The Robinson Superior Treaty

Photo by Thomas William Kirkbride - March 12, 2006

Plaque Location

The District of Thunder Bay
The City of Thunder Bay
In Chippewa Park, at the southern approach to Thunder Bay

Plaque Text

On September 7, 1850, a treaty was concluded at Sault Ste. Marie between the Hon. W. B. Robinson, representing the government, and nine Ojibwa chiefs and head men. Under its terms the Ojibwa surrendered territory extending some 640 km along the shore of Lake Superior, from Batchawana Bay to the Pigeon River, and northward to the height of land delimiting the Great Lakes drainage area. In return, the Indians were allotted three reserves, a cash settlement and a further small annual payment. The Fort William reserve, assigned to Chief Joseph Peau de Chat and his band, was laid out in 1854 by J. W. Bridgland, P.L.S., substantially as it is today.