Page 7 - Georgina Island

his book tells of our community, the Chippewas of Georgina
Island First Nation. We want to share with you some
information about how we live and how we came to live this
Tway. As you come to know us, you will learn to appreciate the
diversity of our people. You will come to know that we have a WORDS TO KNOW
unique way of life, but that we also live in much the same way as diversity: variety
members of neighbouring communities. Although we have special federal: to do with the national
government of Canada
traditions, we generally eat, learn, shop, and play in much the
Indian Act: federal laws that
same way as other Canadians in Southern Ontario. You will come
govern all parts of life for
to know that through the Indian Act, we are bound to federal
First Nation people who are
and provincial governments like no other ethnic group in Canada. registered under the act
As a result, we live under federal and provincial laws, even negotiate: discuss to
settle something
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.
We are often among the first in our neighbouring First Nations
to negotiate with the federal government to make changes to
our governance systems.

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.
Native – sometimes used to refer to the original people
These names are still used informally and formally, but
of this land
we call ourselves Anishinaabeg (Ah-nish-in-aw-beg),
plural, and Anishinaabe (Ah-nish-in-aw-beh), singular. For
Indian – refers to the original people of this land but
example, someone who is Anishinaabe may say, “I am
today is used only in reference to the Indian Act (see
Anishinaabe of the Anishinaabeg.” Sometimes, you may
page 65 of the Resources section for more information
see our name spelled as Anishinabek (Ah-nish-in-aw-
about the Indian Act).
bek). This form usually relates to a formal political group
called “The Anishinabek Nation.” We on Georgina Island
First Nation or First Nations – generally refers to the
are also known as “people of the shining waters” because
people or land-base of the original people who reside or
of the beautiful lake we live on.
are connected by birth or marriage to lands reserved in
Canada for the original people
Georgina Island First Nation 5

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