The IMPORTANCE OF THE DUTY TO CONSULT & ACCOMMODATE

“ As First Nations people, we are the protectors of the land. We uphold our responsibilities for our traditional territories for all future generations. We have never given up our inherent rights and entitlements which CHIEF PETER COLLINS Fort William First Nation supersede any legislative law.” FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION Contents INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 1 The Anishinaabe Nation are the Indigenous regional commercial, transportation, medical, people who’ve lived in and around communications and education facilities. ABORIGINAL Northwestern for thousands of CONSULTATION AND years. An immense legacy of traditional The International Airport, the ACCOMMODATION 4 knowledge, cultural beliefs, values, practices fifth busiest airport in Ontario, is a ten- and language has been conveyed by Elders minute drive from Fort William First Nation. ATTRACTING AND and is constantly changing and adapting for The Trans- Highway runs through RETAINING ECONOMIC 1 the benefit of future generations. Thunder Bay accommodating a large volume DEVELOPMENT TO FORT of Trans-Canada tra“c. Port facilities on WILLIAM FIRST NATION 5 As one of the original signatories to the at the head of the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850, Fort and St. Lawrence Seaway system handle EARLY PEOPLE OF William First Nation’s land extends the north all types of cargoes and are served by the KITCHIGAMI (LAKE shore of Lake Superior to the height of land SUPERIOR) 7 Canadian National and Canadian Pacific separating the Great Lakes watershed from Railways, and major trucking companies. HISTORICAL TIMECHART the Arctic watershed. Under provisions of the FOR THE PEOPLE OF LAKE Robinson-Superior Treaty, the Fort William SUPERIOR 9 Reserve was created in 1853. Today, almost 2,200 members live on or oŠ reserve with ENTERPRISE AT FORT governance by an elected Chief and Council. WILLIAM FIRST NATION 20 Fort William First Nation is located at the THE MEDICINE WHEEL, 21 geographical centre of North America, THE FOUR SEASONS & adjacent to the City of Thunder Bay. THE MOONS The area is a vital gateway to the north, all of Canada and the American Midwest. Fort William First Nation is well positioned to drive diverse First Nation economic development with excellent access to N

Kakabeka Falls MCKELLER ISLAND

Thunder Bay MISSION ISLAND

Present-Day Lake Superior Fort William Original Reserve First Nation 2 Boundaries Negotiated Reserve in 1850

PIE ISLAND

FLATLAND ISLAND

FORT WILLIAM Original Reserve Boundaries FIRST NATION Negotiated in 1850 Fort William First Nation HISTORIC AND Reserve as of 2010 PRESENT DAY Owned by the Fort William LAND BOUNDARIES First Nation Development Corp. This map is for reference purposes only. 3 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION AND ACCOMMODATION

Understanding the history of Aboriginal may also play a role in fulfilling the duty to decisions may adversely impact First Nations’ people, adhering to the duty to consult, consult; that high level strategic decisions may treaty rights. Activities include Impact Benefit building respectful relationships, strengthening now trigger the duty to consult; and, that the Agreements in mapping traditional land to full community engagement, conducting duty applies to current and future activities equity partnerships on multi-million dollar meaningful consultations, negotiations and not historical infringements. projects. While the duty to consult ultimately and agreements in solid business structures lies with the federal or provincial Crown, In December 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation help build equitable, positive and mutually the Supreme Court of Canada has stated Commission’s “Calls to Action” asked “the beneficial sustainable relationships that a Crown can delegate some matters of 4 corporate sector to adopt the United Nations between Aboriginal communities and consultation to private parties, such as Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous project proponents. industry stakeholders. Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to HISTORICAL OVERVIEW apply its principles, norms, and standards to DEVELOPMENT ON FORT WILLIAM In November 2007, the Canadian government corporate policy and core operational activities FIRST NATION TRADITIONAL TERRITORY announced a federal Action Plan to address involving Indigenous peoples and their lands Fort William First Nation has treaty rights issues of Aboriginal consultation and and resources”. over the whole area of the Robinson- accommodation. The Consultation and Superior Treaty area, from the north shore WHAT THE DUTY TO CONSULT of Lake Superior to the height of land Accommodation Unit was established within AND ACCOMMODATE MEANS separating the Great Lakes watershed Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development The legal duty to consult and accommodate from the Arctic watershed. Canada (AANDC) in early 2008 to implement with Aboriginal peoples in Canada arises the Action Plan. In more recent decisions, the when the Crown contemplates actions or In most cases the duty to consult is obligatory Court explained that: the duty to consult is a decisions that may adversely impact an when the proposed activity occurs in Fort constitutional duty; applies in the context of Aboriginal person’s constitutionally protected William First Nation traditional territory. An modern treaties; officials must look at treaty Treaty rights. Obtaining the prior and engaged consultation process with assurance provisions first; and where treaty consultation informed consent of Aboriginal people before that relevant studies are conducted prior to provisions do not apply to a proposed activity, proceeding with economic development exploration work and development is critical to a “parallel” duty to consult exists. The Court projects arises most often in the context of managing the impact of resource projects and has also clarified, that depending on their natural resource extraction such as mining, realizing the benefits. mandate, entities such as boards and tribunals forestry, oil, and gas when Crown land ATTRACTING AND RETAINING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION

