Waubojeeg

Who was Waubojeeg?

Waub-o-jeeg, also written Wa-bo-jeeg or other variants of Ojibwe Waabojiig was a famous warrior and chief of the Ojibwa. He was born into the Adik doodem some time in the mid-18th century near Zhaagawaamikong on the western end of Lake Superior. His father Ma-mong-a-ze-da was also a noted warrior, who fought for the French in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Although Wabojeeg's family had intermarried with the Dakota people during times of peace, and he had several Dakota relatives, including the famous chief Wapasha, he fought in several battles against the Dakota and Meskwaki during his lifetime. His children, notably his son Weshkii and his youngest daughter Ozhaguscodaywayquay, became prominent in the Sault Ste. Marie area, a major fur trading post.

Waub-ojeeg distrusted white men because of their encroachment on Native territory. When John Johnston, a young Scots-Irish fur trader, fell in love with his eldest daughter, Ozhaguscodaywayquay, and asked the chief to be allowed to marry her. Waub-o-jeeg at first refused, saying: "White Man, I have noticed your behaviour, it has been correct; but, White Man, your colour is deceitful. Of you, may I expect better things? You say you are going to Montreal; go, and if you return I shall be satisfied of your sincerity and will give you my daughter."