Moose Factory is a community located on Moose Factory Island in the Cochrane District of northeastern Ontario, Canada. It is situated near the mouth of the Moose River, which flows into James Bay, the southernmost part of Hudson Bay.

 

Moose Factory was originally established as a Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) fur-trading post, known as Moose Fort, by Charles Bayly in 1673. The post was captured by the French in 1686 and later destroyed. The HBC reestablished the post in 1730, and it has been in continuous operation since then.

 

The community is predominantly inhabited by the Cree, with a significant portion of the population still relying on trapping as a livelihood. The hospital, constructed in the early 1950s, is a major employer. Tourism has also become an important contributor to the local economy.

 

Moose Factory has three schools: Ministik Public School, Delores D. Echum Composite School, and Moose Factory Academy of Christian Education. Additionally, Northern College offers post-secondary programs through distant learning and Ontario Learn Courses.

 

Notable residents of Moose Factory include former NHL player Jonathan Cheechoo, actress and writer Shirley Cheechoo, and sculptor Duane Linklater.

 

The island is divided into two political entities: Factory Island 1, which is an Indian reserve belonging to the Moose Cree First Nation, and the Unorganized North Cochrane District, which includes the historic HBC post and government services. 

 

The community is accessible by water taxi in the summer, ice road in the winter, and chartered helicopter during break-up and freeze-up seasons. A private company also offers freighter-canoe ferry service across the Moose River.

 

History of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

Moose Factory is a community located on Moose Factory Island in the Cochrane District of northeastern Ontario, Canada. It is situated near the mouth of the Moose River, which flows into James Bay, the southernmost part of Hudson Bay.

 

Moose Factory was founded in 1672-73 by Charles Bayly, the Hudson’s Bay Company’s (HBC) second post and the first English settlement in what is now Ontario. 

 

Initially called Moose Fort, it was captured by the French in 1686 and later destroyed. The post was rebuilt in 1730 and has been in continuous operation since then.

 

Early Years and French Capture

The post was established at a strategic location near the mouth of the Moose River, allowing it to intercept furs that might have been traded in Montréal. 

 

In 1686, it was captured by Pierre de Troyes, on orders from the governor of New France, and renamed Fort Saint-Louis. 

 

The post exchanged hands between the English and the French several times until 1713, when it was finally ceded to the English by the Treaty of Utrecht.

 

Re-establishment and Growth

The HBC reoccupied Moose Factory in the early 1730s. After a fire, it was rebuilt on its present location in 1735. By the 1770s, relying on the expertise of the local Cree, it was supplying inland posts built to compete with the North West Company. 

 

In the early 19th century, it became the headquarters for the HBC’s Southern Department. After the two companies merged in 1821, Moose Factory became a supply point for posts inland as far as Lake Timiskaming on the Ottawa River watershed.

 

The community was isolated until 1931, when the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway connected it to Moosonee. 

 

This led to the development of a service-type economy, and supplies could be delivered from the south by train, making the once-yearly sea voyages redundant. In 1936, the last supply ship arrived. 

 

After World War II, the HBC transformed into a retail business, and in 1960, it opened a modern retail store in Moose Factory. The HBC staff house and other historic properties were converted into the open-air museum of Centennial Park that opened in 1967. 

 

The HBC continued to operate in Moose Factory until 1987, when its operations in northern Canada, including Moose Factory, were sold to The North West Company.

 

Today, Moose Factory is a thriving community with a diverse economy. The hospital, which provides medical services to the entire James Bay region, is a major employer. 

 

Tourism has also become an important sector, focusing on outdoor experiences and Cree culture. The Cree Cultural Interpretive Centre tells the area’s history and presents the culture of the Omushkegowuk Cree.

 

Geography of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

Moose Factory is located on Moose Factory Island in the Cochrane District of northeastern Ontario, Canada. The island is situated near the mouth of the Moose River, which flows into James Bay, the southernmost part of Hudson Bay.

 

Island Geography

Moose Factory Island is flat and part of the poorly drained Hudson Bay Lowlands. It is made up of marine clay underlain by sedimentary rocks, mainly limestone, dolomite and shale. The island is affected by the Arctic tides from James Bay, which rise and fall twice daily, varying as much as 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) from high to low tide.

 

Climate

Moose Factory and the surrounding area have a very cold humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb). The climate data is from the nearby community of Moosonee, about 3 km (1.9 mi) to the west.

 

Size and Location

Moose Factory Island is 4.1 km (2.55 mi) long and 1.4 km (0.87 mi) wide, with a total area of 5.25 km2 (2.03 sq mi). It is located about 16 km (9.9 mi) from the mouth of the Moose River at James Bay. The island is accessible from Moosonee across the Moose River by water taxi in the summer, ice road in the winter, and chartered helicopter during break-up and freeze-up seasons.

