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Coordinates: 45°42′N 81°43′W / 45.700°N 81.717°W / 45.700; -81.717
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{{Short description|Unceded territory in Ontario, Canada}}
{{Short description|Unceded territory in Ontario, Canada}}{{Redirect-distinguish|Wiiki|Wiki}}{{Infobox settlement
⚫
| name = Wiikwemkong
{{Infobox settlement
⚫
| name = Wiikwemkoong
| settlement_type = [[Indian reserve|Unceded territory]]
| settlement_type = [[Indian reserve|Unceded territory]]
| official_name = Wiikwemkoong Unceded Reserve
| official_name = Wiikwemkong Unceded Reserve
| native_name = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
| native_name = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
| nickname = Wiiki
| nickname = Wiiki
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| pushpin_mapsize = 200
| pushpin_mapsize = 200
| coordinates = {{coord|45|42|N|81|43|W|region:CA-ON|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|45|42|N|81|43|W|region:CA-ON|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = [[Countries of the world|Country]]
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{CAN}}
| subdivision_name = Canada
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Canada|Province]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Canada|Province]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{ON}}
| subdivision_name1 = Ontario
| subdivision_type2 = [[Census divisions of Ontario|District]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Census divisions of Ontario|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Manitoulin District, Ontario|Manitoulin]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Manitoulin District, Ontario|Manitoulin]]
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| government_type = First Nation
| government_type = First Nation
| leader_title = Chief
| leader_title = Chief
| leader_name = Henry Hoy
| leader_name = Tim Ominika
| leader_title1 = Governing Body
| leader_title1 = Governing Body
| leader_name1 =
| leader_name1 =
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| area_water_percent =
| area_water_percent =
| population_as_of = 2021
| population_as_of = 2021
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |last1=Branch |first1=Government of Canada; Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada; Communications |title=Home |url=https://fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/FNRegPopulation.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=175&lang=eng |website=fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca |access-date=30 March 2021 |date=3 November 2008}}</ref>
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |last1=Branch |first1=Government of Canada; Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada; Communications |title=Home |url=https://fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/FNRegPopulation.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=175&lang=eng |access-date=30 March 2021 |website=[[Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada]] |publisher=Government of Canada |date=3 November 2008}}</ref>
| population_note =
| population_note =
| population_total = 3200
| population_total = 8,431
| population_density_km2 = 6.3
| population_density_km2 = 6.3
| timezone = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|EST]]
| timezone = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|EST]]
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}}
}}


The '''Wiikwemkoong First Nation''' is a [[First Nations|First Nation]] on [[Manitoulin Island]] in [[Northern Ontario]]. The '''Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory''' (nicknamed '''Wiky''', previously named '''Wikwemikong''') is the [[First Nations|First Nation]] [[Indian reserve|reserve]] in the north-eastern section of [[Manitoulin Island]] in [[Manitoulin District, Ontario|Manitoulin District]], [[Ontario]], Canada. Wiikwemkoong is an [[unceded territory|unceded Indigenous reserve]] in Canada, which means that it has not "relinquished title to its land to the government by treaty or otherwise."
The '''Wiikwemkong First Nation''' is a [[First Nations in Canada|First Nation]] on [[Manitoulin Island]] in [[Northern Ontario]]. The '''Wiikwemkong Unceded Territory''' (nicknamed '''Wiky''', previously named '''Wikwemikong''') is the [[First Nations in Canada|First Nation]] [[Indian reserve|reserve]] in the northeast of [[Manitoulin Island]] in [[Manitoulin District, Ontario|Manitoulin District]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]. Wiikwemkong is an [[unceded territory|unceded Indigenous reserve]] in Canada, which means that it has not "relinquished title to its land to the government by treaty or otherwise."


