Mistissini History and Culture

The Crees of Mistissini have resided in the Mistassini Lake area since time immemorial. In the early 1800's, the community of Mistissini's actual location was just a summer encampment due to the establishment of the Hudson Bay Company fur trading post on sight. The North West Company and other fur traders were also in the vicinity and can be considered contenders in the fur trade with the Hudson Bay Company in those days. Apart from …

…by Chief Isaac Shecappio and councillors for Neoskweskau, Nichekun, Chibougamau requesting the closure of beaver trapping on the Mistissini territory. 1948 - Establishment of the Mistassini Beaver Preserve; government registered traplines were also established at this time; the population of Mistassini was listed as 600 with 185 trappers and 71 traplines. 1975 Signing of the James Bay Agreement between the Canadian federal government, the Quebec provincial government and the representatives from each community of the James Bay Cree (of Quebec).