Matonabbee

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Matonabbee (c. 1737-1782) was a Chipewyan hunter and leader. After his father died, Matonabbee spent some time living at Fort Prince of Wales where he learned to speak English.

He acted as a guide for Samuel Hearne during his exploration from 1770 to 1772.

After the death of many Chipewyans during a smallpox epidemic of 1782 and the defeat of Fort Prince of Wales by the French, Matonabbee became depressed and commmitted suicide (REASON?). This is the earliest record of a Northern Indian ending his own life.

[edit] External links

• Samuel Hearne's account of Matonabbee
• The Canadian Encyclopedia

• Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online