Beaverhouse First Nation facts for kids
The Beaverhouse First Nation is a group of Indigenous people in Canada. They live near Kirkland Lake, close to the Misema River.
For a long time, the Beaverhouse First Nation was not officially recognized by the Canadian government. This changed in April 2022, when they were officially recognized as a First Nation. They had been left out of an important agreement called Treaty 9.
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What's in a Name?
The name "Beaverhouse" comes from the Algonquin language. The Misema River, which is nearby, is called Maaseema Qweesh in Algonquin. The word Queesh means "the home of a beaver." So, the name connects them to the beavers and the river.
Where is Beaverhouse First Nation?
Beaverhouse First Nation is located on a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides, called a peninsula. It is on the banks of Kirkland Lake, which is part of the Misema River system.
It's not easy to get there by road. People usually travel by boat during the summer. In the winter, they use snowmobiles to reach the community.
A Brief History
Beaverhouse First Nation was not included in the Treaty 9 agreement. This agreement was made between other Indigenous nations and Canada. Because of this, Beaverhouse First Nation was called a "non-status" First Nation for many years. This meant they were not officially recognized by the government.
Historically, much of the land where the Beaverhouse First Nation people live was also claimed by the Timiskaming First Nation.
Beaverhouse First Nation is part of a larger group called the Wabun Tribal Council. This council helps different First Nations work together.
In 2016, Chief Brown Martel spoke out. She said the Canadian government had not given land to the nation as it should have.
In 2018, the Beaverhouse First Nation Community made an official request to the Government of Ontario. They stated that they are a separate First Nation. They also said they did not sign Treaty 9 or any other treaty. This request was supported by the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation and the Wabun Tribal Council.
In April 2019, the government said it would look into their request. Finally, in April 2022, the Government of Canada officially recognized Beaverhouse as a First Nation. This recognition is based on Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Leaders of the Nation
Over the years, several people have served as chief of Beaverhouse First Nation.
- Roy Meaniss was the chief in the 1980s.
- After him, Gloria McKenzie became chief.
- Marcia Brown Martel (later known as Sally Susan Mathias-Martel) was chief from 2011 until at least 2018.
- Since 2021, the chief has been Wayne Wabie.
Population
In 2017, the population of Beaverhouse First Nation was about 285 people.
See also
- Kirkland Lake (town)
- McGarry, Ontario
- Teme-Augama Anishnabai
