Maskegon

An Algonquian tribe so closely related to the Cree  that they have appropriately been called a subtribe. According to Warren the Maskegon, with the Cree and the Monsoni, form the northern division of the Chippewa group, from which they separated about eight generations before 1850. The traders knew them as Swampy Crees. From the time the Maskegon became known as a distinct tribe until they were placed on reserves by the Canadian government they were scattered over the swampy region stretching from Lake Winnipeg and Lake of the Woods to Hudson Bay, including the basins of Nelson, Hays, and Severn rivers, and extending south to the watershed of Lake Superior. They do not appear to be mentioned in the Jesuit Relations or to have been known to the early missionaries as a distinct people, though the nanie "Masquikoukiaks" in the Proces-verbal of the Prise de Possession of 1671 (Perrot, Mém., 293, 1864) may refer to the Maskegon. Tailhan in his notes to Perrot, gives as doubtful equivalents "Mikikoueks ou Nikikoueks," the Otter Nation (see Amikwa), a conclusion with which Verwyst (Missionary Labors) agrees. Nevertheless their associatioil with the "Christinos" (Cree), "Assinipouals" (Assiniboin)and "all of those inhabiting the countries of the north and near the sea" (Hudson Bay), would seem to justify identifying them with the Maskegon. If so, this is their first appearance in history.