The arrival of Europeans wrought a great deal of change for the Mississauga. British refugees from the American Revolution moved into the area looking to clear the land and start farms. The government, to enable this, moved the Mississauga to increasingly marginal lands.
In 1844, under Chief Jacob Crane, the Mississauga returned to Scugog, purchasing 800 acres on Scugog Island. Since that time, the Mississauga people have survived and rebuilt their community. They have overcome a depleted environment, heavy enlistment for the great wars, Residential Schools, the “60’s Scoop,” and a dwindling member population.