Cape Croker is a spectacular 6,000-hectare peninsula of land jutting out into the blue waters of Georgian Bay and dominated by the limestone bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment. It is home to the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. The Nawash Band from Owen Sound arrived on the Cape in 1858 where they farmed, fished and hunted following the signing of Treaty #72.  

The Cape is part of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territories.  Neyaashiinigmiing, the Ojibway name for Cape Croker, means “a point of land nearly surrounded by water”.  Cape Croker once provided a portage route across a narrow neck of land from MacGregor Harbour to Colpoy’s Bay.  Today, the Cape is a wonderful mix of savannah and prairie with a fine harbour and, at the end of a picturesque shore drive, a lighthouse and a storm beach that yields many good fossils. The world famous Bruce Trail winds its way through the reserve.

A highlight is the Cape Croker Indian Park.  This 226-hectare wooded park, on the eastern shore of the Bruce Peninsula, offers camping, hiking, a boat launch, and a summer time 2010 Pow-Wow.  It is the perfect place for a weekend or week-long getaway for families.  Among the amenities of today’s Cape Croker are a restaurant, First Nations crafts, historical plaques, and churches.

Believe It or Not!

A monument that stands outside the Community Centre is dedicated to those who left Cape Croker for military service.  From the days of the War of 1812 through two World Wars and other conflicts, First Nations people have served Canada far out of proportion to their population.  Among them were the McLeods, eight of whom joined Canada’s forces.  Mrs. Mary McLeod was selected as the Silver Cross Mother of the Year in 1972.

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