Henvey Inlet First Nation Dodems
Henvey Inlet First Nation Dodems

Henvey Inlet First Nation Culture Section

Henvey Inlet and French River No.13 Website Culture Section

The Anishinabek Creation Story

There is more than one creation story for Indigenous Peoples around North America, including more than one story for each nation. Not to say any of one the stories is the ‘right’ one, they are versions adapted by the people in different parts of the land. The Creation story we have chosen to adapt, comes from Darlene Johnston, an Anishinabekwe, who is a Professor of Law at the University of Toronto, in a report she prepared for the Ipperwash Commission of Inquiry; “Connecting People to Place: Great Lakes Aboriginal History in Cultural Context”.

Stories About Anishinabek Migration

Preliminary Stories about Migration

Since time immemorial, the Great Lakes region have been home to Indigenous Peoples, including the Anishinabek, and Haudenosaunee , often classified as Iroquois. They were known to occupy as far north as the southern shore of Georgian Bay, and on the north and south shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario, and eastward towards the modern city of Montreal. And to the North, East, South, and West, were the Anishinabek.

Historical Research Project

Historical Gaps Report

Watch for a new historical report identifying historical information gaps and an overview of what we know about our history from documented sources.

Clans and Families - Yesterday and Today

Clans/Totems

The centre of the Anishinabek creation story is the raft which is Michilimackinac Island in the strait between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. This Island is where the First Animals named in the creation story ventured out to find and transform their own Country. For instance, story has it, upon leaving Lake Huron, Beaver went traveling up French River, and created lakes, rapids, portages and dams along the way. During his lifetime, Beaver populated his country with many Beaver children.

Pics are still needed for Heritage Collection Project 

Community Wellness Worker Luana McQuabbie has started to compile a small collection of photographs from Community Members for the purpose of using them in the 2014 Community Calendar and to begin a Heritage Collection.vintage cameras - Heritage Collection Project  Henvey Inlet First Nation

A Brief and Recent History Clip

The French River was the main "Water Highway to the west in Canada, from 1600 to the mid 1800’s." The area has been a producer of furs and trading over the years. Logging was a major industry along with fishing in the area. Steam boats navigated the Dallas Falls carrying supplies past the French River Village which developed in the late 1880’s from the logging industry. "Alligator" tugs were used and can be still seen abandoned along the shorelines at the Dallas Falls and the French River.

Timber cutting, logging and lumber mills sprang up in the area in 1873 and boomed till the 1930’s. A major boom of logging occurred after the Chicago Illinois fire and the logs were floated down the French River and the Wahnipitae River to be taken to rebuild the city. Today, many of the sunken logs still dot the rivers and remind of us days gone by. We refer to these sunken logs as "dead heads". Caution is advised when boating in these known areas of our preserved surfacing history. In the 40’s the area was closed to further commercial and private development, preserving this wilderness area much as it was during the days of Champlain.

In the early 1960’s, the Ontario Government closed the area for further development making it part of the North Georgian Bay Recreation Reserve. Then in 1985, it became part of the French River Heritage Park System – Ontario’s First Canadian Heritage River.

Pickerel Village and The First Store and Post Office

Pickerel Landing Village got its start when a Mr. McDougal from Toronto formed the Pine Lake Lumber Company. McDougal purchased the mill, formerly owned by the Ontario Lumber Company in French River, in 1910. It took another two years before all the equipment and machinery was shipped to Pine Lake (Pickerel River), reassembled and ready for operation.

The first store and post office weren't located in the landing but could be found a mile or so away. The Wanikewin Lodge was situated on the North shore of the Pickerel River on the newly constructed Canadian Pacific Railway line. In 1910 Martin Henry Fenton opened a store, hotel and resort, and added a seasonal post office in Wanikewin Station. Residents had little choice but to travel by boat to Wanikewin in order to pick up their mail. In 1911, the post office was converted to a permanent office, which it remained until 1918, when Pickerel Village received its own post office. The Wanikewin post office reverted back to a seasonal operation, finally closing in 1925.