The local Ojibwe placename is ''wiikwemkong'' (Manitoulin dialect; notice the vowel dropping) with the locative ''-ong'' ('at') form of ''wiikwemik'' 'bay with a gently sloping bottom'.<ref>Richard A. Rhodes: ''Eastern Ojibwa-Chippewa-Ottawa Dictionary'', 1985, p. 363.</ref> The spelling '''Wikwemikong''' is from dialects spoken elsewhere (or in earlier times) that retain the ''i''. The initial element ''wiikwe-'' occurs in other forms as 'bay'; the final element ''-mik'' cannot be for ''amik'' 'beaver' (its local form is ''mik''), a folk etymology that violates the rules for Algonquian stem formation. It can be identified as a variant of the medial element ''aamik-'', which appears, for example, in Southwestern Ojibwe ''minaamikaa'' 'there are breakers, shoals, banks (of sand or rocks)',<ref>Frederic Baraga 1880</ref> which has initial ''min-'' 'islandlike'. The presence or absence of ''aa-'' is found in several medial elements in Ojibwe and other Algonquian languages.<ref>Ives Goddard, pers. comm. to Carl Masthay, 2016.</ref>
The local Ojibwe placename is {{transl|oj|wiikwemkong}} (Manitoulin dialect; notice the vowel dropping) with the locative ''-ong'' ('at') form of {{transl|oj|wiikwemik}} 'bay with a gently sloping bottom'.<ref>Richard A. Rhodes: ''Eastern Ojibwa-Chippewa-Ottawa Dictionary'', 1985, p. 363.</ref> The spelling '''{{transl|oj|italic=no|Wikwemikong}}''' is from dialects spoken elsewhere (or in earlier times) that retain the ''i''. The initial element {{transl|oj|wiikwe-}} occurs in other forms as 'bay'; the final element ''-mik'' cannot be for {{transl|oj|amik}} 'beaver' (its local form is ''mik''), a [[folk etymology]] that violates the rules for Algonquian stem formation. It can be identified as a variant of the medial element {{transl|oj|aamik-}}, which appears, for example, in Southwestern Ojibwe {{transl|oj|minaamikaa}} 'there are breakers, shoals, banks (of sand or rocks)',<ref>Frederic Baraga 1880</ref> which has initial ''min-'' 'islandlike'. The presence or absence of ''aa-'' is found in several medial elements in Ojibwe and other Algonquian languages.<ref>Ives Goddard, pers. comm. to Carl Masthay, 2016.</ref>


The reserve's former name was Manitoulin Unceded Indian Reserve. The Wiikwemkoong Band changed it on August 20, 1968, to Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve.
The reserve's former name was Manitoulin Unceded Indian Reserve. The Wiikwemkong Band changed it on August 20, 1968, to Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve.


The reserve is occupied by [[Ojibwa]], [[Odawa people|Odawa]], and [[Potawatomi]] peoples under the [[Council of Three Fires]].
The reserve is occupied by [[Ojibwa]], [[Odawa people|Odawa]], and [[Potawatomi]] peoples under the [[Council of Three Fires]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
⚫
Wiikwemkong occupies a large peninsula on the eastern end of Manitoulin Island, which is connected to the rest of the island by an isthmus separating South Bay from Manitowaning Bay. The reserve's primary access is via Wiikwemkong Way, which continues off the reserve as Cardwell Street and connects to [[Highway 6 (Ontario)|Highway 6]] at [[Manitowaning, Ontario|Manitowaning]]. The reserve has a land area of {{convert|412.97|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} and is the fifth-largest Indian reserve in Canada by area. It is bordered on its west by [[Assiginack]] township, by which the peninsula is connected to the rest of Manitoulin Island. The vast majority of the reserve's border is, however, a water boundary with [[Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands]], by which it is nearly surrounded except for its border with Assiginack.