Fort William First Nation is committed to continuing robust, respectful and diversified growth and development to build capacity, create jobs, strengthen infrastructure and improve quality of life. FWFN’s Five-Year Economic Development Plan 2014-2019, is a multi-phased project to strategically improve FWFN’s economic stability and future well being by building strong partnerships with multiple levels of government and private enterprise.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION TRADITIONAL LANDS

5 • FWFN built and leases three office 1,100 acres of industrial land originally SkyPower Limited for the development buildings. The main tenant of the largest expropriated in 1905 by the Grand Trunk of a solar park located on approximately building is Public Works Canada (sub- Pacific Railway. FWFN constructed an 88 acres of land near the First Nation. leased to Indian and Northern Affairs $18 million building that was leased to Completed in 2010, the development hosts Canada Regional Office). The head office Abitibi Bowater to house its $60 million in an estimated 45,000 solar panels which of Wasaya Airways, the Royal Bank of state-of-the-art sawmill equipment. First will generate enough clean energy over Canada and the Union of Ontario Indians Nation members were employed during the 20 years to power approximately 17,000 are in a second building. The third building construction phase and afterwards. About average homes for one year. The project is leased to Dilico Anishinaabek Family 600 acres of the land remains vacant contributes significantly to FWFN through Care as its main site. with parcels leased to Canadian National the creation of hundreds of local jobs and Railways for its tracks and a rail/ship (Lake direct and indirect economic benefits. • The FWFN Arena’s two rinks and fitness Superior) transfer facility, Coastal Steel centre are utilized by First Nation and • In 2015, a $3 million project for the Mission Construction Ltd, Sterling Pulp Chemicals non-Aboriginal hockey teams. Road Rehabilitation and Resurfacing Ltd, McAsphalt Industries Ltd and a number Project for infrastructure improvements to • The FWFN Community Centre & Board of other corporations. the road, ditches, culvers and walkways on Room is used for recreation, education and • Fort William First Nation’s Solar Park is 3.1 km of Mission Road from FWFN Arena training for all ages. There are licensed one of the first utility-scale solar parks to City Road was completed. banquet facilities for 700. to be developed on Indigenous peoples’ • In June 2015, the Fort William First • In July 1999 through a transfer of title with lands. In February 2010, FWFN signed an Nation celebrated the grand opening Canadian National Railway, FWFN regained agreement with the Canadian company, of the revitalized Pow Wow Grounds on Anemki Wajiw. The improvements • Eight homes for the FWFN and Oshki- 6 included the construction of a Pow Wow Aski LP partnership for the development Circle, bleachers, an MC stand, Elders of a 21-unit subdivision on a 4.6 hectares area and a sheltered area. FWFN’s Joint location on Little Lake Road will be Venture Partnership firm, Oshki-Aki LP completed in fall 2016. led the initiative to manage the concept, • FWFN has been engaged in preliminary design and construction. Oshki-Aki LP discussions for alternative energy was established to assist the community production (bio-fuels, hydro, solar, wind) of FWFN in building capacity by providing with Thunder Bay Hydro and also with engineering services both on and off private corporations. reserve, and throughout Ontario. 100% of the profit from the Joint Venture goes back to the community. Oshki-Aki LP creates employment opportunities for community members while also building important work and technical skills.

• 10 design build rental homes designated for low-income families who require assistance have been built in pre-selected lots on Fort William First Nation. Affordable rent will be provided as a temporary transition homes. EARLY PEOPLE OF KITCHIGAMI (LAKE SUPERIOR)

