The Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre

Exploration, The Search for Gold

Soapstone First Clue of Mineral Riches

In 1872, led by Native guides, Robert Bell and Alfred Selwyn, geologists with the Geological Survey of Canada, began a survey of Northwestern Ontario. While at Lac Seul, Native people showed them samples of soapstone rock from Red Lake. As gold is often found near soapstone, this was their first clue of the mineral potential of Red Lake.

Twenty-one years later the Geological Survey of Canada sent D.B. Dowling to the area. Dowling felt that Red Lake had high mineral potential, but didn't find any specific deposits. Before leaving, he carved his initials on soapstone at the mouth of Pipestone Bay, at the west end of Red Lake. Dowling's initials, as well as those of many other early prospectors, can still be seen there today. (top-right)

Dr. E.L. Bruce was the next geologist to survey the area. His report, published in 1924, stated that... "quartz veins (found at Red Lake)... contain visible gold in quantities". After reading his report, Ray Howey, George McNeely, and Lorne Howey (pictured right, left to right), prospectors from Cobalt, Ontario, travelled to Red Lake. On July 25, 1925, under the roots of an upturned tree, (right), they discovered a major gold vein on the shores of Red Lake, triggering the last great gold rush in North America.

Intials of a prospector 1893

Geologists of northwestern Ontario

Gold vein found under upturned tree

Tragic End to Gold Discovery of 1897

At the turn of the century, the search for gold in Canada was at its peak. Intrigued by Dr. Dowling's report on the mineral potential of Red Lake, Robert Gilbert, an adventurous 33 year old prospector from New Brunswick, travelled to England. Together with three British partners, he formed the North Western Expedition Company, and sailed back to Canada.

Arriving in Dinorwic by train in June 1897, the party canoed 200 miles to Red Lake and discovered gold soon after their arrival at Slate Bay. As they were loading their canoes for their return trip, Gilbert's partners heard him cry out, "I have killed myself", and watched him collapse and die.

Just before stepping into the canoe, Gilbert had reached for his Colt revolver which landed on a rock and discharged. Gilbert was struck by the bullet in the chest.

Crull Rock and Mineral Collection

Sunset over Slate Bay, Red Lake

With Gilbert's body sewn in a canvas bag, the men canoed back to the railhead in the extreme heat, carrying the heavy, decomposing body of their friend over numerous lengthy, mosquito infested portages. At Dinorwic, Gilbert's body was sealed in a metal casket and sent back to his family in the east.

RESOURCE EXPLORATION LEADS TO
SIGNING OF TREATY THREE

Chief Akiwance and Councillor Nattaway Keesic, (ancestors of many Native people living in the area today), on Treaty Day at Lac Seul in 1914.

After three years of negotiations, on October 3, 1873, the Canadian Government and the Saulteaux (Ojibway) and the Chippewa Indians signed Treaty Three, which encompassed much of what is today known as Northwestern Ontario.
Under the terms of the agreement, Native people were to surrender their lands to the Queen, so that the government could proceed with the development of a railway and the harvesting of minerals and timber. In exchange, the Crown set aside certain areas for farming, schools were established, and fishing and farming supplies were provided to the bands.

The Ojibway of Northwestern Ontario proved to be highly skilled negotiators, and obtained additional terms not granted in previous treaties. Treaty Three was ground breaking, and became a model for future agreements.

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