Another mill named the Tie & Lumber Co was situated farther west of the landing. Both mills had spur lines. The Tie & Lumber had a short spur, while Pine Lake Lumber's spur almost encircled the two town sites, and contained two long shunting yards.

Pickerel Village Changes

Pickerel Village was effectively divided into three separate town sites. The first was situated directly south of the landing, surrounded by the spur to the north and the west. The yards were squashed behind the row of houses and businesses, while the mill stood to the east. The row aligned the Catholic Church, Greneau's store, and five dwellings. A boarding house, office, barn, wharf, pump house and a home were erected nearby the spur.
The second site was located north of the main line separated by a small pasture and bush. Clustered somewhat in a "L" pattern, it contained the school, a boarding house owned by the H. Lotie Co., a barn, icehouse and about twelve homes, three of which were duplexes. Later on, in 1922, Dean Udy moved to this location from French River and established a second store. The church was relocated beside the store years later. Slightly east on the CP mainline stood the water tower and sheds, and farther down the station belonging to Pickerel C.P.R.

The third site consisted of Newton town, which was situated east of the Pine Lake mill, below a ridge. Approximately six homes, haphazardly erected, all belonging to the Newton family, stood nearby. Later on, there was a store and dance hall that operated until the 1970's.

Post Office

The post office was first opened on February 2nd 1918, and was operated by E.G. William and his brother H.E. William until 1929. It was relocated to Udy's store that year and then it moved again in 1954 to the Trottier's store at the landing.

Lumber and Tourism

The Tie & Lumber Co was the first mill to close in 1928. The Pine Lake mill burned two years later and was never rebuilt. The Trottier Mill, though small, was built later, in 1941, and ran until 1950. Although a steady string of villagers left during the depression years, a few continued to remain. By the 1950's many were able to commute and by 1961 the population stabilized at 116 residents. The summer cottage boom filled the area with tourists and seasonal residents.

Structures Still Remain

Today some structures still stand at the landing and are used permanently or seasonally. A trailer park also stands at the former "first" town site, at the landing. Extensive foundations remain from the mill site and the upper village still contains two structures, one still used as a boarding house or lodge. The station foundations also remain and are situated on the right hand side of the crossing just before entering the settlement.

Announcements

December 2023

 

December 2023 Newsletterdecmonth2023

Here's your copy of December's newsletter: December 2023

This month's highlights:

  • Offices Close for Holidays starting Dec. 20 @11am- Reopen Jan. 8, 2024
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Foot Care- Dec. 6 & 7
  • Community Christmas Party- Dec. 16
  • Education News
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Ontario Works Bingo
  • Bun Venture Cooking
  • Bake N Share
  • Christmas Bingo
  • Call for nominations for 7 Grandfather Teachings awards

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

If you would like more details about programs, call the Health Centre at 705.857.1221

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Draft Restated Membership Code Meeting Presentation

Henvey Inlet First Nation Draft Restated Membership Code Meeting Presentation

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

To view the presentation from the Membership Code Working Group Community Consultation Meetings on November 14 and 26, 2023, please visit the Membership Information page of the website.

Read more

 Fraud/Scam Alert

Fraud/Scam Alert

Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund (RHTLF) wishes to alert members of fraudulent letters being sent to beneficiaries about RHT settlement payments being processed.

If you think a recent communication that you received might be a scam, please contact your First Nation office, email us to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send us a direct message on social media to verify its credibility.

RHT FRAUD SCAM ALERT

Read more

Meeting Information Has Been Moved

Meeting Information Has Been Moved

Meeting notices and related information have been moved to the Community Meetings page to be found under the Announcements heading in the menu.

You can find them by Clicking Here.

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

Read more

COVID-19

Please Continue COVID-safe measures help to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Continue to follow public health measures. 

Monitor and screen for symptoms of COVID-19, and get tested for COVID-19 if you have any symptoms.