For thousands of years, past generations natural world. The Shamans of the Midewiwin summer for fishing; preparation and storage of lived at the western end of Lake Superior, Society were the intermediaries between food; the construction of shelter and clothing; the strategic centre of the continent. It was the natural world and the spirit world and trading, marriage; cementing alliances and the doorway to the west; the famous “Great functioned as healers, prophets, diviners and ceremonies. Nee-bing, the present day Fort Carrying Place” or Gichionigaming on the custodians at ceremonies. William Reserve, was the location of the Pigeon River. It also provided easy access to summer gatherings. Indigenous people had independent and the watershed between the Great Lakes and politically autonomous bands that shared The raw materials quarried for copper tools 7 the Arctic “The Height of Land”. culture, common traditions and often and weapons made by the Indigenous people The Ojibway people inhabiting Kitchigami intermarried. Each band was led by a Chief of Lake Superior were traded far and wide. As were part of a large cultural group known and organized in “dodems”, totemic family a testament to sophisticated long distance as the Anishnabek, meaning “first or original clans signified by real or mythological trade, copper artifacts have been found as far people”. The Anishnabek had their own forms animals. An individual’s dodem identified east as the St. Lawrence River, as far west as of governance, healthcare, spirituality, resource where they belonged, whom they could the Rocky Mountains, as far north as the Arctic, use, social structures, and education. marry and what hunting grounds they and as far south as Louisiana. could use. Alliances between dodems were Ojibway originates from “o-jib-i-weg”, the necessary for survival and often extended people who make pictographs. Other than over wide ranging territories. the extensive oral tradition, the use of written symbols in pictographs and birch Life was closely tied to seasonal activities. bark scrolls were the way the Midewiwin, or The traditional calendar year follows a Grand Medicine Society passed on knowledge 13 moon lunar cycle. The names of each moon between generations. are influenced by nature, human activities and cultural practices. The Ojibwa worldview focused on the spiritual and fundamental life force, The Great Spirit The Ojibwa subsisted by living oŠ the land by who was everywhere and inhabited the natural hunting, fishing and gathering. Dodems would world with numerous spirits both good and disperse in hunting groups for the winter, evil. The people were the guardians of the reforming as a band in late-spring or early- GLOSSARY Kitchigami: 8 Lake Superior Anishinabek Gitchi Gami (from Anishinaabeg Gichigami): ”Mishibizhiw” the The people of ‘Lake Superior’ underwater panther with two snakes and a Ojibiweg: canoe. Lake Superior The people who make pictographs Provincial Park. Nee-bing: Summer grounds. Present day Fort William First Nation Gichi-onigaming: The Great Carrying Place. Present day Grand Portage Midewiwin Society: Grand Medicine Society Dodems or Doodem: Totemic family clans signified by real or mythological animals Manoomin: Wild Rice HISTORICAL Pre-Contact TIMECHART FOR THE PEOPLE OF , BP TO  B.P Aboriginal peoples Nomadic hunter- LAKE SUPERIOR of diverse cultural gatherers live in NATIONAL MANOOMIN, traditions occupy the small groups, moving HISTORIC SITE TRADITIONAL OF CANADA Lake Superior region in keeping with the WILD RICE beginning in the Paleo- seasonal availability of On February 26, 2016, The only grain indigenous to Indian period during the fish, game, wild grains, a Historic Sites and North America, manoomin final glacial episodes and other food sources. Monuments Board is highly nutritious and of the late Pleistocene An ethic of generosity, of Canada plaque to gluten-free. Traditionally, it commemorate the national 9 period around 9,500 reciprocity and is the first solid food given historical importance of to a baby and one of the last BP (Before Present), redistribution is universal the Cummins Pre-Contact foods served to Elders as they extending into the among Aboriginals. Site was unveiled outside pass into the Spirit world. Archaic period (between Rocks and minerals of Thunder Bay. The site Manoomin is harvested 5000 B.P. to 3000 B.P) are quarried and used provides an archaeological during Manoominike Giizis, and Woodland period. for tools, weapons and representation of an area the wild rice-making moon Wild rice (manoomin) decorative objects. Using used by Indigenous people as in August when the “food is part of the Ojibwe little more than stone a major quarry, workshop that grows on the water” migration story. Legends hammers and hatchets, and habitation area with a comes home to the people. tell of the people enough copper was rich source of raw materials, coming from the east extracted to support a particularly taconite stone, used in the creation of tools. to Lake Superior for sophisticated trading Like many sites in the area, the “food that grows network that spread over it was was located near on the water”. much of the continent. water supplies, it was along caribou migration routes and it provided access to fish, small game, and waterfowl. 1600s First Contact and Co-existence

