Schumacher, founded in 1911, was named after the early settler and mining prospector Fredrick W. Schumacher, who sank the first mine shaft in the community. Once home to Canada’s largest Croatian community, the greater population of Schumacher is now of Aboriginal heritage, mainly Cree. Since the recent closure of the Roman Catholic Church, St. Chad’s is the only active church remaining in Schumacher. The St. Chad’s Church building also currently houses the Diocese of Moosonee Synod Office.