5 Resources
Many web-based information resources are available to help identify Aboriginal communities that may have an interest in an archaeological project and provide contact information for those communities.
The Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs maintains a map of First Nation communities in Ontario. The map notes cultural and political affiliation and provides contact information for each community.
First Nations may belong to Political Territorial Organizations. The websites of these collective organizations may also provide useful information:
- Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) represents Cree, Oji-Cree and Ojibway First Nations in the most northerly parts of Ontario.
- Grand Council Treaty #3 represents Ojibway and Oji-Cree First Nations in northwestern Ontario.
- The Anishnabek Nation (also known as the Union of Ontario Indians) represents Ojibway, Chippewa and Mississauga First Nations.
- The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians represents a number of Iroquoian First Nations and their allies.
The following thirteen First Nations in Ontario are not affiliated with Political Territorial Organizations. Many of these independent Ontario First Nations have websites that can provide helpful information. (You may wish to refer to the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs interactive map for information on these communities.)
- Chippewas of Nawash (near Owen Sound)
- Flying Post (near Thunder Bay)
- Mohawks of Akwesasne (near Cornwall)
- Ojibway Nation of Saugeen (near Savant Lake)
- Saugeen (near Owen Sound)
- Shawanaga (near Parry Sound)
- Six Nations of the Grand River (near Brantford)
- Temagami (near Sturgeon Falls)
- Walpole Island (Bkejwanong First Nation) (near Sarnia)
- Whitesand (northeast of Sioux Lookout)
- Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation (near Fort Frances)
- Lake Nipigon (reserve land has not yet been designated)
- Lac des Mille Lacs (northwest of Thunder Bay)
First Nations may belong to Tribal Councils. The websites of these collective organizations may also provide useful information:
- Anishinaabeg of Kabapiktawangag Resource Council
- Bimose Tribal Council
- Independent First Nations Alliance
- Keewaytinook Okimakanak/Northern Chiefs Council
- Matawa First Nations Management
- Mushkegowuk Tribal Council
- Nokiiwin Tribal Council
- North Shore Tribal Council
- Ogemawahj Tribal Council
- Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing-Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services
- Shibogama First Nations Council
- Southern First Nations Secretariat
- United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Island
- Waabnoong Bemjiwang Associaton of First Nations
- Wabun Tribal Council
The Chiefs of Ontario is an organization of all First Nations Chiefs. The Chiefs of Ontario website includes a link to a listing of individual First Nations communities in Ontario.
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) provides historical information about the Métis people in Ontario, information about the work of the Métis Culture Council, and contact information for Métis regional councils across Ontario.
Some Aboriginal communities have web pages or information identifying their traditional territories.
There are Aboriginal communities and traditional councils in Ontario that are not recognized by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) that may have an interest in archaeology. Where available, web pages from these communities are a good source of information.
The following Aboriginal communities no longer reside in Ontario, but may have a continuing interest in archaeological sites or resources within their traditional territories:
The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres is a provincial Aboriginal organization representing the collective interests of twenty-seven member Friendship Centres located in towns and cities throughout the province. The organization’s website provides a list of Friendship Centres in Ontario, information about programs and services offered though Friendship Centres, links to Aboriginal organizations and provincial and federal government departments, and other useful resources.
Historical information can be found in Volume I of the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Information about the legacy of the past and about the aspirations of Aboriginal communities can be found in Volumes II and III.
Concise historical and other information on Aboriginal peoples can be found on the Canadian Encyclopedia website and on the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada site.
Current affairs can be found in regional and national Aboriginal newspapers, available at the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society.