1650s 1671 1676 1690

The search for the A Peace and Friendship Many of the European Fighting between Britain Northwest Passage, the Treaty is signed by 14 traders and woodsmen, and France spreads to THE TRAPPING THE LEGEND OF sea route connecting the Chippewa tribes from especially the unlicenced North America. Conflicts TRADITION THE GREEN MANTLE northern Atlantic and the upper Great Lakes “woodrunners” or between First Nations Before contact, trapping According to legend, Ojibwe Pacific Oceans through invited to a grand council coureurs de bois, now tribes prevail. For many was an integral part of Chief White Bear’s daughter the Arctic Ocean, is in the name of France’s spend much of their time years, the French and the Indigenous way of life, protected their people from a focus of extensive Sun King, Louis XIV in the western interior. British allied with First providing food, clothing an imminent attack from exploration. The first by Louis de Buade de Their children with First Nations, raid each other’s and shelter. European fur the enemy Sioux with French explorers, traders Frontenac, the Governor Nations women become forts, trading posts, traders relied on the First an ingenious plan. Green 10 and Jesuit missionaries General of New France. the Métis. farms and settlements. Nations to trap and skin the Mantle entered the Sioux camp on the are told by Indigenous The Treaty establishes The conflicts and animals and bring them to ------the trading depots where the River pretending to be lost. peoples in the east community bonds alliances have significant trappers traded them for raw Bargaining for her life, she that there is a route between the Ojibwe and and wide-ranging 1679 materials and finished goods. told the Sioux that she’d to the west at Gichi- the French settlers. With impacts on boundaries, Eventually, to satisfy this bring them to her father’s The first trading post, onigaming or the Great the cultural differences trade and way of life. economy, trapping became an camp. Leading a chain of Carrying Place (present in land use, the Ojibwe Fort Camanitigoya is connected canoes, Green In the mid-1700s, on end in itself, with extensive day Grand Portage). understand that the land established on the trapping putting some species Mantle led the warriors the western shores of The explorers approach is a fully shared resource at in jeopardy. over Kakabeka Falls to Lake Superior, warfare Kitchigami, the great while the French are Baie Du Tonnere (present their deaths. The brave girl ensued between the inland sea by way of the intent upon ownership day Thunder Bay). It lost her life but her tribe Sioux and Chippewa Ottawa River and Lake for territorial advantages. is founded by Daniel was saved. The legend says (early ancestors of the that the figure of Green Huron. They refer to Greyselon Sieur de Ojibwe). Gradually, the Mantle can be seen in the their discovery as le L’Hut, a French explorer mist of Kakabeka Falls as searching for the Chippewa forced the lac supérieur. a monument to the maiden Northwest Passage. Soon Sioux westward to the prairies and gained sole that gave her life to save after, the trading post, her people. Fort Charlotte (present control over trade on the day Grand Portage) is western end of established near the Lake Superior. mouth of the Pigeon River on Lake Superior. 1700s

1713 1779 1783 1798

France and Britain The North West The Treaty of Paris The Chippewa of Grand divide the claims of Company, a major demarcates the Portage and Kitchigami FORT CHARLOTTE AND North America, ignoring force in the fur trade is international boundary sell a 120 square mile FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION the rights of the founded by Highland between the British tract of land by deed Strategically located along the Pigeon River before it flows into Native Peoples. Scots in Montreal. The Colony and the USA. to the North West Lake Superior, Gichi-onigaming (the Great Carrying Place) was company’s partnerships Company. The tract an important water transportation route for the Ojibway between ------stand in opposition to extends from the mouth the winter hunting grounds to the summer homes. In the mid-18th 1763 the interests of the 1794 to Kitchigmami, inland century, Fort Charlotte (present day Grand Portage) was built as 11 Hudson Bay Company, along the Kaministiquia a permanent trading depot for coureurs de bois from the rich fur- The Royal Proclamation a formidable chartered The Jay Treaty gives the River up 12 miles to the bearing country in the North and the traders from Montreal and ports in the East. European trade goods from Montreal including issued by King George III company formed by King Americans possession “First Carrying Place” rum, guns, provisions, and other precious items were exchanged for sets out guidelines for Charles II. The Northwest of the land south of the (present day Kakabeka furs. Beaver was the most popular, but otter, wolf, bear, fox, fisher, European settlement Pigeon River including Company depends of Falls). This transaction mink, marten and muskrat were also valued. of Aboriginal territories the experience and Grand Portage and is contrary to the Royal The North West Company, the XY Company and independent in what is now North knowledge of French Isle Royale. The Lake Proclamation and is not traders were stationed at the fort with over 500 people coming and America. The document Superior Chippewa are coureurs de bois. confirmed by the Crown. going throughout the seasons. Many ancestors of Fort William First states that only the now divided between the Nation were involved in establishing and running of this largest British Crown or two countries; the British fur trade centre on the continent. its representative Colony and USA. governments are allowed to obtain land from the First Nations through the process of treaties. 1800s Treaties and Reserves

1804

The settling of the Canada-US boundary TRADITIONAL LANDS THE ESTABLISHMENT leaves Fort Charlotte in OF THE FORT WILLIAM INDIANS OF THE FORT WILLIAM TRADING POST American territory and Beginning in 1804, the Western Lake Superior Chippewa are the post is abandoned known as the Fort William Indians and led by the powerful In 1807, the Fort William in late 1802. The Chief Joseph Peau de Chat, who was one of the best hunters trading post is built on the North West Company in the district. Kaministiquia River when moves its main inland The people lived on the western shore of Lake Superior, on the Fort Charlotte is abandoned. headquarters from islands and in the interior around Dog Lake. The winter hunting The new trade route is 12 Grand Portage to Fort and trapping grounds extended to west to Lake , north to more arduous than Grand William on Kitchigami. what is now Wabakimi Park, and south along the border to Lac Portage, requiring a portage The new post is named des Milles Lacs. The “Grand Fishery” grounds extended from the of Kakabeka Falls and a Fort William after Pigeon River including Isle Royale and , Sturgeon Bay, demanding haul over the William McGillivray, a Thunder Bay, Ignace Island up to Nipigon Bay. Other Ojibway height of land to the Savanne director of the North including the Ojibway and those near Lake of the River. Beginning with the union of the North West West Company from Woods and Lac Seul also used these lands and waters. Company with the Hudson’s 1804-1821. The western Today, this area is where three treaty boundaries and the height Bay Company in 1821, Lake Superior Chippewa of land converge: the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850, Treaty Fort William’s importance are now known as the No. 3 of 1873 (Lake of the Woods) and Treaty No. 9 of 1905 dwindled with over- Fort William Indians. (James Bay Treaty). exploitation, the decline of markets, and trade shifting to York Factory on Hudson Bay. In the 1880s, a Canadian Pacific Railway track and coal pile development is built over the original site. In 1973, a replica of the Fort William trading post is officially opened upstream on the Kaministiquia River at the former military staging location, Point de Meuron. Cary, 1807, Showing Routes going into Lake Superior. 1800s Treaties and Reserves

