The name "Missanabie" means "Pictured Water", referring to pictographs found on rock faces along Missinaibi River.

According to Elders’ testimony and anthropological evidence, the Missanabie Cree had utilized these lands from time immemorial to hunt, fish and trap for food, for ceremonial purposes and to provide for the cultural, spiritual and economic well being of their people.

In 1905 Canada and Ontario enter into Treaty 9 with various Cree and Ojibwa groups to obtain surrender of 130,000 square miles (340,000 km2) of land.

In 1915 Missanabie Cree's request for land was turned down by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND).

In 1925 the Chapleau Crown Preserve was created which abrogated Missanabie Cree's treaty rights to hunt and fish for subsistence living.

In 1993 Missanabie Cree First Nation submitted specific claim for outstanding Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE).

In 1996 Missanabie Cree First Nation received a letter from Canada accepting the claim, with the condition that Ontario, also a signatory to Treaty 9, be at the table.