Page 7 - Chippewas of Rama First Nation

his book tells of our community, Chippewas of Rama First
Nation. We want to share with you some information about
how we live and how we came to live this way. As you come
Tto know us, you will learn to appreciate the diversity of our
people. You will come to know that we have a unique way of
life, but that we also live in much the same way as members of
WORDS TO KNOW
neighbouring communities. Although we have special traditions,
diversity: variety
we generally eat, learn, shop, and play in much the same way
as other Canadians in Southern Ontario. You will come to know federal: to do with the national
government of Canada
that through the Indian Act, we are bound to federal and
Indian Act: federal laws that
provincial governments like no other ethnic group in Canada
govern all parts of life for
(see page 65 of the Resources section for more information First Nation people who are
registered under the act
about the Indian Act). As a result, we live under federal and
provincial laws, even though many of our traditional ways of life,
including hunting and harvesting, have been considered illegal
by the Ontario and Canadian governments. We are working to
change these laws.

There are many cultural groups that make up the fabric of
Canada. We are one of those groups, but we have our own place
in that fabric. We are one of the First Nations in this country
and we take great pride in that unique and special status. We
consider ourselves to be forward-thinking and are proud of the
steps we have taken to make sure we control our own affairs.

Our hope is that as you read about us, you will come to better
understand and recognize our place in this country.

NAMES WE ARE KNOWN BY
Throughout history, we have been referred to in many Ojibwe – generally refers to a specific tribe of people
ways. You will find many of those names in this book.
Chippewa – a group within the Anishinaabe
These names are still used informally and formally, but
we call ourselves Anishinaabeg (Ah-nish-in-aw-beg),
Native – sometimes used to refer to the original people
plural, and Anishinaabe (Ah-nish-in-aw-beh), singular. For
of this land
example, someone who is Anishinaabe may say, “I am
Anishinaabe of the Anishinaabeg.” Sometimes, you may
Indian – refers to the original people of this land, but
see our name spelled as Anishinabek (Ah-nish-in-aw-
today is used only in reference to the Indian Act (see
bek). This form usually relates to a formal political group
page 65 of the Resources section for more information
called “The Anishinabek Nation.”
about the Indian Act)
First Nation or First Nations – generally refers to the
people or land-base of the original people who reside or
are connected by birth or marriage to lands reserved in
Canada for the original people

Chippewas of Rama First Nation 5

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