1804 1848 MID-1800s

The North West A permanent Jesuit Commercial explorers Company takes over Mission, Mission de THE have a frenzied interest FIRST NATIONS’ the XY Company. l’Immaculée Conception JESUIT ORDER in natural resources CONNECTION TO THE LAND is founded opposite The legacy of the Jesuit such as copper and First Nations believe that humans, along with all other living ------Fort William’s summer order that founded Mission timber. Hundreds of beings, belong to the land. The land provides, and in turn, 1821 gathering place, de l’Immaculée Conception mining claims are staked humans have a responsibility to respect and care for it. During Nee-bing on the was significant on many and trees cut down on the 16th and 17th centuries, European explorers depended on The North West Kaministiquia River levels. Renowned as traditional lands. No First Nations knowledge and skills to adapt and survive in the 13 Company and the (present day Fort explorers, linguists, and treaties are made with new environment. However, many Europeans held a strident worldview with the concepts of private property ownership and Hudson’s Bay Company William First Nation). ethnographers, the Jesuits the Indians of Kitchigami came to North America as land ownership as a step towards “civilization.” form a coalition using The Mission becomes and . part of the colonial drive. In the mid-1800s, Canada began to develop a series of land the foundation of the the most vigorous Comparatively respectful of ------surrender treaties that set out agreements of the nature and name, charter and religious institution the traditional way of life, limits of First Nations rights and title. Crown representatives privileges of the old on Kitchigami with a they learned the language 1841 interpreted the signed treaties as a “blanket extinguishment” of Hudson’s Bay Company church, priests’ residence, and customs, developed Aboriginal title. However, because of language and cultural with the Nor’Westers’ convent school, an dictionaries, and translated The government’s differences when the treaties were negotiated, First Nations skills and experience. orphanage, cemetery and preserved much of the Geological Survey is signatories did not understand the treaties as limiting or Trade shifts to York and farms. The Fort history and traditions in established to map the extinguishing their title. Canada and First Nations are Factory on Hudson Bay. William Indians work their documents. The Jesuits geology of the country. continuing to negotiate treaty land entitlements and settlements. and farm the land until recorded the day-to-day the land is expropriated events of the Mission and visits with the Ojibway in in 1905. Many of the the interior and along the Fort Williams Indians shore of Kitchigami. Father who lived on the shore Choné, Father Frémiot, of Kichigami become and Father Du Ranquet Christians by the mid- offered advice for some of the 19th century. pivotal decisions of the Fort William Indians such as the development of the Robinson Treaty in 1850. The Jesuit Mission on the Fort William Reserve. 1848 1848 1849

A delegation of In August, the “ You ask how we posses this In September, Kitchigami Ojibway commissioners hold a land. Now it is well known Commissioners INLAND AND COASTAL leaders including general council in Sault that 4,000 years ago when we Alexander Vidal, the FORT WILLIAM INDIANS first were created, all spoke one Chief Shingwakonce Ste. Marie attended by Deputy Provincial language. Since then, a change Everywhere the Commissioners went on Lake Superior, Lake (Garden River) and many Ojibway Chiefs has taken place, and we speak Surveyor and Thomas Nipigon, Michipicoten and Fort William, they failed to consider Chief Nebenagoching including Chief Joseph different languages. You White G. Anderson meet the relationship of the inland Indians to the coastal tribes. The (Batchawana) travel La Peau de Chat from People well know, and we Red with the Chiefs and Fort William inland Indians only came to the shores seasonally to Montreal to petition Fort William. Lengthy Skins know how we came in representatives from from Dog Lake, Lac des Milles Lacs, Sturgeon Lake and Lake possession of this land – it was the Crown to respect discussions result in 16 of 22 identified Nipigon. The interior Indians were referred to as “the pagan 14 the Great Spirit who gave it to branch” in the late 19th century. As well, about 35 families of Indian rights because the a recommendation us. From the time my ancestors Anishinaabe Fort William Indians settled around Dog Lake and formed their the government had that a treaty be made came upon this earth it has been communities in the own band. They also lived along the railway line near Savanne issued mining permits to extinguish the Indian considered ours. After a time, Lake Huron and the Whites living on the other and Raith.The Dog Lake Branch disbanded in 1932 and joined on untreatied lands. right and a grant be Kitchigami regions. side of the Great Salt Lake, Fort William First Nation. To delay any decision, made to “the Aborigines found this part of the world two commissioners, of an equitable inhabited by the Red Skins. Alexander Vidal remuneration for the The Whites asked us Indians, (surveyor) and Capt. whole country, which when there were many animals here – would you not sell the T. G. Anderson (Indian as far as the natives are skins of these various animals agent) are appointed concerned would be for the goods I bring? Our old by the government to most to their benefit ancestors said yes. I will bring conduct investigations in a perpetual annuity, your goods. They the Whites did not say anything more, nor did from Fort William to making such reserves to the Indian say anything. I did Penetanguishene. the Indians as may be not know that he said, “Come I necessary for them to will buy your land, everything cultivate hereafter.” Thus that is on it, and under it.” The began the treaty process White said nothing about that to me, and, this the reason why on Kitchigami. I believe that we posses this land up to this day.” Chief Joseph La Peau De Thompson, 1813, A circle route: Lake Superior via Grand Chat, Fort William to Indian Portage to Lac La Croix and from Kaministiquia River via Superintendent Thomas G. Dog Lake, to Lac La Croix. Anderson, 1848 1800s Treaties and Reserves

