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

Latest Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Oct 4 2025 (2)

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

Update #3 About The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Legal Fees Case Is Available

There is additional information available regarding the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Legal Fees Case.

Please log in to the registered Member's Portal section of the website to view this release.

You can access the portal login page by CLICKING HERE.

Read more

Lands Assistant- REPOST

 

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

Lands Assistant- REPOST

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a full-time Lands Assistant to join our Administration. The Lands Assistant reports to the Lands Manager and is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support for land management, lease management, and all other services of the Henvey Inlet First Nation Lands Department. This position requires exceptional organization and interpersonal communication skills.

Read more

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Oct 1 2025

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

More Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

There is additional information available regarding the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund. 

Please log in to the registered Member's Portal section of the website to view this release.

You can access the portal login page by CLICKING HERE.

Read more

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

There is new information available regarding the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund. 

Please log in to the registered Member's Portal section of the website to view this information.

You can get there by CLICKING HERE.

Read more

October 2025

October 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of October's newsletter: October 2025october 2025

  • Offices will be closed on October 13 for Thanksgiving
  • Diabetic Foot Care- October 1 & November 5
  • Flu/Covid Clinic- October 20 & 24
  • Education News
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Ontario Works Schedule
  • Home Maintenance Workshop- October 20
  • Celestial Circle- October 16
  • Halloween Dance- October 25
  • Youth Engagement/Minute to Win It- October 20
  • Free Adult Haircuts- November 3
  • Free Community Money Bingo 18+ - November 8
  • Community Engagement Session- Anishinaabemowin Revitalization Strategy- October 7
  • Cedar Baths- October 14, 15 &16
  • Men's Circle- October 9 & 23

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation General Members Meeting September 22nd, 2025, 6 PM

Henvey Inlet First Nation Dark Logo lg

Henvey Inlet First Nation

General Members Meeting

September 22nd, 2025, 6 PM

Attend in-person, by computer or by telephone:

Read more

RHT Language Revitilization Community Engagement Session

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

R.H.T Language Revitalization

Community Engagement Session

Tuesday October 7, 2025

LOCATION:  O&M Building-14 Sandpit Road, Office 1

TIME: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM- Supper to be provided

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Membership Meeting September 11th 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

Annual General Membership Meeting

September 11th 2025

Location: New EMS Building, 18 Sand Pit Road, bay number 1

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Meeting September 10th 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Annual General Meeting  September 10th 2025 notice

Annual General Meeting

September 10th 2025

Location: New EMS Building, 18 Sand Pit Road, bay number 1.

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30pm

Read more

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Miigwetch to everyone who took the time to share their voice in the Community Survey to support the development of Henvey Inlet First Nation’s Child and Family Wellbeing Law. Your input ensures that the Law reflects our values, traditions, and vision for the care of our children and families. 

Read more

September 2025

September 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of September's newsletter: September 2025sept2023month

  • Offices will be closed on September 1
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Diabetic Foot Care- September 3
  • Men's Circle- September 4 & 18
  • Ontario Works notices
  • Food Bank Notice
  • Annual General Meeting- September 10
  • Annual Trust Membership Meeting- Sept. 11
  • Wills Meeting- September 17
  • Home Maintenance Workshop- September 24
  • Learn to Harvest/Process Fish- Sept. 2 to 5
  • Indigenous Services Canada Notice
  • Murder Mystery Lunch- September 18
  • National Day of Truth and Reconciliation- September 30

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- School Bus Monitor

Henvey Inlet First Nation Elementary School Bus Driver

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- School Bus Monitor

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Henvey Inlet First Nation Education Department is currently seeking a part-time contractor to provide School Bus Monitor services for the 2025-26 academic year. School Bus Monitors of Henvey Inlet First Nation are required to uphold the core values of safety, service and respect at all times. The primary responsibility of the Bus Monitor is to ensure the students’ behaviours and actions are not a distraction to the Bus Driver, by enforcing the rules of the bus as defined by Henvey Inlet First Nation. The School Bus Monitor will also be required to record student attendance on a daily basis. This person requires excellent interpersonal communication skills and a positive attitude.

Read more

Announcements

Latest Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Oct 4 2025 (2)

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

Update #3 About The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Legal Fees Case Is Available

There is additional information available regarding the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Legal Fees Case.

