How did Manitoba get its name from the Cree language?

The name of the province of Manitoba is derived from a Cree word, believed to be manito-bau or manito-wapau, which translates to "the narrows of the Great Spirit" or "the strait of the spirit".12

This name specifically refers to Lake Manitoba, a large lake in the province that features a distinct narrowing at its center, known as the Narrows, located between the communities of Wapah and Oakview.12