Understand
The region was first settled, as was most of North America, by First Nations people. In this region very few Native Americans still reside, though there is a presence near Golden Lake, including a pow wow once a year. As with many early attempts to penetrate the continents interior, the rivers served as the main route by which to do this and the Ottawa River was no exception. Later the river served as the conduit for the lumber trade, which made millionaires out of men in the region. The ties to the river are less strong these days, built still live on in some folklore, most notably Joseph Montferrand or Joe Muffaraw depending on which side of the river you are on a local strongman comparable to Paul Bunyan. Renfrew is considered by some to be the birthplace of the NHL, though there is little in the town to show for it.