 

Political Geography

The island is politically divided into two entities:

1. Factory Island 1 - An Indian reserve belonging to the Moose Cree First Nation, making up the northern two-thirds of the island.
2. Unorganized North Cochrane District - The unincorporated southern third of the island, home to the historic Hudson's Bay Company post and government services.

 

Federally, Moose Factory is part of the Timmins--James Bay electoral district, while provincially it is part of the Mushkegowuk—James Bay electoral district.

 

Demographics of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

The demographics of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada, based on the provided sources, reveal interesting insights about the population and characteristics of the community:

• According to the 2016 Census, Moose Factory South had a population of 672 in 2016, with a population density of 416.4 people per square kilometer and a land area of 1.61 square kilometers.
• Moose Factory 68, an Indian Reserve, had a population of 4 in 2002, with no population estimates in subsequent years.
• The 2021 Census data for Moose Factory South shows a population of 495 in 2021, with a population density of 327.9 people per square kilometer and a land area of 1.51 square kilometers.
• The community is predominantly inhabited by the Cree, with a significant portion of the population having Aboriginal ancestry. The population includes both Registered or Treaty Indians and those not registered as such.
• Moose Factory has a diverse age distribution, with residents ranging from children to seniors. The community also has a mix of languages spoken, including Indigenous languages like Cree-Innu languages and Algonquian languages.
• The political organization of Moose Factory includes Factory Island 1, an Indian reserve governed by the Moose Cree First Nation, and the Unorganized Cochrane District, which houses the old Hudson's Bay Company post and government services.

 

These demographic details provide a comprehensive overview of the population composition and characteristics of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada.

 

Economy of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

The economy of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada, is diverse and driven by various sectors:

 

Major Employers

1. Hospital: The hospital, constructed in the early 1950s, is a significant employer in the community, providing medical services to the entire James Bay region.
2. Tourism: Tourism has become an important economic sector, focusing on outdoor experiences and Cree culture. Visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing, camping, snowshoeing, and cultural activities.

 

Economic Development Initiatives

1. Food Sovereignty: The Moose Cree First Nation is committed to reducing the high cost of food in the north by promoting local food production and reducing reliance on external sources. Initiatives include a farmers market and an aquaponics project.
2. Aviation Services: The community offers daily scheduled flights during break-up and freeze-up seasons, as well as passenger and cargo transport services to hunting camps. Additionally, drone delivery services are being developed to transport goods between Moose Factory and Moosonee.
3. Business Development Services: The Moose Cree First Nation provides support for starting and growing businesses, including business plan development, market research, and grant and loan assistance.
4. Moose Factory Buildings National Historic Site: This site includes the historic staff house (1847-50) and powder magazine (1865-66), which are part of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s trading post.
5. Cree Cultural Interpretive Centre (CCIC): The CCIC offers informative exhibits and a crafts area, providing visitors with insights into the history and culture of the Omushkegowuk Cree.

 

Other Economic Activities

1. Fur Trading: Although not as prominent as in the past, some residents still engage in trapping as a livelihood.
2. Retail Trade: The community has a retail store, although its exact nature and significance are not specified.

 

Overall, the economy of Moose Factory is driven by a mix of traditional activities like fur trading and tourism, as well as modern initiatives focused on food sovereignty, aviation services, and business development.

 

Education in Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

In Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada, education plays a vital role in the community's development and growth. Here is an overview of the educational landscape based on the provided sources:

 

Schools in Moose Factory

1. Ministik Public School: A public elementary school operated by the Moose Factory Island District School Area Board. It caters to students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 and was established in 1984.
2. Delores D. Echum Composite School: This senior elementary and secondary school is operated by the Moose Cree Education Authority. It serves students from Grades 7 to 12 and was founded in 1997.
3. Moose Factory Academy of Christian Education: A private elementary school that opened its doors in 1995.

 

Post-Secondary Education

• Northern College: Offers post-secondary programs through distant learning methods such as correspondence, video, and web-based courses. The James Bay Education Centre Northern College-Education Complex serves as a liaison base for the community college.

 

Historical Perspective

• Bishop Horden Memorial School: Also known as Horden Hall Residential School, Moose Factory Residential School, or Moose Fort Indian Residential School, this institution operated from 1907 to 1963. It was named after Bishop Horden and served communities in the James Bay area. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission investigated this school, highlighting the challenges faced by Indigenous children in such institutions.

 

Notable Residents

• Moose Factory has been home to notable individuals like former NHL ice hockey player Jonathan Cheechoo, actress and artist Shirley Cheechoo, and sculptor Duane Linklater.

 

Education in Moose Factory is a blend of public, private, and Indigenous-focused institutions, providing a range of educational opportunities for the community's residents across different age groups and academic levels.

 

Transport System of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

The transport system in Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada, is primarily based on water and land transportation. Here is an overview of the available options:

 

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission: The provincial government's Ontario Northland Transportation Commission operates a rail line that serves the community from its northern terminus at nearby Moosonee. This rail line connects Moose Factory to other parts of Ontario and Canada.