1849 1853

In the fall, opposing A survey confirms that mining activities, a THE ROBINSON-SUPERIOR TREATY the boundaries of Fort band of Indians and William First Nation On September 7, 1850 Fort William First Nation is a signatory Métis occupy a Quebec to the Robinson-Superior Treaty (No. 60). Ojibway Chiefs Reserve cannot be laid Mining Company site from the north shore of Lake Superior from Pigeon River to out as described in operating at Mica Bay, meet with the Crown at a Treaty Council in the Robinson-Superior on the northeast shore Sault Ste. Marie. A delegation of 15 Fort William Ojibway led Treaty. The Treaty of Kitchigami. Chief by Chiefs Peau de Chat and Illinois attend. William Robinson, description assumes 15 Shingwakonce, Chief the Treaty Commissioner and Lord Elgin, the Governor of the that the shore of Lake robinson superior treaty map Nebenagoching and Province of Canada represent the Crown. Superior at Fort William others are arrested and By the terms of the Treaty, the Ojibway give a land cession to runs in an east-west sent to trial in Toronto. Her Majesty of all their territory on Lake Superior to the height orientation, when in of land with the exception of the lands they chose as reserves. actuality, it runs in a ------The Ojibway were assured that they would have continued north-south orientation. use and rights to all the lands described the “same privilege as 1850 The First Nation protest ever of hunting & fishing over the whole territory.” In return that the reserve the the Ojibway received an annuity in perpetuity for every man On September 7, Fort surveyors had been sent woman and child in the tribe, and a reserve at a place of their William First Nation choosing. The dimensions described in the Treaty are written to lay out is too small, is a signatory to the down in miles, whereas the Ojibway understood the dimensions and refuse to accept Robinson-Superior to be in leagues. the surveyor’s plan. Treaty (No.60). For the Ojibway, the binding character of treaties wasn’t The surveyors agree to recommend that Pie ------primarily in the legalistic language; the true intent was in what was actually said during the deliberations with the Island be included in 1852 accompaniment of ceremony and exchange of symbolically the reserve. This is significant gifts. never implemented. The Grand Trunk Railway is incorporated to build a line from Montreal to Toronto. The line opens in 1856. 1900s Expropriation of Lands

1859 1876 1905 1906 1910 1932

In the Needing The Indian Act formally The entire Fort William Loch Lomond Lake, Fort William First Nation The Dog Lake branch Surrender, Fort William signifies the federal First Nation village and located on Mount signs an agreement with of the Fort William First Nation’s only other government’s control land totaling 1,600 acres McKay within the Fort the City of Fort William to First Nation is disbanded arable lands along the over every aspect of is expropriated for the William First Nation sell drinking water from and they move to Kaministiquia River Native life. building of a railway is the original source Loch Lomond. the Reserve. is surrendered to the ------terminus by the Grand for drinking water ------Crown for future sale. Trunk Pacific Railway. for FWFN. The water The land became part 1880s It is the single largest supplying the City 1915 of Neebing Township railway expropriation of Fort William is 16 The original trading post, Cattle owned by non- in 1860. in the history Canada. contaminated creating a Fort William built in Indigenous farmers graze The community and all typhoid epidemic. FWFN ------1679 disappears under on the land cleared for buildings are evacuated. signs an agreement with the development of the Grand Trunk Pacific About half the members the City of Fort William 1867 Canadian Pacific Railway Railway railway terminus. relocate to Squaw Bay to sell drinking water railroad tracks and Canada is united as and the other half to from Loch Lomond. ------coal piles. the Confederation of the Mountain Village. The Loch Lomond 1917 Canada. Conservative Grand Trunk Pacific Water Supply system leader, Sir John A. goes bankrupt and is constructed with Fort William First Nation Macdonald is Canada’s the terminus is tunnels built under surrenders 270 acres of first Prime Minister. never completed. the Kaministiquia River land for a park to the City and through Mount of Fort William for present ------McKay on 45.19 acres day Chippewa Park. “The Indians made their 1870s of reserve lands. ------living working alongside with their white brothers. The fur trade is in ------1920 Now that Canada is final decline. entering its second century, 1907 The Grand Trunk Pacific the Indians will prosper more in educations so that Inside the Fort William Fort William First Nation rail line is taken over by we can live and still work Trading Post, 1870 McKeller & Mission Island, lands are surrendered for Canada and the Mission side by side with our (W. Armstrong) the Kaministiquia Delta. land is given to Canadian white society. “ Courtesy of: Photo Courtesy of: a Department of Militia Chief Pelletier, 1967 National Gallery of Canada Thunder Bay Historical Society and Defence rifle range. National Railway Company. 1900s Expropriation of Lands 2000s Reconciliation and Restoration

