The Canadian Shield has for thousands of years influenced the movements and lifestyles of the people who have lived on the edge of its rocky terrain. For the peoples who first occupied Muskoka, the waterways quickly became their highways, and were easily navigated by canoe. This chapter discuses the precambrian shield, first peoples, seasonal cycles and movements of the Anishinabek, Beausoleil Island / YMCA Camp Kitchikewana and Chief John Bigwin.