Homeland paper

Risit Savani

INDG -1001-C

Student ID - 0753301
Part 1 - Introduction

I am Risit Savani, originally from Kampala, Uganda. During this course, I have

learned about indigenous people and their land, and I am grateful and respectful of

the fact that Peterborough is situated on the traditional homeland of the Michi

Saagiig (Mississauga) Anishinaabe people.

Central Ontario, Canada's Peterborough is a bustling metropolis. As to the

Statistics Canada census taken in 2016 (2021), there are around 83,000 people

living in Peterborough. The city is an interesting location to live, work, and play

since it is home to a wide variety of people from all origins and cultures.

The Michi Saagiig (Mississauga) Anishinaabe people have been residing in this

area for countless years, and Peterborough is located in their traditional land. The

Williams Treaties, a sequence of agreements made in the middle of the 1800s

between the British Crown and numerous indigenous people in the region, are also

where the city is situated. These agreements include Peterborough, which is a

significant section of southern Ontario (Williams Treaties First Nations, n.d.).

Peterborough has a sizable Indigenous community as a result of its lengthy

Indigenous heritage. The same census figures show that 2,370 persons in the city
of Peterborough self-identified as Indigenous, or around 2.9% of the total

population (Statistics Canada, 2021). Members of many tribes, including the Curve

Lake First Nation, the Alderville First Nation, and the Mississaugas of Scugog

Island First Nation, are a part of Peterborough's Indigenous population.

Part 2 - History

In recent years, Peterborough has put more effort towards recognising and

promoting its Indigenous ancestry and culture. Two examples of such initiatives

include the establishment of an Indigenous studies department at Peterborough-

based Trent University and the display exhibiting traditional Indigenous artwork in

public spaces.

Indigenous people have long been accommodated in Peterborough, which is a

generally tolerant and diverse city. It's a wonderful location to work, live, and

explore, and an integral part of what makes it who it is and how it is Indigenous

legacy.

Peterborough is the historic residence of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg,

sometimes referred to as the Mississauga Anishinaabeg. The Williams Treaty,

which was drafted in 1923 by representatives of the Chippewa, Mississauga, and

Ojibway people and the Canadian government, governs this region. The

Peterborough region is included in the 13.6 million acres of central Ontario that are

covered by the treaty.

The Anishinaabe people have a strong bond with the land and have been residing

in this region for thousands of years. Several of the local sights and streams have

their own names. For instance, "Onaabani-giizisibi" in Anishinaabemowin refers to

the Otonabee River, which flows through Peterborough and means "the river that

runs by the sandy hills." "Nogojiwanong," the Anishinaabe name for the region

that is now Peterborough, is another illustration. "Place at the end of the rapids" is

what it implies.

Peter Robinson, a statesman and colonial governor, gave the area its current name

of Peterborough in 1825. He gave the area his own name, and it was legally

incorporated as a city in 1905. The name was altered as a result of British

colonisation and the eviction of Indigenous people from their dwellings.

Indigenous people have long lived in the modern Peterborough area. The

Anishinaabe have resided in the area for at least 10,000 years, according to
archaeological evidence. The Haudenosaunee and Wendat peoples are two

examples of other Indigenous peoples with whom the Anishinaabe have a long

history of connection and trade.

Residential schools, like the Mohawk Institute Residential School in adjacent

Brantford, Ontario, were in operation in the Peterborough region. One of Canada's

oldest residential schools, the Mohawk Institute was run by the Anglican Church

from 1828 to 1970. Several children were forcefully removed from their families

and villages in order to attend the school, which was created with the intention of

assimilating Indigenous children into Canadian society.

In conclusion, the history of Indigenous peoples in the Peterborough area is

extensive and nuanced. The Anishinaabe people have lived in the region for

countless years and have a close connection to the land. The Williams Treaty

applies to the Peterborough region, and many of the city's landmarks and

waterways have Anishinaabe names. The area was given its current name by Peter

Robinson in 1825 as a result of colonisation and the forced relocation of native

people. One of the nearby residential schools that was in existence was the

Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ontario. The history of

colonisation and residential schools continues to have an influence on Indigenous

people in the Peterborough area and across Canada.

Part 3 – Contemporary presence

Despite historical wrongdoing and forced removal, indigenous tribes in

Peterborough are still prospering and very much present in the city. Many cultural

events and organisations, such as the Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support

Group and the Nogojiwanong Friendship Center, honour indigenous ancestry and

culture. With these organisations, indigenous people may connect, share their

traditions and languages, and advance their rights and interests. One of the many

educational institutions in Peterborough that meets the needs of the Indigenous

people is Trent University's Indigenous Studies programme. Students will have a

thorough understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and viewpoints after

completing this programme, which is essential for efforts at reconciliation.

Two First Nations communities near to Peterborough are Curve Lake First Nation

and Hiawatha First Nation. There are roughly 2,200 enrolled members in Curve

Lake First Nation, which is located about 25 kilometres northeast of Peterborough,

with more over 900 of them living on the reserve (Curve Lake First Nation, 2021).
The reserve, located about 20 kilometres southeast of Peterborough, is home to

more than 400 of the 2,000 enrolled people of the Hiawatha First Nation (Hiawatha

First Nation, 2021).

