The Legend of the Sleeping Giant
Tall Tales

The Legend of the Sleeping Giant, Nanabijou, is a tale deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people of Northwestern Ontario. The story is set around the majestic Sleeping Giant, a formation of mesas and sills on the Sibley Peninsula that resembles a giant lying on his back, watching over the city of Thunder Bay.

According to the legend, Nanabijou was a powerful spirit, the protector of the Ojibwe people. He was known for his wisdom, strength, and connection to the natural world. The people revered him, not only for his power but also for his kindness and dedication to their well-being. He provided them with abundant food, clean water, and the knowledge to live harmoniously with nature.

One day, the Ojibwe were approached by a group of European settlers who had heard tales of the great silver mine hidden somewhere in the lands of the Ojibwe. The mine, it was said, was filled with a vast amount of silver, a treasure that could make the discoverers incredibly wealthy. However, the location of this mine was a closely guarded secret, known only to the Ojibwe and protected by Nanabijou himself. The settlers, eager to find the mine and exploit its riches, attempted to bribe and persuade the Ojibwe to reveal its location.

But the Ojibwe were loyal to Nanabijou and refused to disclose the secret. They knew that the silver was not to be used for personal gain but was a sacred gift meant to sustain their community. The settlers, however, were relentless. They tried every means possible to discover the mine, but each time they got close, they were thwarted by mysterious forces—raging storms, landslides, and sudden fogs that disoriented them.

Frustrated, the settlers decided to change their tactics. They found a way to trick one of the younger members of the Ojibwe tribe, who had not yet fully grasped the importance of the secret. They promised him wealth and a better life if he would only reveal the location of the silver mine. Tempted by their promises, the young man gave in and led them to the site.

As soon as the settlers began to extract the silver from the mine, Nanabijou felt the disturbance. He was filled with anger and sorrow at the betrayal. Knowing that the secret had been exposed, he realized that the mine's power could no longer remain in the hands of the Ojibwe. To protect the land from being further desecrated, Nanabijou decided to take drastic action.

He cast a powerful spell, causing the mine to collapse, burying the silver forever beneath the earth. To ensure that the mine would never be uncovered again, Nanabijou turned himself to stone, creating the massive formation that we now call the Sleeping Giant. There he lies, watching over the land and its people, guarding the secret he sacrificed himself to protect.

The Sleeping Giant remains a symbol of protection, sacrifice, and the deep connection between the Ojibwe people and the natural world. It is a reminder of the consequences of greed and the importance of respecting the gifts that nature provides. The legend of Nanabijou and the Sleeping Giant continues to be a powerful story passed down through generations, teaching the values of loyalty, respect, and stewardship of the land.