Acknowledgement of Ancestral Lands 

Acknowledgement of Ancestral Lands Historical Background:  

We acknowledge that the Chippewa, Odawa, Potawatomi, known as the Anishinaabeg, and the Lunaapeewak, inhabited these lands at the time of the written treaties, these being: Treaty #2; Treaty #7; Treaty #25; Treaty #29. We also acknowledge the earlier Indigenous people who travelled these lands prior to 1790 in the time of the Wampum treaties. It is through their connection with the spirit of the land, water and air that we recognize their unique culture, traditions, and values. Today, we are part of the land that sustains all life, and it is the sacred responsibility of all people to ensure that the environment remains protected. Finally, we acknowledge that their inherent languages preclude any English/French meaning.

Language Pronunciations

               Anishinaabeg               Chippewa                      Lunaapeewak                Odawa                        Potawatomi                               

          (ah-nish-i-nah-beg)        (chip-uh-wah)                (le-naw-powuk)              (ō-dah-wah)          (pot-uh-wah-tuh-mee)       

As the media and the government use terms to identify First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, classrooms are left wondering about how to be the most respectful and to really have an understanding when talking about historical and contemporary communities. The first advice to offer, is to always ask the individual. By doing this, there will be so much learning through this seemingly simple question. In education and across many fields, we use and hear the words Indigenous, or First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, Chippewa, Lenape, Haudenosaunee, and more. While using the word Indigenous is respectful when talking about a topic that encompasses all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, it shouldn’t stop there and be the only word used. There are some things that are only experienced or identified with either First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people, and by always using the word Indigenous, the unique identity becomes lost. Keep in mind that people may identify themselves by their connection to the land, to language, to clan responsibilities, spirit name, given name, and the learning about this happens through conversations. There are 634 First Nations in Canada (Canadian Encyclopedia), and much can be learned about many different First Nations, especially by thinking local. Let’s think about this in the context of our schools. The traditional territory our schools reside on is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe. The Lenape are also part of this area. To begin, there are four First Nations communities in the local area: Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Bkejwanong Territory, also known as Walpole Island First Nation, Eelunaapeewi Lahkeewiit also known as Moraviantown, and Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.

Aamjiwnaang First Nation, “it flows contrary” describing the current of the river, is a community of Ojibwe people (you’ll also hear people describe themselves as Chippewa or Anishinaabe). Bkejwanong Territory “where the waters divide”, also known as Walpole Island First Nation, is unceded territory where the people of the Three Fires Confederacy reside: the Ojibwe (the eastern door keepers), the Potawatomi (the firekeepers), and Odawa (the youngest brother) peoples and made up of six islands including Walpole Island: Squirrel Island, St. Anne Island, Seaway Island, Bassett Island, and Potawatomi Island. The Lenape people, or as they call themselves “the Lunaapeew”, live at what we commonly call Moraviantown or Delaware Nation, Eelünaapéewi Lahkéewiit , “where the Lenape are”. This is one of the oldest settlements in the region. The Lunaapeew settled in this area from Manhattan. The territory of Kettle Point, also known as Wiiwkwedong “where the land goes around in a bay”, and Stony Point, known as Aazhoodena “the part over there”, are part of the Anishinabek Nation and the people of Kettle and Stony Point are officially known as the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point. Wondering about a name? Ask. With this question, so much learning can happen! Learning about First Nations communities across Ontario and across Canada? Include the local context as part of the learning.   

Kettle Point also known as Wiiwkwedong is part of the Anishinabek Nation. Kettle Point is unceded territory located in southwestern Ontario along the south shore of Lake. Officially known as the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point. Stony Point is known as Aazhoodena. The land base consists of approximately 1,096 hectares that accommodates an on-reserve population of 2,108 persons.

We acknowledge that the Chippewa, Odawa, Potawatomi, known as the Anishinaabeg, and the Lunaapeewak, inhabited these lands at the time of the written treaties, these being: Treaty #2; Treaty #7; Treaty #25; Treaty #29.