Our History

The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan carry a history that stretches back thousands of years, rooted in a deep and enduring relationship with the lands and waters of what is now Ontario and Quebec. Our ancestors lived as semi-nomadic people, hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering in harmony with the natural world. Archaeological evidence—including stone tools, pottery, bone, shell, and copper artifacts—demonstrates that Algonquin presence in the Ottawa Valley reaches back at least 8,000 years, marking us as one of the region’s original caretakers.

In 1603, our people encountered Samuel de Champlain, an early meeting that led to participation in the fur trade and set the stage for complex relationships with European settlers. The impacts of colonization, disease, and conflict were profound and often devastating, yet the Algonquin people endured. Through resilience and strength, our culture, language, and teachings have been carried forward into the present.

Central to our way of life are the Seven Grandfather Teachings—Honesty, Humility, Respect, Courage, Wisdom, Love, and Truth. These guiding principles shape our identity, our decisions, and our responsibilities to one another, to the land, and to future generations. We call ourselves Omàmiwinini, meaning “down-river people,” and Anishnabek, which translates to “original peoples” or “the good humans.” These names reflect both our origins and our worldview.

Our philosophy emphasizes balance and reciprocity: to take only what we need, to give in order to receive, and to express gratitude for all that is provided by the Creator. Living in harmony with the earth and all its beings, we are reminded daily of our responsibilities as stewards of the land. This enduring connection to creation continues to guide the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan as we honour our past, celebrate our present, and safeguard a strong future for generations yet to come.