Bemanakinang fought in key battles at age 15
By Alan Corbiere
On July 16, 1812, CaptainRoberts left St. Joseph Island with his 30 regular British troops, 200 voyageurs, 113 Sioux, Menominee,
and Winnebago, and 280 Odawa and Ojibwe warriors, to take Fort Michilimackinac from the Americans. By noon the next day, the British and Anishinaabeg force had claimed the fort. Among that victorious force was a 15 year old youth named Bemanakinang, joining his father and uncle on the war path. Though he had been told to stay behind because he was too young, Bemanakinang would not be denied his opportunity to distinguish himself among his peers, family, clan and nation.
In 1875 Bemanakinang, who was then reported to be 85 years old and living at Wikwemikong, gave a deposition to the Indian Agent detailing his action in the War of 1812. Bemanakinang stated that he had “fought on the side of the British at Mackinaw, [and had] been in action five times.” He did not mention any other places but elaborated on one specific instance, stating that
“on one occasion four canoes were sent to seize a Boat which was making for an American ship; three of the canoes returned, but the one in which he was (which was that of his Father) continued to chase the boat until they were fired at by the American vessel and
were forced to retire, on landing they were received by the English officer, who said they were brave warriors and wrote down their names and promised that they should be rewarded so as never to want anything, not even a single needle all their life long”.
Research suggests that Michel Bemanakinang accompanied his Bear Clan father, Chief Assiginack, in major War of 1812 campaigns, including Niagara and Detroit.
Continue at the Anishinabek News, top of page 16...
By Alan Corbiere
On July 16, 1812, CaptainRoberts left St. Joseph Island with his 30 regular British troops, 200 voyageurs, 113 Sioux, Menominee,
and Winnebago, and 280 Odawa and Ojibwe warriors, to take Fort Michilimackinac from the Americans. By noon the next day, the British and Anishinaabeg force had claimed the fort. Among that victorious force was a 15 year old youth named Bemanakinang, joining his father and uncle on the war path. Though he had been told to stay behind because he was too young, Bemanakinang would not be denied his opportunity to distinguish himself among his peers, family, clan and nation.
In 1875 Bemanakinang, who was then reported to be 85 years old and living at Wikwemikong, gave a deposition to the Indian Agent detailing his action in the War of 1812. Bemanakinang stated that he had “fought on the side of the British at Mackinaw, [and had] been in action five times.” He did not mention any other places but elaborated on one specific instance, stating that
“on one occasion four canoes were sent to seize a Boat which was making for an American ship; three of the canoes returned, but the one in which he was (which was that of his Father) continued to chase the boat until they were fired at by the American vessel and
were forced to retire, on landing they were received by the English officer, who said they were brave warriors and wrote down their names and promised that they should be rewarded so as never to want anything, not even a single needle all their life long”.
Research suggests that Michel Bemanakinang accompanied his Bear Clan father, Chief Assiginack, in major War of 1812 campaigns, including Niagara and Detroit.
Continue at the Anishinabek News, top of page 16...