ABOUT THE TURTLE MOUNTAINS
The Turtle Mountains, or Turtle Mountain, is an area in the the north-central portion of the State of North Dakota and the southwestern portion of the Canadian province of Manitoba. The Turtle Mountains rise to about 2,000 ft (600 m) above sea level, and are about 300 to 400 ft (90 m to 120 m) above the surrounding prairies. The landform extends about 20 mi (32 km) from north to south and 40 mi (64 km) from east to west.
The Turtle Mountains are tree-covered with poplar, oak, and ash trees and are know for the numerous lakes and sloughs that dot the landscape. The region is home to Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, Lake Metigoshe state park, Sky Chief Tribal Park, and various hunting and fishing opportunities.
The Turtle Mountains are within the traditional territory of the Plains Ojibwe, as well as part of the Métis homeland. Rapid colonization and settlement in the 19th century, and the establishment of the "Medicine Line" border between Canada and the United States, displaced many Indigenous peoples to and from the region. Those who remained on the US side of the border were identified as the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.
The Turtle Mountains are tree-covered with poplar, oak, and ash trees and are know for the numerous lakes and sloughs that dot the landscape. The region is home to Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, Lake Metigoshe state park, Sky Chief Tribal Park, and various hunting and fishing opportunities.
The Turtle Mountains are within the traditional territory of the Plains Ojibwe, as well as part of the Métis homeland. Rapid colonization and settlement in the 19th century, and the establishment of the "Medicine Line" border between Canada and the United States, displaced many Indigenous peoples to and from the region. Those who remained on the US side of the border were identified as the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.
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Legends says that when viewed from the south, the land-form known as the ‘Turtle Mountains’ appeared to the Anishinaabe as a turtle on the horizon with the head pointing westward and the tail to the east. Another legend says that the Turtle Mountains were named for a man named “Mickinock” (turtle) who walked (or ran) its entire length in one day. Other names given to the Turtle Mountains include Makinak Wudjiw (Turtle Mountain in Ojibwemowin), LaMontagne Tortue (Michif for ‘Turtle Mountain’), Turtle Hill, Beckoning Hills, and the Blue Jewel of the Plains.
Patrick Gourneau, in his book History of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa explained why “Turtle Mountain” is not “Turtle Mountains.” He states the following: “The naming of Turtle Mountain goes back a long time, versions from white men and Indians. To mention only three Chippeway versions, it indicates that it was the early Chippeway migrants from the woodlands of the east who named it Turtle Mountain. None of the three versions carry the name Turtle Mountains. As far back as my memory goes, I have not ever heard a full-blood term the hills as Turtle Mountains, and same applies to the “Mechifs.” The Chippeway name is “Mekinauk Wudjiw” (Turtle Mountain). If it was Turtle Mountains it would be “Mekinauk Wudjiw wum” (plural)." |
Mikinaak Wajiw - Turtle Mountain
Mikinaak: a snapping turtle Wajiw: a mountain |
