Shingwaukonse ( Fiero spelling: ''Zhingwaakoons''; "Little Pine"), or Shingwauk ( Fiero spelling: ''Zhingwaak''; "Pine") (1773–1854) was an

Anishnaabe The Anishinaabeg (adjectival: Anishinaabe) are a group of culturally related Indigenous peoples present in the Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States. They include the Ojibwe (including Saulteaux and Oji-Cree), Odawa, Potawatomi, ...

chief, who was instrumental in the establishment of the

Garden River First Nation Garden River First Nation, also known as Ketegaunseebee (''Gitigaan-ziibi Anishinaabe'' in the Ojibwe language), is an Ojibwa band located at Garden River 14 near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. The Garden River reserve consists of two non-co ...

near Sault Ste. Marie,

Ontario Ontario ( ; ) is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada.Ontario is located in the geographic eastern half of Canada, but it has historically and politically been considered to be part of Central Canada. Located in Central Ca ...

as a signatory to the

Robinson Huron Treaty The Robinson Treaties are two treaties signed between the Ojibwa chiefs and The Crown in 1850 in the Province of Canada. The first treaty involved Ojibwa chiefs along the north shore of Lake Superior, and is known as the Robinson Superior Treaty. ...

of 1850.

Personal life

Shingwaukonse was born in the Sault Ste. Marie area in 1773. The names of his parents are unknown but his mother was from the crane clan. Shingwaukonse had many children including Augustine (1800-1890), Buhgwujjenene (1811-1900), John Askin (1836-1919), and George Menissino (1838-1923). ( Fiero spelling: ''Bagwajinini''; "Wildman"), who both served as successive hereditary chiefs of Garden River after Shingwauk's death. Augustine served as hereditary chief from 1854-1890 and Buchkwujjene held the position from 1890-1900. Shingwaukonse's youngest son, George Shingwauk (1838-1923) (also known as George Menissino or George Pine), was elected chief of Garden River First Nation from 1899-1902 and again from 1903-1916. Other less well known children of Shingwauk include: Tegoosh (1796-1876), Thomas Shingwauk (1796-1883), Nahwahquashkum (1799-1840), Jean Baptise Tegoosh (b. 1799), Waintegoochequai (b. 1800), Owiaquahgeyhegoqua (b. 1805), Marie (1816-1887), Ogimaqua (b. 1813), Joseph Shingwauk (b. 1837), and Louis Shingwauk (1839-1899). He was a well-known member of the

Midewiwin The Midewiwin (in syllabics: , also spelled ''Midewin'' and ''Medewiwin'') or the Grand Medicine Society is a secretive religion of some of the indigenous peoples of the Maritimes, New England and Great Lakes regions in North America. Its prac ...

lodge and a follower of traditional Anishnaabe religion for most of his life, Shingwauk converted to

Anglicanism Anglicanism is a Western Christian tradition that has developed from the practices, liturgy, and identity of the Church of England following the English Reformation, in the context of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. It is one of t ...

in approximately 1833. He died in March 1854.

War of 1812

Shingwaukonse is also known for his role as a national leader, warrior, and war chief during the

War of 1812 The War of 1812 (18 June 1812 – 17 February 1815) was fought by the United States of America and its indigenous allies against the United Kingdom and its allies in British North America, with limited participation by Spain in Florida. It be ...

. He fought on the side of the British during the War. He received a handful of commendations for his wartime service including a chief's medal, and the general military service medal. Following the war

Lieutenant Governor A lieutenant governor, lieutenant-governor, or vice governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction. Often a lieutenant governor is the deputy, or lieutenant, to or ranked under a governor — a "second-in-comm ...

Sir John Colbourne also bestowed another medal on him for his service. His wartime contributions resulted in him receiving the "deserving chief" status which was granted to Indigenous chiefs in

British North America British North America comprised the colonial territories of the British Empire in North America from 1783 onwards. English colonisation of North America began in the 16th century in Newfoundland, then further south at Roanoke and Jamestow ...

who had served the crown during the War of 1812. Tangibly, this status resulted in preferred treatment by the crown and superior 'presents' from the government during any negotiations.

Indigenous Governance

Following the War of 1812 Shingwaukonse developed a vision of Indigenous rights and self-determination for his community. He believed in the sharing of resources with European settlers in a way that would benefit the people of Garden River and the creation of a relationship with the crown which allowed for independence and autonomy of his people. Shingwauk's advocacy around land-use rights can be seen in his participation in the

Mica Bay Incident The Mica Bay Incident (also known as the Michipicoten War or the Mica Bay Uprising) was a land and resources dispute in along the shore of Lake Superior in November 1849. It is partially responsible for the signing of the 1850 Robinson-Huron Treaty. ...

, which protested against the Quebec Mining Company.

Education Advocacy

In addition to his role as a prominent chief during the war years Shingwauk also strongly advocated education to help the Anishnaabe people preserve their language and culture. In 1832, he

snowshoe Snowshoes are specialized outdoor gear for walking over snow. Their large footprint spreads the user's weight out and allows them to travel largely on top of rather than through snow. Adjustable bindings attach them to appropriate winter footwe ...

d all the way from Sault Ste. Marie to

York York is a cathedral city with Roman origins, sited at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. It is the historic county town of Yorkshire. The city has many historic buildings and other structures, such as a ...

to ask Governor

John Colborne Field Marshal John Colborne, 1st Baron Seaton, (16 February 1778 – 17 April 1863) was a British Army officer and colonial governor. After taking part as a junior officer in the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland, Sir Ralph Abercromby's expedi ...

to provide a teacher for his people. He also advocated the creation of a "Teaching Wigwam Lodge" for his people to learn how to read and write in the English language. This vision would create a space where they can receive education while retaining to their traditions and culture. Shingwauk's vision led to the creation of

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig ''Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig'' is an Indigenous led institute, with Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie as one of its main partners. Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig is one of nine Indigenous Institutes in Ontario's post-secondary system and collabo ...

in 2008.

References

External links

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig

Shingwauk Project
{{Authority control 1773 births 1854 deaths Indigenous leaders in Ontario Ojibwe people Canadian animists Canadian Anglicans Converts to Anglicanism 18th-century Native Americans