⚫
The [[Point Grondine 3|Point Grondine Park]], located on the mainland near [[Killarney, Ontario|Killarney]], also belongs to the Wiikwemkong band. This area, which has been unpopulated since the Point Grondine band moved to Wiikwemkong proper in the 1940s,<ref>John S. Marsh and [[Bruce Hodgins|Bruce W. Hodgins]], ''Changing Parks: The History, Future and Cultural Context of Parks and Heritage Landscapes''. [[Dundurn Press]], 1998. {{ISBN|9781459718357}}. p. 69.</ref> remained unoccupied and virtually unused by the band until the park was established in 2015.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/programs/morningnorth/first-nation-opens-new-park-northern-ontario-1.3199357 "First Nation opens new park in northern Ontario"]. [[CBCS-FM|CBC Northern Ontario]], August 21, 2015.</ref>
⚫
Wiikwemkoong occupies a large peninsula on the eastern end of Manitoulin Island, which is connected to the rest of the island by an isthmus separating South Bay from Manitowaning Bay. The reserve's primary access is via Wiikwemkoong Way, which continues off the reserve as Cardwell Street and connects to [[Highway 6 (Ontario)|Highway 6]] at [[Manitowaning, Ontario|Manitowaning]]. The reserve has a land area of {{convert|412.97|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} and is the fifth-largest Indian reserve in Canada by area. It is bordered on its west by [[Assiginack]] township, by which the peninsula is connected to the rest of Manitoulin Island. The vast majority of the reserve's border is, however, a water boundary with [[Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands]], by which it is nearly surrounded except for its border with Assiginack. yup.

⚫
and then The [[Point Grondine 3|Point Grondine Park]], located on the mainland near [[Killarney, Ontario|Killarney]], also belongs to the Wiikwemkoong band. This area, which has been unpopulated since the Point Grondine band moved to Wiikwemkoong proper in the 1940s,<ref>John S. Marsh and Bruce W. Hodgins, ''Changing Parks: The History, Future and Cultural Context of Parks and Heritage Landscapes''. [[Dundurn Press]], 1998. {{ISBN|9781459718357}}. p. 69.</ref> remained unoccupied and virtually unused by the band until the park was established in 2015.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/programs/morningnorth/first-nation-opens-new-park-northern-ontario-1.3199357 "First Nation opens new park in northern Ontario"]. [[CBCS-FM|CBC Northern Ontario]], August 21, 2015.</ref>


==History==
==History==
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From 1836 to 1862, a considerable portion of Manitoulin Island was set aside as the "Manitoulin Island Indian Reserve" under the [[Bond Head Treaty]]. The most important of the pre-confederation treaties were the Robinson Treaties because all subsequent treaties were modeled after these. In 1850, William B. Robinson, a government negotiator and former fur trader, proposed that First Nations reserves be created on the Crown Land acquired through treaties. These Reserves were intended to be the answer to what the immigrant settlers needed for land settlement. First Nation peoples would be set apart on reserves from the new settlers. The Robinson-Huron and Robinson-Superior treaties were signed in September 1850 for large territories north of the two Great Lakes.
From 1836 to 1862, a considerable portion of Manitoulin Island was set aside as the "Manitoulin Island Indian Reserve" under the [[Bond Head Treaty]]. The most important of the pre-confederation treaties were the Robinson Treaties because all subsequent treaties were modeled after these. In 1850, William B. Robinson, a government negotiator and former fur trader, proposed that First Nations reserves be created on the Crown Land acquired through treaties. These Reserves were intended to be the answer to what the immigrant settlers needed for land settlement. First Nation peoples would be set apart on reserves from the new settlers. The Robinson-Huron and Robinson-Superior treaties were signed in September 1850 for large territories north of the two Great Lakes.


According to written records, Lake Huron and Lake Superior area leaders surrendered nearly 15 000 000 hectares of land and the islands in exchange for the establishment of 24 reserves and a payment of approximately $10 000 to be followed by additional annual payment of $2700.
According to written records, Lake Huron and Lake Superior area leaders surrendered nearly 15,000,000 hectares of land and the islands in exchange for the establishment of 24 reserves and a payment of approximately $10,000 to be followed by additional annual payment of $2700.