Please log in to the registered Member's Portal section of the website to view this release.

You can access the portal login page by CLICKING HERE.

Read more

Lands Assistant- REPOST

 

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

Lands Assistant- REPOST

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a full-time Lands Assistant to join our Administration. The Lands Assistant reports to the Lands Manager and is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support for land management, lease management, and all other services of the Henvey Inlet First Nation Lands Department. This position requires exceptional organization and interpersonal communication skills.

Read more

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund Oct 1 2025

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

More Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

There is additional information available regarding the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund. 

Please log in to the registered Member's Portal section of the website to view this release.

You can access the portal login page by CLICKING HERE.

Read more

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

New Information From The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund

There is new information available regarding the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund. 

Please log in to the registered Member's Portal section of the website to view this information.

You can get there by CLICKING HERE.

Read more

October 2025

October 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of October's newsletter: October 2025october 2025

  • Offices will be closed on October 13 for Thanksgiving
  • Diabetic Foot Care- October 1 & November 5
  • Flu/Covid Clinic- October 20 & 24
  • Education News
  • Day Care Newsletter
  • Ontario Works Schedule
  • Home Maintenance Workshop- October 20
  • Celestial Circle- October 16
  • Halloween Dance- October 25
  • Youth Engagement/Minute to Win It- October 20
  • Free Adult Haircuts- November 3
  • Free Community Money Bingo 18+ - November 8
  • Community Engagement Session- Anishinaabemowin Revitalization Strategy- October 7
  • Cedar Baths- October 14, 15 &16
  • Men's Circle- October 9 & 23

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation General Members Meeting September 22nd, 2025, 6 PM

Henvey Inlet First Nation Dark Logo lg

Henvey Inlet First Nation

General Members Meeting

September 22nd, 2025, 6 PM

Attend in-person, by computer or by telephone:

Read more

RHT Language Revitilization Community Engagement Session

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

R.H.T Language Revitalization

Community Engagement Session

Tuesday October 7, 2025

LOCATION:  O&M Building-14 Sandpit Road, Office 1

TIME: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM- Supper to be provided

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Membership Meeting September 11th 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

Annual General Membership Meeting

September 11th 2025

Location: New EMS Building, 18 Sand Pit Road, bay number 1

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Meeting September 10th 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Annual General Meeting  September 10th 2025 notice

Annual General Meeting

September 10th 2025

Location: New EMS Building, 18 Sand Pit Road, bay number 1.

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30pm

Read more

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Miigwetch to everyone who took the time to share their voice in the Community Survey to support the development of Henvey Inlet First Nation’s Child and Family Wellbeing Law. Your input ensures that the Law reflects our values, traditions, and vision for the care of our children and families. 

Read more

September 2025

September 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of September's newsletter: September 2025sept2023month

  • Offices will be closed on September 1
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Diabetic Foot Care- September 3
  • Men's Circle- September 4 & 18
  • Ontario Works notices
  • Food Bank Notice
  • Annual General Meeting- September 10
  • Annual Trust Membership Meeting- Sept. 11
  • Wills Meeting- September 17
  • Home Maintenance Workshop- September 24
  • Learn to Harvest/Process Fish- Sept. 2 to 5
  • Indigenous Services Canada Notice
  • Murder Mystery Lunch- September 18
  • National Day of Truth and Reconciliation- September 30

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- School Bus Monitor

Henvey Inlet First Nation Elementary School Bus Driver

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- School Bus Monitor

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Henvey Inlet First Nation Education Department is currently seeking a part-time contractor to provide School Bus Monitor services for the 2025-26 academic year. School Bus Monitors of Henvey Inlet First Nation are required to uphold the core values of safety, service and respect at all times. The primary responsibility of the Bus Monitor is to ensure the students’ behaviours and actions are not a distraction to the Bus Driver, by enforcing the rules of the bus as defined by Henvey Inlet First Nation. The School Bus Monitor will also be required to record student attendance on a daily basis. This person requires excellent interpersonal communication skills and a positive attitude.

Read more

  • (705)857-2331
  • Mon to Thurs - 8:30AM – 4:30PM
    Friday - 8:30AM to Noon