Chapleau Ojibway First Nation facts for kids

The Chapleau Ojibway First Nation is a group of Ojibwa people living in Ontario, Canada. They are one of many First Nations in the country. Their home is near a place called Chapleau Township. This First Nation has set aside three special areas of land for themselves, known as reserves. These reserves are called Chapleau 61A Indian Reserve, Chapleau 74 Indian Reserve, and Chapleau 74A Indian Reserve. In 2007, about 39 people were officially part of the First Nation, with most of them living on their reserves.

The History of Chapleau Ojibway

The Chapleau Ojibway First Nation is unique because their reserve is the only one in the Chapleau area where the Ojibwa language is spoken. Their history and connection to the land stretch towards Lake Superior in the west and Lake Huron in the south. This is different from some other groups who might have connections further north towards James Bay.

Understanding Early Treaties

A long time ago, in 1850, many lands were given to the Crown (which means the government) through agreements called the Robinson Treaties. These treaties covered all the land where water flows into the northern parts of lakes Huron and Superior. However, the leaders of the Chapleau Ojibway First Nation were not part of these treaties.

There were a couple of reasons for this. First, the person in charge of the treaties, William Benjamin Robinson, didn't visit many of the First Nation communities that lived further inland. Second, some inland First Nation leaders were worried about traveling because of a sickness that was spreading in 1849.

The Treaty 9 Agreement

Later, in 1905, officials visited Chapleau to discuss another agreement called Treaty 9. This treaty covered land in the Chapleau area where water flows north into James Bay. The officials decided that they didn't need to make a new treaty with the Chapleau Ojibway people. They believed these people belonged to other groups who already had treaties and reserves in different parts of Ontario.

Even though they were linked to other groups, the officials suggested that a small area of land should be set aside for the Chapleau Ojibway. This would allow them to build homes and grow gardens. The Chapleau Ojibway Reserve was officially created in 1950.

How Chapleau Ojibway First Nation is Governed

The Chapleau Ojibway First Nation is led by a Chief and two Councillors. Currently, the Chief is Anita Stephens, and the Councillors are Johanne Wesley and Joshua Memegos. These leaders work together to make decisions for their community.

Working with Other First Nations

The Chapleau Ojibway First Nation is part of a larger group called the Wabun Tribal Council. This council helps different First Nations work together on common goals. The Wabun Tribal Council is also connected to an even bigger organization called the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents many First Nations in Northern Ontario.

Community Safety and Policing

The community of Chapleau Ojibway First Nation is kept safe by the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service. This police service is specially designed to work with and serve Aboriginal communities in the region.