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Kinoomaadiwag " T h e y a r e Te a c h i n g E a c h O t h e r " Niibaakhom: Ojibwe War Chief and Debassige ancestor By A. Corbiere When mention is made of the War of 1812, the two names that come immediately to mind are Tecumseh and General Isaac Brock. Although it is well known that numerous Nishnaabeg from Lake Huron area fought in the War of 1812, many of these warriors and chiefs have sunk into obscurity and are not remembered. Some notable chiefs and warriors who achieved some fame include Chief Shingwaukonse (Pine) from Garden River, Jean Baptiste Assiginack (Black Bird), as well as Mookomaanish (Little Knife), both of whom eventually settled at Wikwemikong. But who were the Michigiwadinong (M'Chigeeng) chiefs and warriors that served in "His Majesty's Service" during the War of 1812? about Niibaakhom stated that " gii-bmose maaba gbe-dbik mtigwaakiing, niibaakhom Oral tradiMr. Alan Corbiere gaa-njition on Manizhinkaazod: toulin, as reThis fellow counted by both Wikwalked all night wemikong and M'Chigeeng residents, recall through the woods, that is why he was called a great war chief Niibaakhom". By Denamed Niibaakhom. bassige family tradiChief Niibaakhom was the father of tion, Niibaakhom Chief Taibosegai means "walking (Debassige), so he is through the woods at the great-great-great night" or "he who is at grandfather of all the periphery" while "Debassiges" and the historical docu"Taibosegais" in ments report that it M'Chigeeng. means "clap of thunder The name Niibaakhom at night". Niibaakhom has been translated as fought alongside the "Clap of Thunder at British during the War night". However, Niiof 1812 and was reportbaakhom descendant edly described as "a Lewis Debassige, ungreat war chief who derstands the name to was renowned for his mean "He who is at brave exploits and for the periphery". Vinhis accuracy in foretellcent Debassige talking Volume 3, Issue 1 February 18, 2005 Special points of interest: · Art Contest finalist of Grade 7 & 8, Featuring Niibaakom. Take a look! · Story of "Niibaakom Captures Fort" told by Lewis Debassige · Www.mchigeeng.net/ kinoomaadoog Inside this issue: Artwork by Kirby Corbiere 2 Artwork by Brittany Corston 3 Niibaakom Captures fort, a story told by L. Debassige in Ojibwe Photo of L. Debassige Artwork by Erica Hare 4-5 5 6