In 1862, most of the islands were again ceded to the government of Canada under the [[MacDougall Treaty]] for new settlement by non-natives, resulting in the creation of new reserves at [[M'Chigeeng First Nation|West Bay]], Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, [[Zhiibaahaasing First Nation|tyler Pitawankwat loves huge Cockburn Island]] and Sucker Creek. However, two bands which occupied the land that now comprises Wiikwemkoong claimed that the bands that signed the Treaty did not represent them, and thus continued to exist as a remnant of the Manitoulin Island Indian Reserve.
In 1862, most of the islands were again ceded to the government of Canada under the [[MacDougall Treaty]] for new settlement by non-natives, resulting in the creation of new reserves at [[M'Chigeeng First Nation|West Bay]], Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, [[Zhiibaahaasing First Nation|Pitawankwat Cockburn Island]] and Sucker Creek. However, two bands which occupied the land that now comprises Wiikwemkong claimed that the bands that signed the Treaty did not represent them, and thus continued to exist as a remnant of the Manitoulin Island Indian Reserve.


In 1968, an amalgamation took place among three bands: Manitoulin Island Unceded Indian Reserve, Point Grondine and South Bay. This amalgamation created the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiikwemkoong.ca/history/|title=History - Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory|website=wiikwemkoong.ca|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-26}}</ref>
In 1968, an amalgamation took place among three bands: Manitoulin Island Unceded Indian Reserve, Point Grondine and South Bay. This amalgamation created the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiikwemkoong.ca/history/|title=History - Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory|website=wiikwemkoong.ca|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-26}}</ref>
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The band filed a [[Indigenous specific land claims in Canada|claim]] with the [[Canadian government]] on the issue of the jurisdiction of the Wikwemikong islands in 1984, but the government denied that the band had any right to these islands in 1997. The two parties restarted negotiations in 2007. As of 2012, the claim is still ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manitoulin.ca/wikwemikong-islands-claim-progressing/|title=Wikwemikong islands claim progressing|last=Expositor Staff|date=2012-01-25|website=Manitoulin Expositor|language=en-CA|access-date=2019-03-04}}</ref>
The band filed a [[Indigenous specific land claims in Canada|claim]] with the [[Canadian government]] on the issue of the jurisdiction of the Wikwemikong islands in 1984, but the government denied that the band had any right to these islands in 1997. The two parties restarted negotiations in 2007. As of 2012, the claim is still ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manitoulin.ca/wikwemikong-islands-claim-progressing/|title=Wikwemikong islands claim progressing|last=Expositor Staff|date=2012-01-25|website=Manitoulin Expositor|language=en-CA|access-date=2019-03-04}}</ref>


In 2014 the Constitution – Wiikwemkoong G'chi Naaknigewin – was ratified, subsequently changing the name to Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiikwemkoong.ca/history/|title=History - Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory|website=wiikwemkoong.ca|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-26}}</ref>
In 2014 the Constitution – Wiikwemkong G'chi Naaknigewin – was ratified, subsequently changing the name to Wiikwemkong Unceded Territory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiikwemkoong.ca/history/|title=History - Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory|website=wiikwemkoong.ca|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-26}}</ref>


==Communities==
==Communities==


In addition to the primary settlement at Wiikwemkoong, smaller settlements on the reserve include Buzwah, Kaboni, Murray Hill, South Bay, Two O'Clock, Wabozominissing and Wikwemikonsing.
In addition to the primary settlement at Wiikwemkong, smaller settlements on the reserve include Buzwah, Kaboni, Murray Hill, South Bay, Two O'Clock, Wabozominissing and Wikwemikonsing.