 

Bus and Night Bus: The best way to travel from Moose Factory to Sault Ste. Marie without a car is by bus and night bus, which takes approximately 17 hours and 46 minutes and costs between $100 and $220.

 

Local Trucking & Freight Businesses: Yellow Pages Canada lists local trucking and freight businesses in Moose Factory, providing services for transporting goods and materials within the community and to other destinations.

 

Other Transportation Options

1. Water Taxi: During the summer, water taxis are available to transport people across the Moose River, connecting Moose Factory Island to the mainland.
2. Ice Road: In the winter, an ice road is used to transport goods and people across the frozen Moose River, connecting Moose Factory to Moosonee.
3. Chartered Helicopters: During break-up and freeze-up seasons, chartered helicopters are used to transport people and goods between Moose Factory and Moosonee.

 

The transport system in Moose Factory is designed to accommodate the community's needs, providing a mix of water and land-based options for both residents and visitors.

 

Living in Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada, is a community located on Moose Factory Island in the Cochrane District of northeastern Ontario. It is situated near the mouth of the Moose River, which flows into James Bay, the southernmost part of Hudson Bay.

 

Moose Factory was founded in 1673 by Charles Bayly, the Hudson’s Bay Company’s (HBC) second post and the first English settlement in what is now Ontario. Initially called Moose Fort, it was captured by the French in 1686 and later destroyed. The post was rebuilt in 1730 and has been in continuous operation since then.

 

The community is predominantly inhabited by the Cree, with a significant portion of the population still relying on trapping as a livelihood. The hospital, constructed in the early 1950s, is a major employer. Tourism has also become an important contributor to the local economy, focusing on outdoor experiences and Cree culture.

 

Healthcare in Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

The Moose Factory Health Centre is the primary healthcare facility serving the Moose Cree First Nation community in Moose Factory, Ontario. Here are the key details about healthcare services in the area:

• The health centre is located at 22 Jonathan Cheechoo Dr in the Moose Cree Complex and is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
• It provides family medical care and community-based health programs, with a team of family doctors, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers.
• The health centre offers referrals to other regional health services as needed.
• It aims to provide culturally appropriate programs and services for Indigenous people, combining traditional health and Western medical practices.
• The health centre works to improve the social supports and conditions that affect long-term health in the community.
• Services and programs offered include family well-being, home and community care, and medical transportation.
• To access services, individuals must call or visit the health centre and provide a valid health card and certificate of Indigenous status (if applicable).
• The health centre serves members of the Moose Cree First Nation, with services available in English and Cree.
• For after-hours emergencies, residents can call 911 or visit the nearest hospital in Moosonee.

 

The Moose Factory Health Centre plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the Moose Cree First Nation community, combining traditional and Western approaches to promote overall health and well-being.

 

Tourist places of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

Some of the top tourist places to visit in Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada, include:

1. Cree Cultural Interpretive Center: This center showcases various aspects of Cree culture and crafts, providing visitors with insights into the rich heritage of the Omushkegowuk Cree.
2. Tidewater Provincial Park: A nearby park on the adjacent island facing Moosonee, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and nature exploration.
3. St. Thomas' Anglican Church: A historic church in Moose Factory, providing a glimpse into the area's religious and architectural heritage.
4. Cree Village Eco Lodge: An eco-tourist lodge with modern rooms and a restaurant, offering visitors a comfortable stay and a chance to experience traditional Cree cuisine and cultural activities.
5. Hudson's Bay Company Staff House: A significant historical site built between 1847-50, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the fur trade history of Moose Factory Island and the Moose Cree people.
6. Centennial Park: While no longer holding active displays, this park features several significant landmarks from the Hudson's Bay Company days, providing a glimpse into the area's past.
7. Moose River: Visitors can take boat tours on the Moose River to explore the surrounding natural beauty and wildlife, offering a unique perspective of the region.

 

These attractions offer a mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor experiences, making Moose Factory a destination rich in heritage and natural beauty for tourists to explore and enjoy.

 

Local Food of Moose Factory, Ontario, Canada

The Moose Cree First Nation in Moose Factory, Ontario, is committed to promoting local food production and reducing reliance on external food sources. Some key initiatives related to local food in the community include:

1. Farmers Market: The community hosts a farmers market to support local food producers and provide fresh, affordable produce to residents.
2. Aquaponics Project: An aquaponics project has been established to grow fish and vegetables using a closed-loop system, reducing the high cost of food in the north.
3. Food Sovereignty: The Moose Cree First Nation is working towards food sovereignty, aiming to reduce the high cost of food by promoting local food production and distribution.
4. Traditional Foods: Many residents still rely on traditional foods such as wild game, fish, and berries, which are an important part of the Cree diet and culture.
5. Local Businesses: Yellow Pages Canada lists several local food products businesses in Moose Factory, providing access to locally sourced foods.

 

These initiatives demonstrate the community's efforts to increase food security, promote traditional food practices, and support local food producers in Moose Factory.

 

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