The Black River Wilderness Park is owned and operated by the Chippewas of Mnjikaning of Rama, Ontario. The name Mnjikaning, refers to the fishing weirs at the Narrows between Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching and means people of the fish fence.
In the early 1800's, the Chippewa of Lake Simcoe and Lake Huron had divided into three main groups under Chief Musquackie, Aisance and Snake. During the 1830's Musquackie's group was living at the Narrows. By 1936, under pressure from the European settlement, Musquackie's people, purchased 1,631 acres of relatively unfarmable land at the present site of Mnjikaning for $3,200.00.
Around this time, they became known by the government as the Chippewas of Rama Township. For over 100 years the people of Mnjikaning have been known simply as the Chippewas of Rama. Today, Mnjikaning sits on about 2,350 acres of land located on eight separate parcels. Since the late 1960's the Chief and Council, alongside the community's economic team, have encouraged a number of businesses to open. Today there are about 25 businesses in Mnjikaning, including Black River Wilderness Park, Ojibway Marina Rama Gift Shop, Second Cup Coffee Shop, Shell Gas Station.
The impact of the opening of Casino Rama in 1996 has been felt throughout both the Aboriginal and the surrounding Lakeland communities of Simcoe County. Casino Rama's outer walls boast a spectacular 37,000 square foot Native Art Wall created by the Mnjikaning Art Studio composed entirely of community artists.
Black River Wilderness Park sits on part of one of these parcels of land located on Highway # 169. It was developed on the Black River in 1968 on Simcoe County Road. At the time, it was basically a wilderness park with few electric sites and lots of tenting and backpacking area. In 1983, 3 bridges were built to gain access to two of the islands and the back main areas.
In 1991, Dennis and Penny Noganosh of Rama became the operators of the campground. Under their direction many new developments have been implemented. The campground now has 60 sites for seasonal camping and 45 tent sites and 5 sleeping cabins on Island #3. It has a friendly atmosphere and is a safe environment for children to play. Penny continues to work at the campground as manager.
A new
main washroom facility was built in 1991 housing showers, washrooms
and sinks. Lighting was installed throughout the park and sites were upgraded
and new ones created plus new picnic tables for these sites. The old office
was taken down and a new one erected. In 1992, a swimming pool and playground
were added adjacent to the main washroom and continued upgrading of sites
by adding electric, water and sewers. Upgrading of roadways was done as
well. In 1993, more full service sites were added and more tables were
bought. Walking trails were cleared at the back of the park. In 1994,
a new washroom on the seasonal side of the park was built and still upgrading
continued. In 1995, a covered shelter was built. In 1996, a badminton
and volleyball court were added and horseshoe pitches.
In 1997, 7 new full serviced sites were created with 30 amp for seasonal
trailers and 6 new electric and water sites with 30 amp service for the
overnight customers. An electronic gate was installed at the front entrance.
For 1998, a bridge to Island #3 was built and 5 sleeping cabins on the
Island itself with a parking lot to accommodate the 5 vehicles for these
campers.
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