The reserve is served by five churches:
The reserve is served by five churches:
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* Kaboni Catholic Church (St. Anthony Daniel Parish)
* Kaboni Catholic Church (St. Anthony Daniel Parish)
* South Bay Catholic Church (Our Lady of Grace)
* South Bay Catholic Church (Our Lady of Grace)
* [https://agcofcanada.com/church/the-wikwemikong-fellowship The Wikwemikong Fellowship]
* The Wikwemikong Fellowship


There are two elementary schools, Wasse Abin Junior School (JK, SK, Grades 1-4) and Wasse Abin Pontiac School (Grades 5-8) and Wasse Abin High School.
There are two elementary schools, Wasse Abin Junior School (JK, SK, Grades 1-4) and Wasse Abin Pontiac School (Grades 5-8) and Wasse Abin High School.
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* Nadmadwin Mental Health Clinic
* Nadmadwin Mental Health Clinic
* Wiikwemkoong Health Centre
* Wiikwemkoong Health Centre

National and international centers

*Russian Embassy


==Transportation==
==Transportation==


Wiikwemkoong Way is the key route in the communities and connects with [[Ontario Highway 6]].
Wiikwemkong Way is the key route in the communities and connects with [[Ontario Highway 6]].


The closest airport is [[Manitowaning/Manitoulin East Municipal Airport]] in [[Manitowaning, Ontario]]. There is no commercial service from this airport.
The closest airport is [[Manitowaning/Manitoulin East Municipal Airport]] in [[Manitowaning, Ontario]]. There is no commercial service from this airport.


Ontario Northland operates a twice daily bus that connects to other places on Manitouland Island as well as the nearest major city, [[Sudbury, Ontario]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://ontarionorthland.ca/en/station-locator | title=Station Locator &#124; Ontario Northland}}</ref>
Ontario Northland operates a twice daily bus that connects to other places on Manitoulin Island as well as the nearest major city, [[Sudbury, Ontario]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://ontarionorthland.ca/en/station-locator | title=Station Locator &#124; Ontario Northland}}</ref>

Gordies Pontoon Rides


==Culture==
==Culture==
The reserve is also home to the Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival (Wiikwemkoong Pow-Wow) which is held annually every Civic Holiday weekend (first weekend in August).
The reserve is also home to the Wiikwemkong Cultural Festival (Wiikwemkoong Pow-Wow) which is held annually every Civic Holiday weekend (first weekend in August).


This annual event is touted as the largest and oldest pow-wow in Eastern Canada. Considered to be one of the major pow wows in North America, it is attended by many aboriginal dancers who participate in competition of all age ranges, demonstrating traditional, grass, jingle and fancy dancing.
This annual event is touted as the largest and oldest pow-wow in Eastern Canada. Considered to be one of the major pow wows in North America, it is attended by many aboriginal dancers who participate in competition of all age ranges, demonstrating traditional, grass, jingle and fancy dancing.


Wiikwemkoong is also home to a professional theatre company, [[De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group]], which stages and produces plays about [[First Nations]] life and culture, within the missions ruins next to [[Holy Cross Church Wikwemikong|Holy Cross Church]].
Wiikwemkoong is also home to a professional theatre company, [[De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group]], which stages and produces plays about [[First Nations in Canada|First Nations]] life and culture, within the mission's ruins next to [[Holy Cross Church Wikwemikong|Holy Cross Church]].


