In Chippewa, "Ottawa Sagain," meaning Ottawa Lake (ear lake). The French name, Courtes Oreilles (short ears) was given by them to the Ottawa tribe in Michigan. Perhaps the name applies to the shape of the small lake in front of the Indian village, which seems to resemble an ear on the side of the big Courtes Oreilles Lake.

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[Source: Card file at the WHS Library reference desk]