Batchewana Nation, Ojibway
The Batchewana First Nation is an Ojibway First Nation in northern Ontario with traditional territory along the eastern shore of Lake Superior from Batchawana Bay to Whitefish Island.
Today Batchewana First Nation includes the four reserve communities of Goulais Bay, Obadjiwan, Rankin, and Whitefish Island, as well as multiple uninhabited areas, with a total population of approximately 3,400 people.The people of the Batchewana First Nation have lived from time immemorial at Bawahting, in and near what is now commonly known as Sault Ste. Marie. Bawahting was a meeting place of many tribal nations for trading, hunting, fishing of abundant whitefish, harvesting of other natural resources, and ceremonies.
The 1812-1814 War Alliance Agreement was made between the Crown and the Ojibway. Chief Shingwaukonse lead 700 Ojibway warriors from the Great Lakes into the War of 1812. Alliance promises included recognition of the rights of Ojibway nations to their territories, and assurances of housing, schools and prosperity. Wabechechake, father of Nebenaigoching, was killed in 1813 at the battle of Fort George.