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
* [[Jeannette Corbiere Lavell]], Indigenous women's rights advocate
Notable people from Wiikwemkoong include first female chief, Peggy Margaret Pitawanakwat in 1997, indigenous women's rights advocate [[Jeannette Corbiere Lavell]], Chef Joseph Shawana,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.kukum-kitchen.com/philosophy/ |title = Ku-kum: Philosophy}}</ref> [[country music]] artist [[Crystal Shawanda]], [[Federal Court of Canada]] judge [[Leonard S. Mandamin]], former NHL player [[Chris Simon]], actor [[Sladen Peltier]], artist [[Daphne Odjig]], water activist [[Autumn Peltier]]
* [[Josephine Mandamin]], environmental activist<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Rhiannon |title= Josephine Mandamin, water activist who walked 17,000 km around the Great Lakes, dies at 77
Mason Animikwan a [[classical musician]], and Swimsuit model/Male gigolo [[Tyler Pitawankwat]]
|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/josephine-mandamin-water-walk-activist-obit-1.5032535 |access-date=19 March 2023 |work=CBC News |date=25 February 2019}}</ref>
* [[Leonard S. Mandamin]], Federal Court of Canada judge
* [[Daphne Odjig]], Odawa/Potawatomi artist
* [[Autumn Peltier]], water activist
* [[Sladen Peltier]], actor
* [[Peggy Margaret Pitawanakwat]], first woman chief, in 1997
* [[Joseph Shawana]], chef<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.kukum-kitchen.com/philosophy/ |title = Ku-kum: Philosophy}}</ref>
* [[Crystal Shawanda]], country music singer/songwriter
* [[Kelly Babstock]], PWHL hockey player
* [[Chris Simon]], NHL hockey player
* [[Shayne Corson]], NHL hockey player


==References==
==References==
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*[http://wikwemikong.ca/ Wiikwemkoong Unceded Indian Reserve]
*[http://wikwemikong.ca/ Wiikwemkoong Unceded Indian Reserve]
*[http://www.wikwemikongheritage.org/ Wiikwemkoong Heritage Organization]
*[http://www.wikwemikongheritage.org/ Wiikwemkoong Heritage Organization]
*[http://fnp-ppn.aandc-aadnc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/FNMain.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=175&lang=eng Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada profile]
*[https://fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/FNMain.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=175&lang=eng Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada profile]
*[http://geodepot.statcan.gc.ca/GeoSearch2011-GeoRecherche2011/GeoSearch2011-GeoRecherche2011.jsp?lang=E&otherLang=F&searchGeocode=3551043&layerSelected=csd&searchTheme=GeoCode&searchPass=2&boundaryType= Map of Wiikwemkoong Unceded at Statcan]
*[http://geodepot.statcan.gc.ca/GeoSearch2011-GeoRecherche2011/GeoSearch2011-GeoRecherche2011.jsp?lang=E&otherLang=F&searchGeocode=3551043&layerSelected=csd&searchTheme=GeoCode&searchPass=2&boundaryType= Map of Wiikwemkoong Unceded at Statcan]
*{{cite web|title=Pupils at Indian residential schools : 1911 Wikwemikong, 1921 Spanish and Carleton Ontario census, Updated edition (August 2016) Eric Pouliot-Thisdale |url=http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/200/300/eric_pouliot-thisdale/pupils_indian_residential_schools/Pupils_at_Indian_Residential_Schools_1911_1921_Wikwemikong_Spanish_Carleton_PDF_2016.pdf |publisher=Library and Archives Canada|access-date=April 22, 2019}}
*{{cite web|title=Pupils at Indian residential schools : 1911 Wikwemikong, 1921 Spanish and Carleton Ontario census, Updated edition (August 2016) Eric Pouliot-Thisdale |url=http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/200/300/eric_pouliot-thisdale/pupils_indian_residential_schools/Pupils_at_Indian_Residential_Schools_1911_1921_Wikwemikong_Spanish_Carleton_PDF_2016.pdf |publisher=Library and Archives Canada|access-date=April 22, 2019}}
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[[Category:First Nations governments in Ontario]]
[[Category:First Nations governments in Ontario]]
[[Category:Unceded territories in Ontario]]
[[Category:Unceded territories in Ontario]]
[[Category:Ojibwe reserves in Ontario]]