You are encouraged to be physically active and take advantage of the outdoors while following public health guidance related to physical distancing and wearing masks when appropriate, especially if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

When practiced diligently, COVID-safe measures help to limit the spread of COVID-19, including the variants.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Draft Membership Code Community Consultation November 14 2023

Henvey Inlet First Nation

Draft Membership Code Community Consultation

Henvey Inlet First Nation Membership Code Consultation Meetings November 14 & 26 2023

Read more

November 2023 Newsletter

November 2023 Newsletternov2023pic

Here's your copy of November's newsletter: November 2023

This month's highlights:

  • Offices Closed Monday November 13, 2023 in lieu of Remembrance Day Nov. 11th
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Foot Care- Nov. 8
  • Diabetic Lunch N Learn- Nov. 6
  • Feasting of the Souls- Nov. 6
  • Remembrance Day Service- Nov 11
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Gezhtoojig Employment & Training Open House- Nov. 9
  • Christmas Photos- Nov. 4 & 24
  • Traditional Parenting Workshop- Nov. 17 & 18
  • Matilda Musical for Youth Ages 10-14yrs- Nov. 25
  • Full Moon Ceremony- Nov. 27
  • Call for nominations for 7 Grandfather Teachings awards

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

If you would like more details about programs, call the Health Centre at 705.857.1221

Read more

General Members Meeting October 23rd 2023

HENVEY INLET FIRST NATION

General Members Meeting

October 23rd, 2023 6 PM

Attend in-person, by computer or by telephone.

Click this image to open the Henvey Inlet First Nation General Members Meeting October 23rd 2023 6 PM meeting notice

Read more

General Members Meeting CANCELLANTION NOTICE

HENVEY INLET FIRST NATION

General Members Meeting

October 16th, 2023 6PM

CANCELLANTION NOTICE

Dear Members of Henvey Inlet First Nation,

The General Membership meeting scheduled for this evening will be Cancelled and has been moved to October 23rd 2023 at 6PM.

With the passing of one of our Elders we will closing operations today out of respect to the Family.

We are sincerely sorry for the family's loss. May your journey be peaceful Chief and Council.

Read more

October 2023 Newsletter

October 2023 NewsletterOctober23

Here's your copy of October's newsletter: October 2023

This month's highlights:

  • Offices Closed October 2 & 9, 2023
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Foot Care- Oct 4
  • Diabetic Lunch N Learn- Oct 16
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Bun Venture- Oct 5
  • Full Moon Ceremony
  • Sewing and Crafts Days
  • Community Moose Hunt
  • Mothers/Daughters Social Night- Oct 10

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

If you would like more details about programs, call the Health Centre at 705.857.1221

Read more

 Henvey Inlet First Nation Land Code

 Henvey Inlet First Nation Land Code
2020 Consolidation

This consolidation includes:

Henvey Inlet First Nation Land Code 2020 Consolidation 4816 2997 9642 1

Read more

Secondary School Bus Driver

Secondary School Bus Driver

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a Secondary School Bus Driver to join our Administration for a temporary, 9-month contract for the 2023-24 school year. The Secondary School Bus Driver reports to the Education Counsellor and is responsible for transporting students of various ages to and from their homes and respective schools in a timely and safe manner and in accordance with MTO driving regulations, Ontario traffic laws and safe driving practices. This position requires excellent organization, communication and customer service skills.

Read more

Announcements

December 2023

 

December 2023 Newsletterdecmonth2023

Here's your copy of December's newsletter: December 2023

This month's highlights:

  • Offices Close for Holidays starting Dec. 20 @11am- Reopen Jan. 8, 2024
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Foot Care- Dec. 6 & 7
  • Community Christmas Party- Dec. 16
  • Education News
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Ontario Works Bingo
  • Bun Venture Cooking
  • Bake N Share
  • Christmas Bingo
  • Call for nominations for 7 Grandfather Teachings awards

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

If you would like more details about programs, call the Health Centre at 705.857.1221

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Draft Restated Membership Code Meeting Presentation

Henvey Inlet First Nation Draft Restated Membership Code Meeting Presentation

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

To view the presentation from the Membership Code Working Group Community Consultation Meetings on November 14 and 26, 2023, please visit the Membership Information page of the website.

