Cree and Ojibway people have lived off the land since time immemorial, hunting, trapping, gathering, and fishing for food, furs, and medicines. The many rivers, streams, and lakes of what is now Northeastern Ontario provided canoe routes for travel and trade and access to an abundance of fish. Large rivers supported a rich diversity of food fish species including pickerel (also known as walleye), lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, brook trout, and northern pike amongst others. Waterfowl were hunted in both the spring and the fall as the birds followed their annual north–south migration routes. The Cree and Ojibway peoples of the region traded amongst themselves and with other communities in Ontario and beyond. Healthy lands and waters supported rich and diverse cultural activities. These traditional activities are critically important to TTN and are practised to this day.