Indigenous residents in Peterborough may find encouragement and hope at the

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre. The centre works to improve the wellbeing of

Indigenous people and families by empowering them via its cultural programmes

and social services. It acts as a venue for bringing the community together,

fostering relationships, and celebrating its tradition and culture.

Some key organisations for advancing Indigenous rights and reconciliation in the

area are the Peterborough Indigenous Peoples' Advisory Committee and the

Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group (PIPAC). PIPAC provides a

forum for the neighbourhood to talk about Indigenous concerns and learn about

Indigenous people's viewpoints. The Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support

Group works to raise awareness of and respect for Indigenous culture and history

by educating non-Indian individuals and organisations about the recommendations

of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These groups raise expectations for

the establishment of peace and the defence of indigenous rights.

Indigenous people in Peterborough are engaged in a number of regional projects,

including as language revitalization, cultural education, and the preservation of

local land and water. One effort to record and share the experiences of local

Indigenous women is the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg Women's Voices project.

Indigenous knowledge keepers and community members can exchange

information and viewpoints at the biennial Indigenous Knowledge Symposium

hosted by the Kawartha Global Problems Centre.

The Indigenous community in Peterborough is active and diversified, and it has a

significant presence in the area thanks to its cultural groups, projects, and

educational institutions. The locals are actively promoting Indigenous culture and

language and working towards racial harmony.

Part 4 – What next

As I delved deeper into the history and contemporary presence of Indigenous

peoples in my hometown of Peterborough, I was struck by the richness and

diversity of their cultures and traditions. I discovered the names of the Indigenous

settlements nearby, including Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nation, as well as

information on the regional treaties and agreements governing land claims.

Yet as I dug deeper into my study, I also discovered the lasting impacts of

colonisation and the profound impact residential schools had on Canada's

Indigenous population. I felt remorse and guilt as I learned about the suffering and

injustices that had been inflicted upon Indigenous communities for decades.

The strength and persistence of the Indigenous peoples in my community also

inspired me. I became aware of regional initiatives and programmes that promote

Indigenous languages and traditions, and I was inspired by how arduously people

worked to achieve peace.

I realised there are still a lot of unanswered questions after reflecting on my

coursework. I pondered what further I might do to support the ongoing

reconciliation process in my community and throughout Canada, as well as how I

could better understand Indigenous cultures and history.

I finally realised that the most important thing I could do was to act. I vowed to

keep learning, connect with Indigenous traditions, and fight for everyone's right to

equality and fairness. The journey ahead may be challenging and protracted, but I

have no doubt that it will be worthwhile for the sake of our common future.
Part 5 – Historic Plaque

Edna Manitowabi
In recognition of Edna Manitowabi, a prominent Anishinaabe leader and supporter of the
development and preservation of indigenous languages and cultures in the Peterborough
region. She has devoted her life to preserving the Anishinaabe language and culture as the
founder of the Ojibwe Culture Foundation and a committed educator. This plaque honours
her significant contributions to the land and residents of the Peterborough region and honours
her legacy as an Indigenous leader and hero.

Edna Manitowabi was more than simply a political figure and an advocate for

indigenous rights. She was cherished as a mother, grandmother, and community

member and committed her entire life to upholding the rights of her people. Edna,

who was nurtured on Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, and was born in 1932, had

a close connection to her Anishinaabe culture and traditions. Her sense of

belonging to her culture and community motivated her to start advocating for

Indigenous rights at a young age.

Edna devoted her whole life to the defence and acknowledgement of Indigenous

rights. The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centers, an organisation

that promotes the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people living in urban

centres, was founded in large part thanks to her contributions. The Ontario Native

Women's Association, a group that fights for the rights of Indigenous women and

girls, was founded with significant help from her.

Edna persevered in her purpose and never lost sight of her objective in the face of

several hardships and setbacks throughout her life. She served as a symbol of hope

for all Canadian Indigenous people and motivated future generations to carry on

the struggle for justice and equality.

References:

Statistics Canada. (2021). Peterborough [Census subdivision], Ontario and Ontario

[Province]. (2016 Census). Retrieved March 5, 2023, from

https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/

page.cfm?

Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=3513013&Geo2=PR&Code2=35&Data=Count&Se

archText=peterborough&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=

&TABID=1

Williams Treaties First Nations. (n.d.). Treaty area map. Retrieved March 5, 2023,

from https://www.williamstreatiesfirstnations.ca/treaty-areas/treaty-area-map/

Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. (2018). Williams Treaty First Nations.

Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/page/williams-treaty-first-nations

Peterborough Historical Society. (n.d.). History of Peterborough. Retrieved from

https://www.peterboroughhistoricalsociety.ca/history-of-peterborough/
Curve Lake First Nation. (2021). About Curve Lake. Retrieved from

https://www.curvelakefirstnation.ca/about

Hiawatha First Nation. (2021). About Hiawatha First Nation. Retrieved from

http://www.hiawathafirstnation.com/about

Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from

https://www.kawarthatruthandreconciliation.com/about

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from

http://www.nogofriendshipcentre.ca/about-us/

Gordon, J. (2012, September 26). Obituary: Edna Manitowabi, Anishinabe leader,

80. The Globe and Mail.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/obituaries-obituary-edna-

manitowabi-anishinabe-leader-80/article4561231/

Hill, K. (2012, October 6). Edna Manitowabi: An activist to the end. Toronto Star.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/10/06/edna_manitowabi_an_activist_t

o_the_end.html

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