Researched by LANA CARBON
NOVEMBER 9TH, 2019
[Lana] While we didn’t get to personally visit all of these unique land formations in person, the ones that we did manage to find our way to, were incredible:
The roaring waters at Kakabeka Falls were breathtaking from a close range, which personally surprised me that they allowed on-lookers to approach so closely;
We only went as high as the platform on Mt. McKay and, even from that vantage point, we could see everything in Thunder Bay without the need to continue climbing any higher;
Of course, the Sleeping Giant was ever present, seen from any position in the city with even a modicum of height and view of Lake Superior. It is no wonder that the Indigenous communities have held such deeply felt legends of these wondrous places.
Nanabijou – The Sleeping Giant, as quoted directly from Northern Ontario Travel
“Visible from many places in Thunder Bay, the Sleeping Giant is the city's most well-known natural wonder. The landmass itself is an Ontario Park with hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and campsites to enjoy.
Thousands of locals and visitors alike marvel at the wonder of the Sleeping Giant each year, but what is the legend surrounding this Giant?
The legend goes as follows...
Standing on the shores of Thunder Bay at the head of the great Lake Superior, one can perceive, on looking out across the waters of Thunder Bay, a great land formation situated directly in the mouth of the Bay.
It requires no imagination whatever to see that this form resembles the sleeping body of a giant, arms folded across his massive chest as in the majesty of death.
Mystery and legend surround the origin of this strange phenomenon of nature and down through the ages the following story seems to have survived.
On an island just outside Thunder Bay, now known as "Isle Royale," once lived a great tribe of Ojibway Natives.
Because of their loyalty to their Gods, and their peaceful and industrious mode of living, Nanabijou, the Spirit of the Deep Sea Water, decided to reward them.
One day he called their Chief to his great Thunder Temple on the mountain and warned him that if he told the secret to the white man, that he, Nanabijou would be turned to stone and the Ojibway tribe perish.
The Chief gave his promise, and Nanabijou told him of the rich silver mine, now known as "Silver Islet." The Great Spirit told him to go to the highest point on Thunder Cape, and here he would find the entrance to a tunnel that would lead him to the centre of the mine.
Apparently the Chief and his people found the mine, for the Ojibway became famous for their beautiful silver ornaments. So beautiful indeed were they, that the Sioux warriors on seeing them upon their wounded enemies, strove to wrest their secret from them.
However, torture and even death failed to make the gallant Ojibway divulge their secret and the Sioux chieftains had to devise another scheme to find the source of the Ojibway silver.
One day they summoned their most cunning scout to a pow-wow and a plan was formed. The scout was to enter the Ojibway camp disguised as one of them. This he did and in a few days succeeded in learning the secret of the island of silver.
Going to the mine at night he took several large pieces of the precious metal in order to prove to his chieftain that he had fulfilled his mission.
The scout however never returned to his camp, for on his way back he stopped at a white traders post to purchase some food. Having no furs or money with which to pay for the goods, he used a piece of the silver.
Upon seeing such a large piece of the gleaming metal, two white men sought to obtain the whereabouts of its source, in order to make themselves fabulously rich. After filling the Sioux scout with liquor they persuaded him to show them the way to the mine.
When almost in sight of "Silver Islet" a terrific storm broke over the Cape. The white men were drowned and the Native was found in a crazed condition floating aimlessly in his canoe, but the most extraordinary thing that had happened during the storm, was that where once was a wide opening to the bay, now lay what appeared to be a great sleeping figure of a man. The Great Spirit's warning had been fulfilled and he had been turned to stone.
On a little island at the foot of the Sleeping Giant, can still be seen the partly submerged shafts of what was once the richest silver mine in the northwest. White men have tried again and again to pump out the water that keeps flooding it from Lake Superior but without success. Is it still under the curse of Nanabijou, Spirit of the Deep Sea Water... perhaps... who can tell?
There are numerous versions of the Legend of the Sleeping Giant and one is not necessarily more valid than another. This particular one was published in a booklet entitled Tales of The Tom Tom, written probably in the 1950s or 1960s, by Hubert Limbrick, a former Fort William City Councillor (1951-58 and '60-65).”
[Lana] John is eager to spend some time actually setting foot on Sleeping Giant, hiking some of the many trails. It looks like we will be having another visit in the not too distant future.
Greenmantle & Kakabeka Falls, as quoted directly from Northern Ontario Travel
“Known as the “Niagara of the North,” the massive falls at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is a must-stop for any cross-Canada traveller. Located right on the Trans-Canada Highway, the mighty Kaministiquia River plunges down creating the massive Kakabeka Falls and the famous mist that arises from the pounding water.
During your visit, if you stand on the viewing pod and look into the mist you just might see the face of the enchanting native princess, Green Mantle. Just who was this maiden?
The legend goes as follows…
Chieftain White Bear, the peace-loving grand old leader of the Ojibway tribe was interested only in the welfare of his people. One day Chief White Bear was greatly vexed to learn that large numbers of the fierce warlike Sioux were approaching his tribe's encampment at the mouth of the Kaministiquia River, bent upon the destruction of his tribe.
