Waswanipi Lake

Lake Waswanipi lies along the river of the same name, which carries its waters west towards Lake Matagami. Its Cree name evokes light on the water, recalling the use of torches to lure fish for spearing. An island in the lake became a summer gathering place for Waswanipi Cree families and the site of a fur-trading post. The lake forms one link in the waterways leading onward to the Nottaway and James Bay.