1970 1998 1999 2000 2002 2005

The twin cities of Port In November, FWFN Fort William First Nation Ontario agrees to Canada accepts Fort In November, FWFN Arthur and Fort William submits the Rifle submits the Grand Northern Boundary William First Nation’s submits the Loch amalgamate as the City Range Claim to Canada Trunk Pacific claim for Claim negotiations Grand Trunk Pacific Lomond Specific of Thunder Bay. for the exchange of negotiation to Canada. with FWFN. claim on the basis that Claim to Canada. lands surrendered the land was sold for The claim states ------by the First Nation in less than it was worth breaches of fiduciary 1986 1907 and 1914 for a 2002 in 1905. The Osoyoos obligations by Canada Department of Militia Indian Band v. The to the 1906 surrender 17 The FWFN submits a and Defence rifle range. In March 25, FWFN Town of Oliver Decision of reserve lands for the Northern Boundary FWFN states that the submits the Neebing (British Columbia) by construction of the Claim to Canada that exchange was unlawful Surrender Specific the Supreme Court Loch Lomond Water states that the surveyed and that Canada owes Settlement Claim to of Canada in 2001 Supply system. boundary of FWFN an outstanding lawful Canada to resolve potentially expands the ------Indian Reserve 52 does obligation to FWFN. the 1859 surrender of scope of acceptance by not reflect the historical approximately 6,400 First Nations. Following 2005 ------agreement reached acres of arable lands the Osoyoos Decision, Canada settled the between the Crown and along the Kaministiquai FWFN suggests a 1999 Rifle Range Claim the First Nation in 1850 River on FWFN legal review of the and compensation and that the reserve Through direct reserve. The lands basis of acceptance is provided to FWFN. land is smaller than negotiations with were surrendered to and discussions begin agreed upon. FWFN Canadian National the Crown with the towards broader also submits a Northern Railway, FWFN understanding that negotiations. A lawsuit Boundary Claim Development the property would be by FWFN results in to Ontario. Corporation regains surveyed and sold for Canada suspending ownership of about the use and benefit of negotiations, as Canada ------1,100 acres of the the First Nation. The will not negotiate a 1994 Mission land claim states that when claim if a First Nation (expropriated in 1905 the lands did not sell, is proceeding with Canada accepts by the Grand Trunk Canada should have litigation at the same FWFN’s Northern Pacific Railway). asked if FWFN wished to time. The litigation is Boundary Claim. have the lands returned. now “in abeyance”. 2007 2008 2008 2010 2011 2016

Canada accepts the Canada accepts In the fall, FWFN’s In October, Canada In May, Canada accepts The Thunder Bay City Neebing Surrender FWFN’s Loch Lomond negotiations recommence issues a formal letter of FWFN’s Mining Locations Council approves the Specific Claim in Specific Claim in with Canada taking offer to FWFN to settle Claim for negotiations. addition of the Fort August and begins July stating that the the position that the the Boundary Claim. William First Nation ------negotiations by which surrender constituted Railway Act prohibited flag to fly permanently ------Canada agrees that an exploitation bargain the alienation of 2013 alongside the Canadian, there is an outstanding and that Canada appropriated land by the 2011 Ontario and Thunder Bay lawful obligation owing breached its fiduciary Grand Trunk Pacific and In October, a letter of flags in front of City Hall. to FWFN as a result of duty. FWFN receives a that Canada had a duty The Chief of FWN offer is issued by Canada In May, the FWFN flag 18 the historical grievance. claim settlement. to prevent the alienation and the Mayor of the to FWFN to settle the is raised at City Hall in FWFN receives a claim and to return the land to City of Thunder Bay Mining Locations Claim. a ceremony recognizing ------settlement. FWFN. Fort William First sign a Declaration of that Thunder Bay resides ------Commitment recognizing 2008 Nation’s negotiations in the Robinson Superior ------are based on two FWFN’s significant 2016 Treaty and has been contributions to the 2007 FWFN submits the components: Financial built on the traditional Mining Locations Claim compensation with heritage and social, Following 17 years of lands of the Ojibwa The City of Thunder to Canada that states Specific Claims Branch cultural, spiritual negotiations over its people of Fort William Bay decides to service that the surrender of (SCB) and the return and economic fabric land base, Fort William First Nation. the entire city and Fort 120 acres lands in of the lands to reserve of Thunder Bay. First Nation receives an William First Nation 1909 was sold under status with Ontario The Declaration of offer of settelment from through the Bare Point value and that the Region through Canada’s Commitment will the federal government. Water Treatment Plant 1913 surrender of 3.34 Additions to Reserve act as a guide for a The compensation on the shores of Lake acres was invalid. (ATR) Policy. more collaborative is meant to make up Superior to the north of relationship that for the expropriation Thunder Bay. In 2008, will mutually benefit of reserve land for the Loch Lomond water both communities. construction of the treatment facility is Grand Trunk Pacific decommissioned. Railway terminus in 1905. 19 ENTERPRISE AT FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION

