Henvey Inlet First Nation Dodems
Henvey Inlet First Nation Dodems

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.

During his last days, Beaver traveled to Lake Nippissing as his final resting place. Upon his death, human children emerged from his remains. This is the case for many of the totems we know today, and has been recognized throughout history. Laws, governance, land use and occupancy practices and other social customs and mores were strongly entrenched in ancient traditions. For example, marriage within clans was a serious taboo.

For example, in one story, recorded by Warren, when the newcomers arrived, they were met by a Crane and Bear - totem families who received them. “...when the white man first came in sight of the ‘Great Turtle’ island of Mackinaw, they beheld walking on the pebbly shores, a crane and a bear who received them kindly, invited them to their wigwams, and placed food before them.”

Clans are closely related to Anishinabek identity, and totems are passed down through the father. In her report, Darlene Johnston states, “In tracing the connection between Anishnaabek [sic] peoples and Great Lakes landscapes, it is vital to attentive to the evidence of totemic identity. It is important to understand that totemic identity is a matter of inheritance, not choice. Anishinaabeg [sic] totems are patrilineal, which means that children are born into the totem of their father.” Furthermore, any person belonging to the same totem or clan was considered to be a close relative, and remains so today.

Early documents from the Jesuits in 1640 make reference to totems, including Kinounchepirini (Pike People) who were located along the Ottawa River. Between the Hurons and French River were the Ousaouarini (possibly Birch Bark People), the Outchougai (Heron people) and the Atchiligouan (possibly Black Squirrel). The Amikouai (nation of the Beaver) were located north of the French River, the Oumisagaiat the Mississagi River and the Baouichtigouian, ‘the nation of the people of Sault, at Sault Ste. Marie.

Later in the decade, another account from the Jesuits, indicates several more clans, along the south shore of Lake Huron: Ouachaskesouek, Nigouaouichirinik (possibly Carp), Outaouasinagouek (Black squirrel), Kichkagoneak (possibly Bear), and Ontaanak (who are allies of the Hurons).

Clans and Families

Watch for new information on our historical family connections with the Clans, a listing of all the known Clans and historical and present day families, and how to trace the connection with the families who presently make up our Band.

We will continue to seek sources of any information and strive gain as much information from our own Elders and Families.

Watch for new suggestion on How You Can Help to fill in the blanks in our history.

Announcements

July 2025

July 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of July's newsletter: July 2025July 2025 month picture

  • Offices will be closed on July 1, 2025
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Counselling Services for Band Members
  • Home Ownership & Money Management Workshop
  • Ontario Works notices
  • Food Bank Notice
  • Elephant Thoughts Camp
  • Kids Canoeing Club
  • Kids and Youth Arts & Crafts
  • Youth Engagement Session
  • Foot Care
  • Adult Gathering
  • Men's Circle
  • Fire Gathering & Teachings

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed June 24, 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed June 24, 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed June 24, 2025

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed in Lieu National Indigenous Day

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed in Lieu of National Indigenous Peoples Day Event

Office Closed

 

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation - National Indigenous Day Events Cancelled

Henvey Inlet First Nation - National Indigenous Peoples Day Events Cancelled

Henvey Inlet First Nation - National Indigenous Day Events Cancelled

Read more

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Project Coordinator

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak

Project Coordintor

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak (formerly the Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project) is a transformative initiative by Henvey Inlet First Nation (HIFN) to assert jurisdiction over the care and protection of HIFN’s children and families. Supported by Indigenous Services Canada, this project focuses on developing a child and family services law that reflects Anishinaabe values and traditions. Community engagement and consultation are integral to the project to ensure the new law meets the needs of children, youth, and families both on and off-reserve. Key partners include the HIFN Band Representative Program, the Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Working Group, engagement specialists Avaanz, and the law firm Fogler Rubinoff.

Read more

Band Representative

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Band Representative

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a full-time Band Representative to join our Administration. The Band Representative reports to the Band Representative Lead and is responsible to represent and advocate for Henvey Inlet First Nation members that are involved with any child welfare agencies throughout Canada. This position requires exceptional interpersonal communication skills and strong organization skills.

Henvey Inlet First Nation offers competitive wages, paid vacation and personal emergency days, an incredible pension and benefit package, on-site daycare services for working parents, fifteen paid federal, provincial and First Nations holidays, annual cultural leave, paid Christmas break, and half-day workdays every Friday. 

Read more

Notice on New Information from the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Logo

Notice to Website Portal Members: 

There is new information available from the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund regarding letters sent to the Prime Minister, the Governor General of Canada and the Premier of Ontario.

You can CLICK HERE to be redirected to the Members Portal Login page, where you may also register if you have not done so yet.

Read more

Summer Student Coordinator- REPOST

 

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Summer Student Coordinator

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a Summer Student Coordinator to join our Administration for a short-term seasonal contract from June 2025 to August 2025. The Summer Student Coordinator reports to the Director of Finance/Administration and is responsible for supervising the summer students as they fulfill their work plan objectives. This position requires exceptional communication skills and a positive, motivational attitude.

