Kitty, as she is known by all, was born in Moose Factory on November 27^th, 1914. Her home is the first you see as you enter the Fox Lake community. 

Kitty, along with Toy McAuley, was one of the first women councillors of the CCFN. We have had her wisdom to draw upon as our people worked toward today’s community. 

Cree is Kitty’s first language. As a young lady, she was often called up to act as a court translator. She still reads and writes syllabics, and the prayer book she uses nightly is Cree. 

To this day, when the Tamaracks turn yellow in late October, she still participates in the setting of nets for the traditional whitefish harvest.

She has fond memories of growing up on Moose Factory Island. Many elders there still remember her as a pretty girl having a new Easter bonnet for church every Easter Sunday. She was also an accomplished seamstress skilled in making moose hide mitts complete with fine beadwork. Some now pass on those same skills she gave to them.

Kitty came to Chapleau by canoe as a young girl and stayed with Walter and Mary Ritchie for several years. Later she married Charles Douglas Cachagee (Tony). who acted as spokesperson for the Chapleau Cree before we had an elected council. 

Tony and Kitty are parents to Bill, a past Chapleau Cree chief. The couple also raised nieces Cecile and Darlene during their youth; a custom quite common among Cree families.

Kitty has three, grandsons; Kyle, Brett and Wade. As young, boys, they spent long periods with Kitty while their parents worked on the acquisition of the Fox Lake Reserve. An accomplished step dancer, Kitty often demonstrated the steps to the boys. They also learned the fine art of setting rabbit snares from their grandmother. Kitty also has two great-granddaughters, Lauryn and Claudia. 

Until recently, Kitty was active in the Anglican Church’s ladies group and a member of the Chapleau Legion. Now, as a senior elder in her sunset years, she has a wealth of information about Cree customs and continues to pass those on to us.

Born at Chapleau, December 5, 1925 to Isabella Turner. Joe was brother to Jerry, Rodney (Butch) Arthur (Puxy), Margaret and Marian. 

Joe courted Margaret Bain and married her on October 21, 1953. Together, they were blessed with a son, also named Joe who gifted him with 3 grandchildren. Joe also has numerous nieces and nephews.

In his younger days, Joe did some guiding for Chapleau Lodge in the Borden Lake area. Just about all the money he made at those jobs went to helping the family. At 14 years of age, he began what was to become a long career with the Ontario Forestry Branch, which in time became Ontario’s department of Lands & Forests and eventually, the Ministry of Natural Resources. His first job was fighting forest fires when needed. Gradually, his good work was recognized and the jobs became more steady.

In 1943, during World War 2 he enlisted in the armed services and saw action in Europe.

On May 25 that year, a fire started at Rocky Island Lake in the Mississagi Provincial Forest and grew for several days. On June 12th, it joined with another fire in the Chapleau district and created one of the largest forest fires in Ontario’s history. The smoke from these fires caused cities in Texas to turn their lights on during the day and pilots in airplanes flying at 8,000 feet over the area to report poor visibility. Ash from the fire fell as far as Sudbury. Newspaper headlines read "the whole north ablaze". Work continued on the Mississagi/Chapleau fire until Aug. 31, 1948 when it was officially pronounced history. The combined area burned totaled 747,520 acres.

The total number of fire fighters used on the fire is unknown. Extra fire fighters employed on both the Chapleau and Mississagi Fires are estimated at 1,538. This is in addition to regular Lands and Forest staff, lumber company and other industry staff. It left Joe with vivid memories of the adventure and a healthy respect for Mother Earth.

In the late 1970’s, Joe left the Ministry of Natural Resources and took a job at the Chapleau Tree Nursery where he remained until his retirement in 1984. 

Joe was not the only one in his family to have a career working in forestry. His 3 brothers all had rewarding careers with the Lands & Forests. His son, Joe Jr. is also building a career with the MNR.

When the time came to build a new reserve for the Chapleau Cree family, Joe used his skills to operate weigh scales for the road construction. He also spent 5 years as a Chapleau Cree Councilor. 

Joe’s favorite outdoor spot is Missinabie Lake. From spring to fall, he enjoyed camping and fishing at Whitefish Falls, Fairy Point and the Narrows. 

You can see Joe and his constant companion, Sheena, (pictured) both in and out of town, or at the Band Office on a visiting with the office staff. 

Stop him and ask him for a story. He has many.