Overview of
Aundeck Omni Kaning
The community has begun a language and cultural revitalization program through which the language, arts and crafts, traditional ceremonies and knowledge can be taught and preserved as a means of strengthening the cultural identity.
Within the community, there are many talented artists practicing the woodland style of native art, antler carvings, leather and beadwork while other community members excel in other areas of furniture making and wood burning artwork. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay means that many of the favourite past times and recreation activities are spent on the lakeshore or around the many islands surrounding Manitoulin Island. Recreational Activities such as swimming, fishing, family camping, sports and social gatherings are enjoyed by the community and their friends but the Aundeck Omni Kaning Traditional Pow Wow and Gathering remains one of the most anticipated and well attended events for the community held on the first weekend of June at the beach park.
Where to Find Us
There are two ways to get onto Manitoulin Island to visit Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. They are the Swing Bridge in Little Current and the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry (travel route Tobermory to South Baymouth).
Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation is a non-profit organization with the mandate of providing services in the development and management of businesses, community and economic development Initiatives, human resource development and social development in which it serves.
Our History
First Nation Communities in many parts of Ontario have had anglo names thrust upon them that were not reflective of their identity or characterized as to how they were viewed by other First Nations. The First Nation community formerly known as the Ojibways of Sucker Creek (Indian Reserve #23) have recognized that this former practice used to name their community was erroneous and have since changed its name once again to the now present Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. The name Sucker Creek Indian Reserve was given by Indian and Northern Affairs because of a creek that flowed through the community into the North Shore of Lake Huron which contained an abundance of suckers and smelts. However, to the people of the community and to the Ojibways of the outside area they were known as Aundeck Omni Kaning (Literal translation “Where the crows nest”).
George Abotossaway is believed to be the founding forefather of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. It is documented that in 1952 George Abotossaway and his family started the settlement of Wabejiwong or Little Current as it is known today. In 1855, an appraisal was done when the Shaftsbury (to be renamed Little Current) town plot was surveyed as a means of placing value the “improvements’ “ which the Indians made on the land. The value of the land was to be reimbursed to the community members upon relocation to the land known as the Sucker Creek Indian Reserve when the former homestead in Little Current was sold to a white settler. Records do not indicate when the relocation actually happened although there is no record of families living on the Sucker Creek Indian Reserve prior to 1874. It was not until about 1880 that the First Nation people were relocated and this land was not registered with Indian Affairs in Manitowaning, Ontario until March 16th, 1886. Original families who were moved to the new reserve were the Abotossaway, Columbus, Esquimaux, Zack, Muckdabin and Shokan’s while other families to move there in later years were Corbiere, Kaysheyonge, Kokoko, Madahbee, Nahwegahbow, Weindabense and Salisquainess.
George Jr. Abotossaway was the first Chief of the reserve from 1882-1889 the Chief followed the hereditary line until elections for the position were held every two years. The Indian Act from the elections followed until 1991 when the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation passed their own band custom policy of which changes were initiated that included the term of office being extended to three years for Chief and Council.
