Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation facts for kids
Chippewas of Nawash First Nation logo
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| Land | |
|---|---|
| Main reserve | Neyaashiinigmiing 27 |
| Other reserve(s) | |
| Land area | 71.83 km2 |
| Population | |
| On reserve | 724 |
| Off reserve | 1958 |
| Total population | 2714 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Chief Greg Nadjiwon |
| Council size | 9 |
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation (called Neyaashiinigmiing Anishinaabek in their language) is a group of Anishinaabek Indigenous people. They live in the Bruce Peninsula area of Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, along with the Saugeen First Nation.
As of December 2020, about 2,758 people were registered members of the Chippewas of Nawash. Around 700 of these members live on their main reserve, Neyaashiinigmiing 27. This First Nation has three reserves in total: Neyaashiinigmiing 27, Cape Croker Hunting Ground 60B, and Saugeen and Cape Croker Fishing Islands 1. All their reserves together cover an area of about 8,083 hectares (which is about 31 square miles).
Contents
What Does "Nawash" Mean?
The name Chippewas of Nawash comes from a leader named Chief Nawash. He was a brave fighter who joined forces with Tecumseh during the War of 1812.
A Look at Their History
Neyaashiinigmiing has always been the home of the Chippewas of Nawash people. Their traditional lands included the whole Bruce Peninsula and a large area to the south. In 1993, the First Nation won an important court case. This case gave them the right to fish in their traditional waters around the Bruce Peninsula for trade and business.
Their Reserves and Lands
The Chippewas of Nawash have three reserves that belong to them forever. These reserves cover a total of about 71.83 square kilometers. The largest of these is Neyaashiinigmiing 27, which is about 63.81 square kilometers. One of their reserves, Saugeen & Cape Croker Fishing Island 1, is shared with the Saugeen First Nation.
Neyaashiinigmiing 27
This reserve used to be called Cape Croker 27. It is located in Bruce County, Ontario. It is the biggest of the three reserves.
Cape Croker Hunting Ground 60B
This reserve is surrounded by the beautiful Bruce Peninsula National Park. It is also next to the Saugeen Hunting Grounds 60A.
Saugeen and Cape Croker Fishing Islands
This reserve is made up of 89 islands. These islands are shared with the Saugeen First Nation.
Media and Communication
The Chippewas of Nawash have their own ways to share news and culture.
FM Radio
- 100.1 - CHFN - The Chippewas of Nawash run a local radio station. It plays a mix of music like rock, country, gospel, and traditional pow wow songs.
Local Newspaper
- Community Newsletter Eziwehbak (which means "what's happening")
- Winter Count: Neyaashiinigmiing's History Newsletter
- Dibaudjimoh (this newspaper is no longer published)
Culture and Traditions
The Chippewas of Nawash hold a Traditional Pow Wow every year. This is a special gathering with dancing, singing, and drumming. Many talented musicians and artists come from Nawash. These include Ira Nadjiwon, Marc Merilainen (Nadjiwon), Jacques Pigeon, Kevin (The Hooch) Lavalley, and Bryden "Gwiss" Kiwenzie. The community is also home to an amazing powwow singing group called "Chippewa Travellers," who have won awards for their music.
Protecting Their Lands
In 1994, the Nawash and the Saugeen First Nations began working to protect their traditional lands and waters. They are working with the Government of Canada to make sure their rights to these lands, which were part of old treaties, are respected. This includes parts of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. The goal is to make sure these important areas are recognized as belonging to the First Nations. This effort is still ongoing.
Notable Community Members
Many inspiring people come from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation.
- Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm is a poet and started a publishing company called Kegedonce Press.
- John Borrows (born 1963) is a respected professor who teaches about Indigenous Law.
- Basil H. Johnston (1929-2015) was a writer and educator.
- Verna Patronella Johnston was an author who wrote Tales of Nokomis. She also helped organize communities in Toronto.
- Lenore Keeshig-Tobias is an author known for books like Emma and the Trees and Bird Talk. She is a strong supporter of Indigenous writers in Canada.
- Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie is a talented musician.
- Michelle LaVallee is a curator, artist, and educator.
- Naomi Smith is a skilled artist.
- Clifford Solomon is a television actor.
- Mary Spencer (born 1984) is a Canadian, World Champion, Pan Am, and Olympic boxer.