Being too old to go to battle himself and not knowing how to ward off the enemy, the old Chief was greatly distressed. Seeing her father's dilemma, Princess Green Mantle devised a plan.
Bidding her father farewell she hurriedly left the camp and paddled swiftly up the Kaministiquia River. Many times before she had gone for long canoe rides with her brother and she well knew of the Great White Falls. Leaving her canoe at the foot of the falls, she ran swiftly along the bank until she reached a point well above the waterfall.
She soon came within sight of the Sioux Camp. Boldly the young maiden walked into the camp of her bitterest enemies. At once they pounced upon her and captured her. Pretending to have lost her way, she led them to believe she was very frightened. Green Mantle was taken before the Sioux Chieftains and they decided to put her to death. Bargaining with them she followed through with her plan and told them that if they would spare her life she would lead them to her father's camp. The Sioux Chiefs were elated, thinking that they had indeed been blessed by the Gods.
The following morning the young Princess was placed in the lead canoe and the great band, in their war canoes followed, tied as Green Mantle suggested, one behind the other so that they would not get lost. However, she did not tell them about the falls and as they swiftly turned the bend of the river, they plunged headlong into the great gorge, killing all.
Princess Green Mantle of course lost her life also but all of her tribe were saved from the torturous hands of the most dreaded of all Native tribesmen.
The Great Manitou looked kindly upon the brave little Native maiden, and if one takes the trouble to walk down the viewing pods, the figure of Green Mantle can be observed in the mist, standing as a monument to the memory of the Princess who gave her life for her people.”
[Lana] I also saw in some of my readings that Green Mantle lives on in the form of the rainbow that is caused by the water of the falls. Either way, it is nice to know the legend, and spirit, of this brave warrior princess will continue to live on.
Mount McKay – Home of the Thunderbird, as quoted directly from Northern Wilds Magazine
“According to Ojibwe Thunderbird Mythology, the legendary mythical giant birds known as thunderbirds (Animikii) once called the top of Thunder Bay’s Mount McKay their home. Located on the Fort William First Nation, and known as Animiki-waajiw in Anishinaabe, the towering 1,000-foot mountain—a sacred site to the Ojibwe—looks over the city and Lake Superior. But the mountain welcomes visitors. At the 500-foot level, there’s a scenic lookout and skywalk boardwalk that delivers an amazing panoramic view stretching out into the horizon, and there’s a hiking trail to the mountain top where the mythical thunderbirds once lived.
The thunderbirds are supernatural, powerful Manitous (spirits), and can create rain, wind and violent thunderstorms with their wings and eyes. There’s a story set back in the 1880s on Minnesota Point in Duluth about an Ojibwe mother telling her son that the thunder was the animikig [thunderbirds] striking their wings against the hills, and the lightning was the flashing of animikig’s eyes. And in the book Norval Morrisseau (National Gallery of Canada 2006), author Greg A. Hill describes thunderbirds as:
Gigantic birds who protect the Anishnabek [Ojibway]. They have the ability to cause thunderstorms. They make thunder by heating their brilliantly coloured wings and light the skies with their lightning bolts that shoot from their eyes. They are said to take their storms south in the autumn and return with them in the spring.
There’s also stories about thunderbirds and violent thunderstorms at Thunder Cape, located at the ‘toe’ of the Sleeping Giant Peninsula. And credit goes to the thunderbirds for the name of the largest city on Lake Superior. In the book Thunderbirds: America’s Living Legendary Great Birds, the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario is said to be named after a translation of Animike Wekwed, “Thunder Bird Bay.”
While regional variations differ somewhat in the details surrounding thunderbird mythology, in the Ojibwe version the thunderbird was created by Nanabozho—a spirit in Anishinaabe creation storytelling—to fight underwater creatures and to protect humans against evil spirits. They arrived in spring and headed south in the fall. As ‘spirits of the sky realm,’ thunderbirds were believed to be links between the spirit and physical world; they are revered and considered sacred.”
Article written by Elle Andra-Warner
[Lana] The shape of Mt. McKay is definitely that of a giant nest with its flat top and I could certainly see how a legendary bird could use it as its home, undisturbed by the humans far below. Even though we never made it all the way to the top of Mt. McKay, I understood how the mighty creatures could look out over all they saw as guardians and protectors of their land far below.
Ouimet Canyon – Omett & Naiomi, as quoted directly from Northern Ontario Travel
“Featuring unique vegetation and a handicapped accessible hiking trail, Ouimet is a must see when in the area. But how did this massive gorge originate?
Well, according to the legend…
A long time ago there were giants. One called Omett was a good giant and helped Nanabijou when he wished to raise a mountain or make a new lake.
Omett fell in love with Naiomi, Nanabijou's daughter. Naiomi liked Omett and encouraged him to display his strength. One day Omett was moving a mountain when a peak broke off, struck Naiomi and killed her. Greatly frightened of the wrath of Nanabijou, Omett hid Naiomi's body in a shallow lake and covered it with a rock shield.
Searching for Naiomi, Nanabijou was striding over the great shield when he felt vibrations from under the rocks. Reaching into the sky, he grasped a thunderbolt and drove it into the rocks, splitting them open. In the wide canyon he discovered his daughter's body.
