Founding Family Member Biographies
Let us briefly introduce you to some individuals important to the founding of Dokis First Nation. The bios have been pieced together from numerous sources. Some sources are provided as hyper-links for on-line searches and further reading. Revisions to them may take place over time as new information and knowledge is collected. The founding family members list is not comprehensive but is intended to provide a starting point for discussions, exploration and continued learning.
NOTE: Names may vary based on being reproduced as they appear in the source. Many variations exist including spellings, use of traditional names, nicknames, alternate or abbreviated names. Keeping track of birth and death dates will help you follow individuals through the generations, especially where the names are passed from father to son or nephews. Maiden names are included whenever possible to assist with distinguishing between generations of women and daughters or nieces with the same name.
Louise Obtagashio Laronde (1799-1867)
Louise Obtagashio Laronde is recorded as being born in 1799. While unconfirmed by government documentation, there are many accounts of Louise being the mother of Life Chief Michel D’Aigle Migisi Dokis (1821-1906). His father was said to be Michel D’Aigle (1798-1850), possibly born in Lorettaville, Quebec. He is recorded as being a French-Canadian fur trader.
http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/migisi_13E.html
Writings and government documents show that Louise and Michel Washusk Rastoul had at least two sons, Francois Xavier Rastoul (1827-) and Joseph John Rastoul (1833-1915). In 1834 an official record (below) establishes her marriage to Michel Washusk Rastoul (1784-1845) in Sault Ste., Michigan, United States in 1834.
After Michel Restoul Washusk’s (1784-1845) death Louise married Honore Solomon in 1851 and appears to have resided in the Killarney area with him where she was known as “the widow Restoule”. Interestingly, Louise Solomon’s Will dated August 12, 1852, references instructions left to her by husband” Michel Eagle (Rastoul) Restoule” about the disposition of his belongings to his children named as Francois Rastoul, Joseph Rastoul and to the wife of Michael Eagle (Rastoul Jr) who was the child of Michel Restoul (from a previous marriage).
Michel Rastoul “Washusk” (1784-1845)
Michel Rastoul Washusk was born on May 22, 1784, in Montreal, Quebec with his death taking place at Dokis First Nation in 1845. Michel married (wife unknown) abt. 1810 and he married again in 1820 until her death in 1827. Michel had two children Michel Eagle Rastoul Washusk and Etienne Rastoul when he married Louise Obtagashio in Sault St. Marie, Michigan, United States in 1834. A Hudson’s Bay Company record indicates that Michel Washusk Rastoul was at various times a trader, interpreter, postmaster and “middleman”. Michel and Louise, as previously mentioned, had children together Francois and Joseph Rastoul.
https://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/archives/_docs/hbca/biographical/r/rastoule_michel-sr.pdf
Michel D’Aigle Migisi Dokis (1821-1906)
Michel Dokis is recorded as being born in 1821 in Manitowaning, Manitoulin, Ontario to Louise Obtagashio Laronde (1799-1867) and Michel D’Aigle (1798-1850). A marriage record confirms Michel’s marriage to Angelique (Charlotte) Gordon on July 28, 1838, in Wikwemikong, Ontario. He was recognized as a Chief in 1850, when he signed the Robinson Huron Treaty creating the boundaries for the community presently known as Dokis First Nation. In 1898 he was elected Life Chief and as such remained Chief until his death in 1906. Michel, along with his half-brothers Francois and Joseph Rastoul (and later their sons) established and operated trading posts in locations throughout central and northern Ontario.
“Chief Michel Dokis was recognized as a ‘life’ chief by the Department of Indian Affairs and is well known for his vow to William Robinson upon signing the 1850 Robinson/Huron Treaty to “never surrender the timber” within his lands that was set aside for his people.”
Francois Xavier Rastoul (1827-unknown)
Francois Rastoul was born in 1827 to Louise Obtagashio Laronde (1799-1867) and Michel Washusk Rastoul (1784-1845). Evidence of his participation in the fur trade network, along with his brothers, is found in Census of Canada Records. Francis and his family were recorded as living in Tamagamingue, Northern, Ontario in 1871. In the same record, his wife was Marguerite, they had five children, and his occupation is listed as “hunter”. In the 1901 Census he is reported to be residing in Rayside and Unorganized Territory with his occupation being listed as “trapper”.
Joseph John Rastoul (1833-1915)
Joseph “John” Rastoul was born in 1833 to Louise Obtagashio Laronde (1799-1867) and Michel Washusk Rastoul (1784-1845). In 1854 a marriage record indicates that he married Jane Jeanne (Pekikjiikokwe) Simpson (1847-1907) in Wikwemikong, Ontario. Records indicate they had (about) 11 children together. A census record dated 1871 shows Joseph residing in Mattawa with his wife Jane Restoule and three of their children William (4), Michel (2), and Charles (4.5). A burial record indicates Joseph died at the age of 82.
Ngo Dwe Waangizid One Family
One family with many extended family members and friends.
If you have interest in starting a search of your own genealogy, click here.