Read more

 Fraud/Scam Alert

Fraud/Scam Alert

Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund (RHTLF) wishes to alert members of fraudulent letters being sent to beneficiaries about RHT settlement payments being processed.

If you think a recent communication that you received might be a scam, please contact your First Nation office, email us to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send us a direct message on social media to verify its credibility.

RHT FRAUD SCAM ALERT

Read more

Meeting Information Has Been Moved

Meeting Information Has Been Moved

Meeting notices and related information have been moved to the Community Meetings page to be found under the Announcements heading in the menu.

You can find them by Clicking Here.

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

Read more

COVID-19

Please Continue COVID-safe measures help to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Continue to follow public health measures. 

Monitor and screen for symptoms of COVID-19, and get tested for COVID-19 if you have any symptoms.

You are encouraged to be physically active and take advantage of the outdoors while following public health guidance related to physical distancing and wearing masks when appropriate, especially if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

When practiced diligently, COVID-safe measures help to limit the spread of COVID-19, including the variants.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Draft Membership Code Community Consultation November 14 2023

Henvey Inlet First Nation

Draft Membership Code Community Consultation

Henvey Inlet First Nation Membership Code Consultation Meetings November 14 & 26 2023

Read more

November 2023 Newsletter

November 2023 Newsletternov2023pic

Here's your copy of November's newsletter: November 2023

This month's highlights:

  • Offices Closed Monday November 13, 2023 in lieu of Remembrance Day Nov. 11th
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Foot Care- Nov. 8
  • Diabetic Lunch N Learn- Nov. 6
  • Feasting of the Souls- Nov. 6
  • Remembrance Day Service- Nov 11
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Gezhtoojig Employment & Training Open House- Nov. 9
  • Christmas Photos- Nov. 4 & 24
  • Traditional Parenting Workshop- Nov. 17 & 18
  • Matilda Musical for Youth Ages 10-14yrs- Nov. 25
  • Full Moon Ceremony- Nov. 27
  • Call for nominations for 7 Grandfather Teachings awards

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

If you would like more details about programs, call the Health Centre at 705.857.1221

Read more

General Members Meeting October 23rd 2023

HENVEY INLET FIRST NATION

General Members Meeting

October 23rd, 2023 6 PM

Attend in-person, by computer or by telephone.

Click this image to open the Henvey Inlet First Nation General Members Meeting October 23rd 2023 6 PM meeting notice

Read more

General Members Meeting CANCELLANTION NOTICE

HENVEY INLET FIRST NATION

General Members Meeting

October 16th, 2023 6PM

CANCELLANTION NOTICE

Dear Members of Henvey Inlet First Nation,

The General Membership meeting scheduled for this evening will be Cancelled and has been moved to October 23rd 2023 at 6PM.

With the passing of one of our Elders we will closing operations today out of respect to the Family.

We are sincerely sorry for the family's loss. May your journey be peaceful Chief and Council.

Read more

October 2023 Newsletter

October 2023 NewsletterOctober23

Here's your copy of October's newsletter: October 2023

This month's highlights:

  • Offices Closed October 2 & 9, 2023
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Foot Care- Oct 4
  • Diabetic Lunch N Learn- Oct 16
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Bun Venture- Oct 5
  • Full Moon Ceremony
  • Sewing and Crafts Days
  • Community Moose Hunt
  • Mothers/Daughters Social Night- Oct 10

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

If you would like more details about programs, call the Health Centre at 705.857.1221

Read more

 Henvey Inlet First Nation Land Code

 Henvey Inlet First Nation Land Code
2020 Consolidation

This consolidation includes:

Henvey Inlet First Nation Land Code 2020 Consolidation 4816 2997 9642 1

Read more

Secondary School Bus Driver

Secondary School Bus Driver

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a Secondary School Bus Driver to join our Administration for a temporary, 9-month contract for the 2023-24 school year. The Secondary School Bus Driver reports to the Education Counsellor and is responsible for transporting students of various ages to and from their homes and respective schools in a timely and safe manner and in accordance with MTO driving regulations, Ontario traffic laws and safe driving practices. This position requires excellent organization, communication and customer service skills.

Read more

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