Revision as of 08:15, 10 September 2024

"Wiiki" redirects here. Not to be confused with Wiki.
Wiikwemkong
Unceded territory
Wiikwemkong Unceded Reserve
Welcome sign
Welcome sign
Nickname: 
Wiiki
Wiikwemkong is located in Southern Ontario
Wiikwemkong
Wiikwemkong
Coordinates: 45°42′N 81°43′W / 45.700°N 81.717°W / 45.700; -81.717
CountryCanada
ProvinceOntario
DistrictManitoulin
First NationWiikwemkoong
Government
 • TypeFirst Nation
 • ChiefTim Ominika
 • MPCarol Hughes (NDP)
 • MPPMichael Mantha (NDP)
Area
 • Land412.97 km2 (159.45 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • Total8,431
 • Density6.3/km2 (16/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
Postal code span
P0P 2J0
Area code705
Websitewww.wiikwemkoong.ca

The Wiikwemkong First Nation is a First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario. The Wiikwemkong Unceded Territory (nicknamed Wiky, previously named Wikwemikong) is the First Nation reserve in the northeast of Manitoulin Island in Manitoulin District, Ontario, Canada. Wiikwemkong is an unceded Indigenous reserve in Canada, which means that it has not "relinquished title to its land to the government by treaty or otherwise."

The local Ojibwe placename is wiikwemkong (Manitoulin dialect; notice the vowel dropping) with the locative -ong ('at') form of wiikwemik 'bay with a gently sloping bottom'.[2] The spelling Wikwemikong is from dialects spoken elsewhere (or in earlier times) that retain the i. The initial element wiikwe- occurs in other forms as 'bay'; the final element -mik cannot be for amik 'beaver' (its local form is mik), a folk etymology that violates the rules for Algonquian stem formation. It can be identified as a variant of the medial element aamik-, which appears, for example, in Southwestern Ojibwe minaamikaa 'there are breakers, shoals, banks (of sand or rocks)',[3] which has initial min- 'islandlike'. The presence or absence of aa- is found in several medial elements in Ojibwe and other Algonquian languages.[4]

The reserve's former name was Manitoulin Unceded Indian Reserve. The Wiikwemkong Band changed it on August 20, 1968, to Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve.

The reserve is occupied by Ojibwa, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples under the Council of Three Fires.

Geography

Wiikwemkong occupies a large peninsula on the eastern end of Manitoulin Island, which is connected to the rest of the island by an isthmus separating South Bay from Manitowaning Bay. The reserve's primary access is via Wiikwemkong Way, which continues off the reserve as Cardwell Street and connects to Highway 6 at Manitowaning. The reserve has a land area of 412.97 km2 (159 sq mi) and is the fifth-largest Indian reserve in Canada by area. It is bordered on its west by Assiginack township, by which the peninsula is connected to the rest of Manitoulin Island. The vast majority of the reserve's border is, however, a water boundary with Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, by which it is nearly surrounded except for its border with Assiginack.

The Point Grondine Park, located on the mainland near Killarney, also belongs to the Wiikwemkong band. This area, which has been unpopulated since the Point Grondine band moved to Wiikwemkong proper in the 1940s,[5] remained unoccupied and virtually unused by the band until the park was established in 2015.[6]

History

From 1836 to 1862, a considerable portion of Manitoulin Island was set aside as the "Manitoulin Island Indian Reserve" under the Bond Head Treaty. The most important of the pre-confederation treaties were the Robinson Treaties because all subsequent treaties were modeled after these. In 1850, William B. Robinson, a government negotiator and former fur trader, proposed that First Nations reserves be created on the Crown Land acquired through treaties. These Reserves were intended to be the answer to what the immigrant settlers needed for land settlement. First Nation peoples would be set apart on reserves from the new settlers. The Robinson-Huron and Robinson-Superior treaties were signed in September 1850 for large territories north of the two Great Lakes.

According to written records, Lake Huron and Lake Superior area leaders surrendered nearly 15,000,000 hectares of land and the islands in exchange for the establishment of 24 reserves and a payment of approximately $10,000 to be followed by additional annual payment of $2700.