For over two centuries, the Indians of Fort AGRICULTURE MINING William have been involved in commercial By the mid-1880s, Fort William Indians who In the late 1890s, Silver Islet on Lake Superior’s and non-commercial land-based ventures had settled in the Mission had become was the site of a rich pure both on and off-reserve. successful farmers. In 1883, hundreds of acres silver ore body. $3.25M worth of silver was of land were cleared, garden vegetables were mined between 1870, when the mine opened, FISHING grown for markets in Port Arthur and Fort and 14 years later when the mine closed. Some Following the activity of the fur trade, the William, and 123 head of cattle were raised. Fort William First Nation members worked at fishery on Lake Superior thrived as a robust By 1890, to expand the thriving economy, the mine and brought their families to live with 20 economy for the Hudson’s Bay Co and others. swampland was drained for more grazing land in Silver Islet. The industry was dependent on First Nations and 800 bushels of seed was set-aside for the as employees for fishing, packing, curing and Fort William First Nation was best source next season. Fort William Indians competed in other activities related to the transport of of gravel and rock in the vicinity during the the Port Arthur Agricultural Fair and won many large volumes of fish. Between 1835 -1837, the building of Port Arthur and Fort William during prizes for produce and animals. In 1894, over a Hudson Bay Company at Fort William alone the 1870s and the major railway terminus in ton of raspberries were sold. consumed 20,000 pounds of salt fish and the early 1900s. Enterprising band members 7,500 pounds of fresh fish. TIMBER wanted to buy a rock crusher to expand the In the late 1880s, Fort William First Nation industry. Inhibited by the Agents of the Indian The Fort William Indians continued to be entered into commercial dealings Department to undergo this initiative, quarrying active participants in the fishing industry into with a local timber company and sold the rights and other aggregate rights were sold the 20th century, even though exclusive fishing timber on the reserve. Many people were to other companies. Fort William First Nation rights weren’t recognized. Unfortunately, by the employed cutting cordwood and received worked the quarries and the gravel pits while time fishing rights were acknowledged most of royalties. The building of elevators by the receiving royalties from the sales until the Lake Superior had been fished out. Throughout Canadian Pacific Railway Company and work in 1950s. Many FWFN quarries were leased to most of the 20th century, several Fort William the lumber camps gave employment to many. the City of Fort William throughout the Indian families operated under commercial 1900s to 1950s. fishing licenses. THE MEDICINE WHEEL, THE FOUR SEASONS & THE MOONS

The traditional Ojibwe calendar follows a 13 moon lunar cycle. The names of each BIBOON (WINTER) moon are influenced by nature, human activities and cultural practices. Manitou giizisoon (Little Spirit Moon) DECEMBER Some months have two different names Aabitaa-bibooni giizis (Half-Way Through Winter) because of what’s happening during that JANUARY month. For example, February is called Makoonsiwii giizis Baby Bear Moon (bear cubs are born during (Baby Bear Moon) 21 this time), or Sucker Fish Moon (sucker fish Namebini giizis come closest to the water surface during DAGWAAGIN ZIIGWAN (FALL) (Sucker Moon) (SPRING) this time). Here’s how the months fit into FEBRUARY the medicine wheel. Waategabaa giizis Aandego giizis (Changing Color Moon) (Return of the Crow) SEPTEMBER MARCH Binaakwe giizis Iskigamizige giizis (Wind Blowing Leaves Moon) (Maple Sugar Moon) OCTOBER APRIL Gashkadino giizis Zaagibagaa giizis (Freezing Water Moon) NIIBIN (Budding Moon) NOVEMBER (SUMMER) MAY Ode’imini giizis (Strawberry Moon) JUNE Miinike giizis (Berry Moon) JULY Manoominike giizis (Wild Rice Moon) AUGUST 22 Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future

90 Anemki Dr, Suite 200 P. 1.807.623.9543 Fort William First Nation P. 1.866.892.8687 FWFN.COM P7J1L3 F. 1.807.623.5190