The great body of the Crees were at that time named Opimmitish Ininiwuc, or Men of the Woods.

It would however be an endless task to attempt to determine the precise people designated by the early French writers.

Every small band naming itself from its hunting grounds was described as a different nation.

The Chippeways who frequented the Lake of the Woods were named from a particular act of pillage Pilliers, or Robbers: and the name Saulteurs, applied to a principal band that frequented the Sault St.Marie, has been by degrees extended to the whole tribe.

It is frequently pronounced and written Sotoos.) The original character of the Crees must have been much modified by their long intercourse with Europeans; hence it is to be understood that we confine ourselves in the following sketch to their present condition, and more particularly to the Crees of Cumberland House.