About Us

Before the Europeans moved into the area, the Ojibway people called this area Mitang. The Europeans could not pronounce this name. Over time, this area became known as Stanjikoming and often is still shortened to Stanji. Many names have been altered to the point of non-recognition. Much research has been done by local elders to find the true names of places and give respect back to the language and the names.

Before the Fort Frances dam was built for the paper mill, Rainy Lake shores looked very different. The Stanjikoming Bay received waters from Rainy River through one opening. Natural waters came into the bay through a 10-15 foot narrow channel. The channel had trees and underbrush throughout. It was difficult to enter. Canoes were probably pushed with poles. Now the whole area is shallow with many sandy shores.

Prior to 1909, people came from all over Manitoba, Ontario , Net Lake , and Red Lake to this secluded place. It was a bay filled with manomin and muskrats, ducks, geese, and other fowl thrived in the area. The area was five miles by three miles and was known as a wild rice feeding area.

When the dam was built in 1909 the lake waters rose and flooded the wild rice beds. Now three opening bring water to the bay. Lands are flooded and the channel is now ¼ mile wide. Now there is little rice. Geese flying past and ducks are rare. Two other channels feed the bay and life is different. Visitors come but not for wild rice.