Probably the most influential group of Algonquins, they had several names; Algoumequins of the island, Allumette Island people, People of the Great River, People of the Island, Honkeronon (as designated by the Hurons), Algonquin of the Island, Indian of the Island, the Nation Island, Kichesippiriniwek. The main village was located on what is now Morrison Island. Because of the strategic position of the island in the middle of powerful rapids, there was no other way than passing through this island for anyone travelled up or down the river. Those who wished to cross this territory were to offer a gift (fur, corn, copper, tools) to the people of the island for permission to go through, making the nation wealthy. Their leader, Tessouat Le Borgne, was one of the first that Champlain met in 1603 when he arrived and had just won an important victory over the Iroquoian allies. For more than 50 years Tessouat was a major player involved in the fur trade and a key person between the First nations and the French.
