Aanii – Greetings everyone,

Since time immemorial, the area where De Novo rests, known by Indigenous peoples as Turtle Island, has been the homeland of the Anishinaabek people, the Ojibwe, Pottowattami , and Odawa. This was true until the early 18th century and European “contact” when it was named Muskoka and Parry Sound. Since contact, encroachment has forced the Anishinaabek onto small parcels of land controlled by the Federal Government.

Today, with their enduring presence, the Anishinabek still regard Muskoka-Parry Sound and parts of the surrounding counties as their traditional territory. Families know these lands as the hunting grounds, medicine areas, and gathering places, related to them through oral history passed down for generations.

Other Indigenous Nations have come to occupy this area including the Haudenosaunee and the Metis Nation.

The Anishinaabek Nation is also known as the Ojibwe*, Ojibway, Ojibwa, Chippewa, Chippaway. These are Anglicized terms used by the English in the early Treaties. The people however have always referred to themselves as Anishinaabek, which literally translates as, “The Good People.

Please acknowledge the Regional Indigenous Nations of Muskoka-Parry Sound.

The following First Nations were established in 1850 under the Robinson Huron Treaty and Bond Head Treaty. They are comprised under the governance of the Three Fires Confederacy.

Wasauksing First Nation – Their community is situated on an Island with bridge access on Georgian Bay

Shawanaga First Nation – Their community is situated north of Parry Sound on the Shawanaga River.

Magnetawan First Nation – Their community is located on the shores of Georgian Bay on the mouth of the Magnetawan River.

Henvey Inlet First Nation – Their community has two land bases on the shore of Georgian Bay and inland south of the French River.

Dokis First Nation – Their community is located on the south west portion of Lake Nipissing.

Other Regional Indigenous Nations and Organizations of Muskoka Parry Sound include:

Moose Deer Point First Nation – Located in Georgian Bay Township, the community of Moose Deer Point First Nation is a Potawatomi Community who originated in what became the United States. In 1830’s they were invited by the British to settle in Ontario and amalgamated with the Tri – Council First Nations.

Wahta Mohawks – The Wahta Mohawks were displaced into Anishinaabek territory to their present location in 1881 by the Canadian Government. As a means to quell the original “Oka” land dispute, the Canadian government split the Mohawk community in Quebec and displaced half the people to Ontario.

Moon River Métis Council – Established in 2005, the Council serves the interests of Métis People in the Parry Sound-Muskoka region and their head office is located in Gravenhurst.

Parry Sound Indigenous Friendship Center – Established in the early 70’s this is an urban service organization that services First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people living in the district. They are located in Parry Sound.

Haudenosaunee – also known as, Iroquois – The Haudenosaunee also occupied the Simcoe County region for a period following the fur trade. In the mid 1700’s they were weakened and decimated by disease and driven out of this area by the Anishinaabek. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is comprised of Six Nations, the Tuscarora, Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca and the Onieda. The name, “Iroquois,” was given to them by the French and is considered derogatory.

As we participate in this common community of De Novo, we are encouraged to reflect on the Indigenous peoples who lived in harmony with these lands. We are encouraged to reflect on how colonialism and settler culture has impacted Indigenous Peoples and this environment. We are encouraged to consider our individual role in reconciliation.

Miigwech (Thank you)