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AUNDECK OMNI KANING

Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation (Where the Crows Gather) is located approximately ten kilometres west of Little Current on the North Channel (part of the beautiful Georgian Bay) on Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. Aundeck Omni Kaning offers visitors a breath of the Ojibwe culture and traditions along with nature’s artistic beauty at Endaa-aang” (AOur Place@). Endaa-aang Eco-Tourism offers mainland and offshore cabin accommodations, lakeside camp sites, and for the more adventurous - tipi accommodations. Cultural events, tours of a local fish farm and processing plant as well as nearby horseback riding facilities will be sure to make your vacation an unforgettable one.

M'CHIGEENG FIRST NATION

M'Chigeeng First Nation is located in the heart of Manitoulin Island and is home to many internationally renowned artists and artisans. Visit one of the many art galleries and retail craft stores, browse Lillian's Porcupine Quillbox Musuem to view an exquisite display of porcupine quillboxes or enjoy a meal in one of several restaurants featuring local Aboriginal cuisine . Explore the M'Chigeeng Hiking Trail and enjoy the splendour of the natural environment on the bluffs with a panoramic view overlooking the community and surrounding areas.

M'Chigeeng is also home to the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation (OCF), a state of the art facility which captures the essence of the local Anishnaabe culture featuring a museum, art gallery, retail store, craft workshops, traditional dance exhibitions, and storytelling sessions.

SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK FIRST NATION

Sagamok Anishnawbek also known as AMany Rivers Joining-Human Beings@ is unparallelled for its scenic grandeur. The Lacloche Mountain range was formed 10,000 years ago by the glaciers of the ice age. Sagamok's Aboriginal heritage is as old as the mountains themselves.

History tells of a time when our people traveled Northern Ontario=s intricate network of lakes and rivers. Remnants of our Aboriginal ancestry can still be seen 142 kilometers up the Spanish River and deep into the Lacloche Mountain range. Historic pictographs depicting the Anishnaabe clans of the area can still be seen today. In the early years of Canada’s development, the French relied on Sagamok's strategic location to trade with the local Anishnaabe people of that time. Travel the routes our ancestors once frequented on one of our fully guided interpretive tours. Experience the ultimate in recreational and educational learning adventure.

SHEGUIANDAH FIRST NATION

Located on Hwy 6, just 10 km east of Little Current on Manitoulin Island, Sheguiandah First Nation has a long history of being a major gathering and trading place for indigenous people throughout the Americas. Archaeological evidence has found links to the original people of South America who traded goods with our people thousands of years ago.

In the 1950's, a significant archaeological investigation took place on the site of an ancient quartzite quarry for the indigenous people of this area. Carbon dating has determined that some of the more than 8,000 artifacts collected from this site date back to approximately 9,500 years ago.

Recently, Sheguiandah First Nation has developed a new gathering site where people can feel the special spirit of our heritage. Visit the traditional roundhouse and living heritage park or take a moment for quiet reflection at the recently refurbished church, the second oldest established Anglican church on Manitoulin Island.

SHESHEGWANING FIRST NATION

Located on the west end of Manitoulin Island, Sheshegwaning First Nation proudly offers visitors wilderness adventures along Nimkee’s Hiking Trail and warm hospitality at Nishin Eco-lodge. Eco-enthusiasts will enjoy the seclusion and the comfort of this rustic facility in the heart of a hardwood forest.

Nimkee's Hiking Trail, at just over 20 kms long, weaves its way along the northern shoreline and through hardwood forests and vast fields offering an abundance of wildlife and natural splendor to enjoy. Nimkee's Hiking Trail was developed by local resident Nimkee in the early 1900's. Little is known about the reclusive Nimkee who spent much of his time in the woods frequenting different seasonal haunts. Hear traditional stories around the camp fire as you over night on the land Nimkee loved.

Custom tour packages and excursions, including guided tours, can be arranged.

WHITEFISH RIVER FIRST NATION

Located minutes north of Manitoulin Island, Whitefish River First Nation, is situated along the north shore of Georgian Bay in the heart of “rainbow country” where world renowned artists have been inspired by the beauty of the Lacloche mountain range and the surrounding crystal waters.

An important point along the historic Voyageur canoe and trading route, it is also home to McGregor Bay, the gateway to the North Channel and Georgian Bay with a variety of full service marinas to service your boating needs

Whitefish River First Nation has also been an important gathering place for First Nations people for thousands of years, most notably for young people who visited this sacred area to seek their visions. It remains to this day an important spiritual place, "A Place of Visions and Dreams". By appointment only, guests can enjoy an interpretive guided tour by a local Aboriginal historian.

WIKWEMIKONG UNCEDED INDIAN RESERVE

Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve is nestled on the eastern side of beautiful Manitoulin Island. Wikwemikong (which when translated means “Bay of Beavers”) is Canada's only officially recognized unceded Indian reserve having never relinquished title to its lands by treaty or sale.

Exploring by road, hiking path, bicycle, or canoe, there is much to enjoy and appreciate, from rocky lookouts to white clay cliffs, from sandy beaches to mysterious offshore islands. Local guides share an intimate knowledge of the land and its wildlife as over many generations, they have learned to listen and observe, well beyond simply hearing and seeing.

Since ancient times, neighboring nations would come together each year to trade, dance, and celebrate life in gatherings known as powwows. Step into this whirlwind of cultural sights and sounds at Wikwemikong’s Annual Powwow, one of the largest and longest running powwows in Canada. A spectacular kaleidoscope of colorful craft work and dance regalia, powerful singing and dancing and delicious native cuisine, the best drummers and dancers from across North America converge on Wiky for this event which is held annually on August Civic Holiday Weekend.

Picture the image of clear pristine shores untouched by man.

ZHIIBAAHAASING FIRST NATION

The incredible serenity of Manitoulin=s remote wilderness atmosphere best describes Zhiibaahaasing First Nation. Spectacular scenery away from crowds in the care of Mother Earth is where you=ll find the true essence of Northern Ontario. Zhiibaahaasing First Nation is also home to the Worlds Largest Peace Pipe, Dreamcatcher and Drum each an important symbol amongst all Aboriginal peoples.

The sacred Pipe, since time immemorial until present day has been used to commemorate peace between the Anishnaabe people and to communicate with the Creator of all things.

There are many teachings about the Dreamcatcher. The Anishnaabe have long believed that dreams carry magical qualities and can change the path in one's life. As in all things, there is a balance of good and bad, and so it is the same with our dreams. The Dream Catcher is hung in the lodge or above an infant’s bed to capture these dreams as they float by. Good dreams, knowing their way, pass gently through while bad dreams, being uncertain, become tangled in the webbing only to perish in the light of day.

The Drum represents the “heartbeat of Mother Earth” and conveys our songs and prayers to the Creator.

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