The arrival of the European settlers impacted the tribes in a variety of ways. One of the most devastating effects settlers had upon the First Nations people was the introduction of foreign diseases such as small pox. The Cree people who populated the land area known as Saskatchewan were exposed to small pox and suffered devastating losses. Traditional medicines and remedies proved ineffective against this new disease.

According to legend, some young men fell ill during their tribe’s move. Fortunately, the tribe’s choice of campwas in the vicinity of what is now known as Little Manitou Lake. The men were too weak to travel so the tribe built a shelter for them before continuing their journey. It is said the afflicted men were overcome with fever and thirst and crawled their way to the lakeshore where they slaked their thirst and immersed themselves in the cool water. Spent from their efforts, they remained on the beach overnight. In the morning, the men experienced some relief from their symptoms. They attributed the respite to the water and remained on site, consuming and immersing themselves into the liquid medicine. Within days of their arrival at the lake, the young men regained their previous state of healthfulness and continued on their tribe’s journey. Upon reuniting with their tribe, tribe members were astounded by the men’s seemingly miraculous return to health.

So was born the legend of the healing waters of Little Manitou Lake. Medicine men named the lake Manitou in reference to the Great Spirit, which is the First Nations equivalent to the European God. As the legend of the lake with healing powers spread via word of mouth, First Nations tribes were followed by the settlers and then visitors from all parts of the world, traveling to the Lake of the Healing Waters to experience relief from a number of maladies. An entire profession of healing and therapeutic products sprang up from the lake resources, a profession that is still strong and vibrant today in the new millennium.

Come feel the effects of the healing waters first-hand. Experience the Spirit of Manitou for yourself!