Read more

Events Coordinator- REPOST

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Events Coordinator

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a full-time Events Coordinator to join our Administration. The Events Coordinator reports to the Administration Manager and is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, budget, production, promotion and overall coordination of Henvey Inlet First Nation community events. The Events Coordinator will recruit volunteers, purchase supplies, set-up and decorate venues, create promotional materials and arrange catering when required. This position requires exceptional time-management and organizational skills and superior attention to detail.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Windfarm Legacy Trust 2025 Annual Trust Membership Meeting

Henvey Inlet First Nation Windfarm Legacy Trust 2025 Annual Trust Membership Meeting

WHERE: O&M Building, Henvey Inlet First Nation

WHEN: Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

START: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Eastern)

VIRTUAL: Zoom link will be available

Please email the Trust Coordinator your full name & status number to confirm your attendance. The Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the meeting.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Annual General Membership Meeting CNOR Land Claim / BMO

Annual General Membership Meeting CNOR Land Claim / BMO

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Membership Meeting CNOR Land Claim BMO

June 04, 2025

Location: O&M building 14 Sand Pit Road

10:00 am - 12:00pm

Read more

June 2025

June 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of June's newsletter: June 2025June2024pic

  • Offices will be closed on June 6, 2025
  • Henvey Inlet First Nation Pow Wow- June 7 & 8
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Annual Membership Meeting- June 4
  • Trailer Park Opening
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Ontario Works notices
  • Food Bank Notice
  • Father's Day Event
  • Back 2 School Back Packs Deadline- June 30th
  • Graduation pictures
  • Day Care News
  • Foot Care

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

Announcements

July 2025

July 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of July's newsletter: July 2025July 2025 month picture

  • Offices will be closed on July 1, 2025
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Counselling Services for Band Members
  • Home Ownership & Money Management Workshop
  • Ontario Works notices
  • Food Bank Notice
  • Elephant Thoughts Camp
  • Kids Canoeing Club
  • Kids and Youth Arts & Crafts
  • Youth Engagement Session
  • Foot Care
  • Adult Gathering
  • Men's Circle
  • Fire Gathering & Teachings

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed June 24, 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed June 24, 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed June 24, 2025

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed in Lieu National Indigenous Day

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Office Closed in Lieu of National Indigenous Peoples Day Event

Office Closed

 

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation - National Indigenous Day Events Cancelled

Henvey Inlet First Nation - National Indigenous Peoples Day Events Cancelled

Henvey Inlet First Nation - National Indigenous Day Events Cancelled

Read more

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Project Coordinator

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak

Project Coordintor

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak (formerly the Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project) is a transformative initiative by Henvey Inlet First Nation (HIFN) to assert jurisdiction over the care and protection of HIFN’s children and families. Supported by Indigenous Services Canada, this project focuses on developing a child and family services law that reflects Anishinaabe values and traditions. Community engagement and consultation are integral to the project to ensure the new law meets the needs of children, youth, and families both on and off-reserve. Key partners include the HIFN Band Representative Program, the Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Working Group, engagement specialists Avaanz, and the law firm Fogler Rubinoff.

Read more

Band Representative

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Band Representative

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a full-time Band Representative to join our Administration. The Band Representative reports to the Band Representative Lead and is responsible to represent and advocate for Henvey Inlet First Nation members that are involved with any child welfare agencies throughout Canada. This position requires exceptional interpersonal communication skills and strong organization skills.

Henvey Inlet First Nation offers competitive wages, paid vacation and personal emergency days, an incredible pension and benefit package, on-site daycare services for working parents, fifteen paid federal, provincial and First Nations holidays, annual cultural leave, paid Christmas break, and half-day workdays every Friday. 

Read more

Notice on New Information from the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Logo

Notice to Website Portal Members: 

There is new information available from the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund regarding letters sent to the Prime Minister, the Governor General of Canada and the Premier of Ontario.

You can CLICK HERE to be redirected to the Members Portal Login page, where you may also register if you have not done so yet.

Read more

Summer Student Coordinator- REPOST

 

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Summer Student Coordinator

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a Summer Student Coordinator to join our Administration for a short-term seasonal contract from June 2025 to August 2025. The Summer Student Coordinator reports to the Director of Finance/Administration and is responsible for supervising the summer students as they fulfill their work plan objectives. This position requires exceptional communication skills and a positive, motivational attitude.

Read more

Events Coordinator- REPOST

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Events Coordinator

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a full-time Events Coordinator to join our Administration. The Events Coordinator reports to the Administration Manager and is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, budget, production, promotion and overall coordination of Henvey Inlet First Nation community events. The Events Coordinator will recruit volunteers, purchase supplies, set-up and decorate venues, create promotional materials and arrange catering when required. This position requires exceptional time-management and organizational skills and superior attention to detail.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Windfarm Legacy Trust 2025 Annual Trust Membership Meeting

Henvey Inlet First Nation Windfarm Legacy Trust 2025 Annual Trust Membership Meeting

WHERE: O&M Building, Henvey Inlet First Nation

WHEN: Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

START: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Eastern)

VIRTUAL: Zoom link will be available

Please email the Trust Coordinator your full name & status number to confirm your attendance. The Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the meeting.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Annual General Membership Meeting CNOR Land Claim / BMO

Annual General Membership Meeting CNOR Land Claim / BMO

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Membership Meeting CNOR Land Claim BMO

June 04, 2025

Location: O&M building 14 Sand Pit Road

10:00 am - 12:00pm

Read more

June 2025

June 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of June's newsletter: June 2025June2024pic

  • Offices will be closed on June 6, 2025
  • Henvey Inlet First Nation Pow Wow- June 7 & 8
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Annual Membership Meeting- June 4
  • Trailer Park Opening
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Ontario Works notices
  • Food Bank Notice
  • Father's Day Event
  • Back 2 School Back Packs Deadline- June 30th
  • Graduation pictures
  • Day Care News
  • Foot Care

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

  • (705)857-2331
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