Nanabijou buried Naiomi in the bottom of the canyon. From her grave grew the rare and beautiful flowers found only there.
To punish Omett, Nanabijou turned him to stone and placed him on the canyon wall to watch over the grave for all eternity.”
[Lana] John has been wanting to take me to this place since shortly after we met. Although it was on our plans to peruse Ouimet Canyon, construction prohibited the normal route into the park. Being in a small car not designed for the rigors of off-road travel, Kim advised us not to use the alternate route that had been laid out for visitors to follow as a detour.
Photos of Ouimet Canyon courtesy of https://www.northernontario.travel/thunder-bay/legend-of-ouimet-canyon-and-welcome-islands
Pie Island – Wife of Nanabijou, as quoted directly from Northern Ontario Travel
“For those who are able to travel the waters of Lake Superior by boat, there is a unique phenomenon at Pie Island, just off the shores of the city of Thunder Bay.
As the boat passes Pie Island, heading towards the Sleeping Giant a glance to the west will offer a brief glimpse of Nanabijou’s wife. Her face only appears for a moment, so don’t blink or you will miss her before she vanishes and goes back into hiding.
The legend of Nanabijou's Wife goes like this…
Greatly resenting the influx of the white man upon the territories of his people, Nanabijou, the Native Spirit of the Deep Sea Water, sought to frighten them away. Taking his giant Thunder Bird with him, he swept up and down the shores of the Great Lake causing havoc with his terrible thunderstorms wherever the white man's camps appeared.
As the number of these camps grew, Nanabijou spent more and more time away from his temple on the mountain, and soon his good wife became tired of not having her husband with her. To pass the many long days away, she would take her bow and arrows and hunt, for she was known to be a great huntress.
While his wife was away on one of these hunting trips, Nanabijou returned, tired and hungry. He found his home cold and his table empty.
Already filled with anger at the white man, the Great Spirit flew into a terrible fit of temper and went in search of his wife. Finding her at last, he raged at her for her neglect of him. When his wife angrily upbraided him for leaving her, he raised his great hands and struck her down.
When his anger had subsided, he was filled with grief and went out to try and find his wife, but Manitou, the greatest of all Native Gods had turned her to stone and placed her upon Pie Island so that Nanabijou would not harm her again.
There she can be seen peeping out at everyone that approaches hoping it is her beloved husband.
Some day if Nanabijou should come again and the Manitou forgives him, legend say she will disappear and if she does, she will never leave his side again.”
[Lana] We had not heard the legend about Pie Island and therefore had not even considered taking a boat out onto Lake Superior. Perhaps an adventure for another visit.
Photo by John Hamill
Welcome Islands – The Three Sisters, as quoted directly from Northern Ontario Travel
“The Welcome Islands have long provided refuge for mariners trying to withstand the incredible force of the waves on Lake Superior.
Located just off the shores of Thunder Bay, this trio of islands have their own indigenous legend…
Many years ago, there lived a great Ojibway Chieftain, loved and respected by his people for his kindness and love of children. Besides two fine sons, the Chief had four daughters.
The three older girls were cruel and haughty, but the fourth and youngest was tender and of a dreaming nature. She loved to roam the forest and talk to the birds and little animals and would sometimes tell her family of strange conversations she had with the spirits of the forest. Her sisters would deride her but her father, understanding her better, loved her all the more for her kind simplicity.
One day, when the young maiden was out for a walk in the woods, she heard a great and kindly voice call her name. Not seeing any person she realized that it must be a spirit. Sitting down upon a fallen tree, she listened intently to the voice. It was the great Nanabijou!
He told her how much he loved her gentleness and that he had chosen her to be the bride of his son, North Star. Instructing her to come to this place in the forest on a certain day, Nanabijou departed, leaving the young girl very happy.
That evening when all of her family were sitting around the campfire, the young daughter told them of her meeting with Nanabijou. The three elder sisters laughed mockingly at her and told her to drink herb medicine because she might be sick in the head. At this, the chief grew very angry and taking a long strip of deerhide, gave them a sound thrashing.
The older girls, now full of hate for the sister that had been the cause of their punishment, planned to kill her. Remembering the day and place Nanabijou told their sister to meet him again in the woods, they followed her and hid in the low bushes, each armed with a bow and arrow.
Soon North Star came to the spot and the young girl gently embraced him for she had fallen in love with him at first sight.
North Star however, was a spirit and the elder sisters could not see him. Thinking their sister alone they drew their bow strings and shot their arrows right through the young maiden's heart. The arrows had pierced both North Star and the young girl, but instead of falling to the earth, she was borne gently upwards by her lover, to the sky.
The three sisters became very frightened and ran swiftly towards their camp.
Nanabijou, furious at what had happened to the young girl came down in the midst of a terrible storm, and catching them up as they ran, turned them into stone and cast them into the water of Thunder Bay.”
[Lana] Again, another legend that we had not known before our trip. If we do decide to take a boat out for Pie Island next time, we will surely not miss out on the Three Sisters while we are on the water.
Photo courtesy of http://www.thunderbay.ca/
