Red Rock Indian Band facts for kids
The Red Rock Indian Band is a community of Ojibwe people in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. They are also known as the Lake Helen Reserve. This First Nation community lives on two special areas called reserves: Red Rock 53 and Lake Helen 53A. As of March 2017, there were 1,837 people registered as members of the band. The community is led by Chief Marcus Hardy. The Red Rock Indian Band is part of the Anishinabek Nation, which is a political group for First Nations. They also belong to Waaskiinaysay Ziibi Inc., an organization that helps five Lake Nipigon First Nations with economic growth.
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Where the Red Rock Indian Band Lives
Members of the Red Rock Indian Band used to live in different places. These places were on and around Lake Nipigon. Historically, people lived at Jackfish Island, Gull Bay, and McIntyre Bay. McIntyre Bay was also known as Grand Bay.
Location of the Reserves
The Red Rock Indian Band's reserves are about 100 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay. They are also just 2 kilometers east of Nipigon. The two reserves together cover about 950 acres (or 3.8 square kilometers).
Saint Sylvester's Church
The Saint Sylvesters Church is located on the reserve. This church was built in 1877 as a Jesuit Mission. The first recorded burial in its graveyard was on October 3, 1880. People are still buried in the graveyard next to the church today. Even though it is a historical landmark, the church building is not safe to use anymore.
Traditional Lands and Activities
The Red Rock Indian Band is located within the area of the 1850 Robinson Superior Treaty. Band members often use the Parmachene area. They go there for fishing, picking berries, hunting, and trapping. They also gather medicinal plants and go camping. Traditional ceremonies are also held there. Many members of the Red Rock Indian Band especially enjoy picking blueberries. The main community of the band is on the shores of Lake Helen, on the Lake Helen Reserve 53A.
Notable Members
Al Hackner, a famous curler, is a member of the Red Rock Indian Band. He has won the world curling championship two times.
The Ojibwe Name
The traditional Ojibwe name for the band is Opwaaganasiniing. This name means "where the pipestone is." Pipestone, also known as Catlinite, is a special red stone. It is used to make ceremonial pipes.
