Sauga 50-for-50: Explore Mississauga's LOST Credit Mission Village with Faith Rivers

Heritage Bytes

Today on Sauga 50-for-50, we welcome onto the program Faith Rivers, a member of the Mississauga of the Credit First Nation, to remember the Mississauga's village on the banks of the Credit River, known as the Credit Mission, or the Credit Indian Village.

It was located on the site of what is today the Mississaugua Golf & Country Club on Mississauga Road. A government-built village was constructed in 1826 under the direction of Reverend Peter Jones (Kahkewaquonaby), a Chief of the Mississaugas, and Colonel James Givens, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Government. The village was located on the high grounds overlooking the Credit River. In the flat valley lands were used for cultivating corn, wheat and rice. The village included some 25 cabins, a school and chapel, a store, blacksmith, and a large sawmill. With the relocation of the Mississaugas in 1846-47, some of the small cabins were used by early settlers.

There is little visible evidence of the village today. However, the memory of the Mississaugas and the Credit Mission reminds us all of the history of the land where we live, work and play today. We are reminded to step lightly on the land with love, compassion and gratitude.

To stay up to date with Mississauga's 50th Anniversary celebrations, follow Heritage Mississauga on social media @heritagemississauga and also follow #Sauga50for50 to stay up to date with new upcoming podcast episodes.