Ginoogaming First Nation

Ginoogaming First Nation is part of the Ojibwe language group and speaks Anishinaabemowin. Community members continue to practice traditional activities such as fishing, hunting, and gathering, which are deeply interwoven with Anishinaabe teachings and ceremonies. Efforts are ongoing to preserve language fluency and ensure youth learn from Elders through community events, language classes, and seasonal gatherings

Ginoogaming First Nation is a signatory to Treaty 9, the foundational agreement that governs relations between Indigenous Nations and the Crown in much of Northern Ontario. Like other Treaty 9 communities, Ginoogaming asserts that the oral promises made during treaty signing—particularly around land sharing and sovereignty—have not been fully honored, leading to calls for renewed consultation and reconciliation.

Historically, the Ginoogaming area served as a traditional route for Anishinaabe hunters, traders, and families migrating seasonally through the boreal forest and lake systems. The area was also part of early fur trade routes and missionary expeditions in the 19th century.

• Pre-1900s
  Anishinaabe families live throughout the Long Lake region, using the land for hunting, fishing, medicine gathering, and spiritual practice.
• 1905–1906: Treaty 9 Signed
  Ginoogaming’s ancestors are included in the Treaty 9 signing. Oral traditions emphasize promises made about continued land use and protection.
• 1929–30: Treaty 9 Extended
  Additional lands covered; debates over the interpretation of treaty obligations continue into the present day.
• 1940s–1950s: Impact of Indian Act and Residential Schools
  Children from Ginoogaming are sent to residential schools in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas, disrupting language and family structures.
• 1970s: Community Recognition and Land Base
  Ginoogaming becomes recognized as Long Lake 77, with a designated reserve area and local governance structures.
• 2000s–Present: Environmental and Resource Rights
  The Nation engages in land protection efforts, consultations, and impact assessments related to forestry and mining—especially within the Ring of Fire corridor.

Ginoogaming First Nation is governed by a Chief and Council under the Indian Act and is a member of the Matawa First Nations Management council. It is active in consultation protocols and often collaborates with nearby First Nations, municipalities, and environmental organizations on regional projects.

Ginoogaming First Nation Joint Ventures (JVs) and Economic Development

• Environmental & Forestry Projects: Partnered with other Matawa Nations on environmental monitoring and forest tenure negotiations.
• Consultation and Accommodation Agreements: Engaged with government and industry to ensure FPIC (Free, Prior and Informed Consent) for local development.
• Training and Employment: Active in youth skill-building initiatives related to trades, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage.

Ginoogaming First Nation is actively involved in discussions around proposed mining roads and infrastructure related to the Ring of Fire. The community has voiced concerns about cumulative impacts and insists on meaningful inclusion in environmental assessments.

Key Priorities:

• Protection of water bodies and traditional harvesting areas
• Participation in route planning for new roads with mining companies.
• Cultural impact assessments and monitoring programs

Ginoogaming lies within the boreal forest ecozone, near Long Lake and the Kenogami River. The community’s surrounding lands are rich in wetlands, fish habitats, and wildlife corridors crucial for moose and waterfowl.

• Watershed Role: The area supports headwaters for regional lakes and rivers
• Wildlife Habitat: Local lands support bear, moose, beaver, and seasonal waterfowl
• Medicinal Plants: Community members harvest traditional medicines from the local forests

• Chief Sheri Taylor: Former Chief known for advocating stronger consultation frameworks and speaking at regional governance forums
• Youth Land Guardians: Community-led program empowering young people to act as stewards and cultural knowledge bearers

• Name Meaning: Ginoogaming is said to mean “the place of long portage”—a reference to the many canoe routes nearby
• Land Guardian Programs: Youth-led programs patrol and monitor water quality and wildlife health
• Cultural Camps: GFN hosts land-based learning camps each summer, blending environmental science and Anishinaabe teachings
• Language Revitalization: Elders and youth organize monthly Ojibwe immersion dinners and song circles