In 1862, most of the islands were again ceded to the government of Canada under the MacDougall Treaty for new settlement by non-natives, resulting in the creation of new reserves at West Bay, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Pitawankwat Cockburn Island and Sucker Creek. However, two bands which occupied the land that now comprises Wiikwemkong claimed that the bands that signed the Treaty did not represent them, and thus continued to exist as a remnant of the Manitoulin Island Indian Reserve.

In 1968, an amalgamation took place among three bands: Manitoulin Island Unceded Indian Reserve, Point Grondine and South Bay. This amalgamation created the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve.[7]

The band filed a claim with the Canadian government on the issue of the jurisdiction of the Wikwemikong islands in 1984, but the government denied that the band had any right to these islands in 1997. The two parties restarted negotiations in 2007. As of 2012, the claim is still ongoing.[8]

In 2014 the Constitution – Wiikwemkong G'chi Naaknigewin – was ratified, subsequently changing the name to Wiikwemkong Unceded Territory.[9]

Communities

In addition to the primary settlement at Wiikwemkong, smaller settlements on the reserve include Buzwah, Kaboni, Murray Hill, South Bay, Two O'Clock, Wabozominissing and Wikwemikonsing.

The reserve is served by five churches:

  • Holy Cross Church
  • Buzwah Church (Saint Ignatius)
  • Kaboni Catholic Church (St. Anthony Daniel Parish)
  • South Bay Catholic Church (Our Lady of Grace)
  • The Wikwemikong Fellowship

There are two elementary schools, Wasse Abin Junior School (JK, SK, Grades 1-4) and Wasse Abin Pontiac School (Grades 5-8) and Wasse Abin High School.

Two health clinics provide basic services:

  • Nadmadwin Mental Health Clinic
  • Wiikwemkoong Health Centre

Transportation

Wiikwemkong Way is the key route in the communities and connects with Ontario Highway 6.

The closest airport is Manitowaning/Manitoulin East Municipal Airport in Manitowaning, Ontario. There is no commercial service from this airport.

Ontario Northland operates a twice daily bus that connects to other places on Manitoulin Island as well as the nearest major city, Sudbury, Ontario.[10]

Culture

The reserve is also home to the Wiikwemkong Cultural Festival (Wiikwemkoong Pow-Wow) which is held annually every Civic Holiday weekend (first weekend in August).

This annual event is touted as the largest and oldest pow-wow in Eastern Canada. Considered to be one of the major pow wows in North America, it is attended by many aboriginal dancers who participate in competition of all age ranges, demonstrating traditional, grass, jingle and fancy dancing.

Wiikwemkoong is also home to a professional theatre company, De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group, which stages and produces plays about First Nations life and culture, within the mission's ruins next to Holy Cross Church.

Notable people

References

  1. ^ Branch, Government of Canada; Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada; Communications (3 November 2008). "Home". Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 30 March 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Richard A. Rhodes: Eastern Ojibwa-Chippewa-Ottawa Dictionary, 1985, p. 363.
  3. ^ Frederic Baraga 1880
  4. ^ Ives Goddard, pers. comm. to Carl Masthay, 2016.
  5. ^ John S. Marsh and Bruce W. Hodgins, Changing Parks: The History, Future and Cultural Context of Parks and Heritage Landscapes. Dundurn Press, 1998. ISBN 9781459718357. p. 69.
  6. ^ "First Nation opens new park in northern Ontario". CBC Northern Ontario, August 21, 2015.
  7. ^ "History - Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory". wiikwemkoong.ca. Retrieved 2018-07-26.
  8. ^ Expositor Staff (2012-01-25). "Wikwemikong islands claim progressing". Manitoulin Expositor. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
  9. ^ "History - Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory". wiikwemkoong.ca. Retrieved 2018-07-26.
  10. ^ "Station Locator | Ontario Northland".
  11. ^ Johnson, Rhiannon (25 February 2019). "Josephine Mandamin, water activist who walked 17,000 km around the Great Lakes, dies at 77". CBC News. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  12. ^ "Ku-kum: Philosophy".
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