Historical

Native Sites

The first human inhabitants of the game preserve were various groups of nomadic Ojibway and Cree. Archaeological evidence indicates that these native people spent part of each year hunting and fishing in the area. Artifacts and encampment sites have been discovered in many locations including Missinaibi, Little Missinaibi, Racine, Dog and Wabatongushi Lakes.

Certainly the most exciting prehistoric remnant exists in the form of artwork. There are pictograph sites at several locations in the Preserve. These ancient Indian rock and cliff paintings are silent and mysterious reminders of a long-past way of life. In particular, the pictographs at Fairy Point on Missinaibi Lake are spectacular and definitely warrant a visit.

The Fur Trade

The first Europeans to explore the future preserve were probably the Coureur de Bois. Searching to expand their fur trade territory, these adventurous and colourful French Canadians made contact with native groups and encouraged trapping and trading.

Both English and French traders frequented the area during the seventeen and eighteen hundreds. The English, based out of James Bay, eventually established many interior trading posts including one at Missinaibi Lake called Brunswick House. This post operated for many years, but closed in 1917 when posts along the newly built railroads became more accessible. Although now decayed and overgrown, the site remains a fascinating place to visit.

Railroad

The railways brought accessibility and with the supplemental use of waterway travel, prospectors, hunters, trappers and timber cruisers began to exploit the future preserve's wealth. It was not long before depletion of wildlife began to occur. In particular, the over-harvest of game animals and fur-bearers was alarming. Two Chapleau area men , G.B. Nicholson and William McLeod, were largely responsible for approaching the Ontario Government on this issue. On May 27th, 1925, the Chapleau Game Preserve was established and all hunting and trapping was abolished within it's boundaries.

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