The
Amikwa (
Ojibwe language:
Amikwaa, "Beaver People"; from
amik, "beaver"), also as
Amicouës,
Amikouet, etc., were a Native American clan, one of the first recognized by Europeans in the 17th century.
The Amikwa were
peoples, and spoke an
Ojibwe language. In the
Jesuit Relations, the Amikwa were referred to as the
Nez Perce (not to be confused with the Pacific Northwest Nez Perce people).
They inhabited the north shore of
Lake Huron, opposite Manitoulin Island, along the shores between
Mississagi River and French Rivers, and along Spanish River. In September 1753, Bacqueville de la Potherie claimed that they inhabited the shores of
Lake Nipissing.
They were a large, powerful group allied with the Nipissings and related to the
Outchougai,
Mandua, and
Atchiligouan peoples.
The Amikwa were nearly wiped out by disease and wars with the
Iroquois and the last of the tribe appear to have merged with the Nipissings or the
Ojibwe.
