A SACRED TRUST

Summary

This video script narrates the history and struggles of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, whose land is now modern-day Toronto. It discusses the controversial Toronto Purchase treaty of 1787, where land was unfairly taken from the Mississaugas, and traces their cultural and historical significance. The Mississaugas' unique identity, their ties to the Credit River, and their resilience in maintaining their heritage despite European encroachment and assimilation efforts are emphasized. The script highlights their ongoing efforts to preserve their culture and traditions while adapting to contemporary challenges.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation are the original inhabitants of the land that includes modern-day Toronto, which was affected by a controversial 1787 land deal known as the Toronto Purchase.
• 📝 The treaty for the Toronto Purchase is controversial due to vague terms, unclear land boundaries, and lack of proper signatures—chiefs' totems were glued to the deed instead of signatures.
• 🏞️ The Mississaugas lived along the Credit River, which was named for the practice of fur traders extending credit to them. They became known as 'the good credit Indians' for their reliability in trade.
• 🦅 The name Mississauga has two origins: one meaning 'people living where there are many river mouths' and another related to their Eagle clan totem.
• ⚔️ In the 1600s, the Mississaugas were involved in conflicts with the Iroquois during the Beaver Wars but eventually settled in southern Ontario in the late 1600s.
• 🎣 The Mississaugas' economy historically relied on fishing, hunting, and farming, with their salmon fisheries being particularly important for survival.
• 📜 In the 1800s, the Mississaugas faced increasing pressure from European settlers, which led them to relocate and seek protection for their rights to fish and hunt in the region.
• 🏞️ By the mid-1800s, the Mississaugas relocated to land offered by the Iroquois Six Nations near the Grand River after Euro-Canadian expansion made it difficult for them to maintain their way of life.
• 🌱 Despite efforts to preserve their culture, Christianity, residential schools, and Canadian government policies severely affected their language and traditions.
• 🎉 Today, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation are a thriving community with a strong focus on maintaining their cultural heritage, identity, and sovereignty.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Toronto Purchase mentioned in the script?

The Toronto Purchase was a controversial land deal signed in 1787 involving 250,000 acres of Mississauga territory. It is controversial because the amount of land taken exceeded what was originally agreed upon, and the treaty was signed using Chiefs' totems glued onto a blank deed instead of proper signatures.

Who are the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation?

The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation are part of the Ojibwe or Anishinaabe people, one of the largest Indigenous nations in North America. Historically, they lived in a region along the Credit River and were known for their role in the fur trade with European settlers.

Why was the Credit River significant to the Mississaugas?

The Credit River was central to the Mississaugas because it was the site of their economic activities, particularly trade with the French and English. The river's name comes from the practice of extending credit to the Mississaugas by early fur traders.

How did the Mississaugas earn the name 'Good Credit Indians'?

The Mississaugas earned the name 'Good Credit Indians' because they honored their debts by contributing pelts to pay off any community member's debt, reflecting the importance of good credit within their society.

What were the beaver wars, and how did they affect the Mississaugas?

The Beaver Wars were a series of conflicts in the 1600s between the Iroquois and various Indigenous tribes, including the Anishinaabe, over control of fur-bearing territories. By 1695, the Mississaugas successfully pushed the Iroquois back to their own territories south of Lake Ontario.

What role did the British play in the displacement of the Mississaugas?

In the late 1700s, the British sought land for their allies, the Iroquois, after losing the war with the Americans. They requested a land grant from the Mississaugas to settle the Six Nations along the Grand River, which further encroached on Mississauga territory.

Why did the Mississaugas relocate from the Credit River in 1847?

By the 1840s, increasing European settlement made it difficult for the Mississaugas to sustain themselves along the Credit River. In 1847, they accepted an offer from the Six Nations to relocate to a part of their former territory on the Six Nations Reserve.

Who was Peter Jones, and what role did he play in the relocation of the Mississaugas?

Peter Jones, known as Kaga Watanabe, was a Mississauga missionary and leader who played a key role in relocating the Mississaugas from the Credit River to their new home. He advocated for their rights and helped establish their community in its current location.

What challenges did the Mississaugas face due to European influence?

The Mississaugas faced significant challenges from European influence, including the loss of their identity due to assimilation efforts such as residential schools, Christianity, and the Canadian government's policies. This resulted in the erosion of their language, customs, and practices.

What is the current status of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation?

Today, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation are a thriving community with over 1,700 members. Despite past challenges, they maintain their culture, identity, and heritage while engaging with the modern world and its opportunities.