[-clan]"), the Algonquian Proper, La Petite Nation, Little Nation, Ouaouechkairini, Ouassouarini, Ouescharini, Ouionontateronon (Wyandot language), or Petite Nation, are a group of indigenous peoples in Canada. They have been confused with the Petun in some writings, but are in fact a separate group. Their traditional homeland is located on the north side of the Ottawa River along the Lievre River and the Rouge River in Quebec. They also lived near Petite-Nation River which is so named in reference to the Weskarini.

The Weskarini had good trade relations with the Wyandot (which are mistaken for the Wendat Huron People) in their region before and during the early colonial period.^[1]

Relations with the French

At the time of first contact with French settlers, the Weskarini traded at the mouths of the St. Maurice, Dumoine, and Gatineau Rivers.^[2] Initially allied with the French during the early colonial period,^[3] many Weskarini intermarried with French settlers.

Conflicts and the Scattering of the People

The Weskarini were also allied with the Arendahronon (Rock Tribe/Clan) Huron. These groups often wintered together,^[4] and both groups engaged in conflicts with the Iroquois. Many Weskarini eventually moved to Trois-Rivières to seek help from the Jesuits. The Jesuits offered protection only to those who converted to Catholicism. During a major Iroquois offensive in 1652, the main band of Weskarini fled north from the Ottawa River. Many were massacred near their sacred Mont Tremblant, deep inside their ancestral territory.^[5]

Sacred Places

Manitonga Soutana: Known as Mont Tremblant, this contemporary French name references the sacred mountain known as Manitou Ewitchi Saga, the mountain of the great god, or Manitonga Soutana, the mountain of the spirits. This sacred place trembles when humans make too many changes to the natural order of things.^[6]

Migizi Kiishkaabikaan: Also known as Oiseau Rock or Bird Rock. This rock, located in Oiseau Bay, is covered with many petroglyphs.^[7]

Contemporary Weskarini

Today, many Weskarini descendants (some of whom primarily consider themselves “mixed,” which is better known in Canada as one of their three official Indigenous peoples - that being “Métis.” Whereas there are other direct blood descendants who identify solely as Algonquin “Weskarini”) work to rebuild their knowledge of the Algonquin language and shared cultural identity. Some contemporary Weskarini express concerns over the ongoing development of sacred Manitonga Soutana, the destruction of land and water in unceded territory, and the appropriation and trademarking of the Weskarini name by developers in the area.

References

1. Magocsi, Paul Robert, ed. (2002). Aboriginal peoples of Canada : a short introduction. Toronto [u.a.]: Univ. of Toronto Press. pp. 49–51. ISBN 0-8020-3630-9.
2. Pendergast, James F. (1999). "The Ottawa River Algonquin Bands". Canadian Journal of Archaeology. 23: 63–136.
3. Graham, J (2005). Naming the Laurentians. ISBN 9780973958607.
4. Tooker, Elisabeth (1991). An ethnography of the Huron Indians : 1615-1649 (Syracuse University Press ed.). Syracuse, NY: Syracuse Univ. Press. ISBN 9780815625261.
5. Rainey, Gordon. "Laurentian Heritage Magazine". First Nation, First Blood.
6. "Banque de noms de lieux du Québec". Commission de toponymie Quebec. Retrieved December 9, 2017. (in French)
7. Hoelke, Charlotte (Spring 2011). "The Excluded Algonquin Narrative of the Ottawa Valley" (PDF). Capital Issues: Missing Narratives from Canada's National Capital. Capstone Smeinar series. 1 (1): 3-1.