The Big Grassy River First Nation app is now available

Musk-kosiminiziibing, formerly known as Big Grassy River First Nation and in Ojibwe Mishkosiminiziibiing Anishinaabeg, is an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) community on the southeast shores of Lake of the Woods, near Morson in Rainy River District, Ontario. The Nation is part of Treaty 3 territory and has six reserves. The main one is Big Grassy River 35G, and Assabaska is shared with Onigaming First Nation.

Big Grassy and Onigaming First Nation are both successors to the former Assabaska Band of Saulteaux. In 1930, Canada "relinquished" the Assabaska shoreline reserve without consulting the people. The two communities separated into two reserves in 1964. In 1977 they filed a land claim together, and it was settled in the late 1990s.

The land and Anishinaabe culture are central to learning at Pegamigaabo School. The community recognizes its clans, including Bullhead, Sturgeon, Mallard, Bear, Moose, Blue Heron, Lynx, Eagle, Caribou/Elk, Turtle and Crane. Each year it holds a traditional powwow that honours the Mothers of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women.

Community services and initiatives include:

• Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park
• A Business Development Fund
• A Comprehensive Community Plan
• A Land Code under the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management

More information is available at the official website.