The Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation – A Distinct Algonquin Nation

Frequently Asked How the Kichesipirini differed from other Algonquins

Questions
Why are we a First Nation?
We are a First Nation because we
existed as an Algonquin Nation
before European contact. Indian Act
Bands are not necessarily First
Nations.
Do we have hunting and fishing Economic Activity: Because of permanent settlement
rights? Yes. We will have to work to more dependent on trade. Collection of surplus goods for
gain recognition and assert those
rights in a responsible manner. Those
rights will also differ amongst the
citizens of our Nation as well.
Can anyone belong to this
community? Anyone who meets
the requirements established in our
citizenship code. It must be also
remembered that we are also territory
based. Citizenship is a responsibility
and right.
Can I belong to other Algonquin
communities? No. Our inclusive
citizenship includes persons of Metis
or other Aboriginal ancestry but you
can only be committed to one
Algonquin community at a time.
Belonging to Kichesipirini is a
serious commitment and not based on
short term convenience.
Will I have Status? Some citizens
of Kichesipirini have, or qualify for
Indian Act status but you cannot
acquire that through belonging to this
First Nation. All our citizens are
equal.
Contact kichesippi@hotmail.com, or phone (613) 735-3616 and watch the News for further information.
Kichesipirini Algonquin
Permanent Location: Because of the establishment of
permanent villages the Kichesipirini were better protected
from enemy raids. They were better able to devout time to
activities other than hunting and gathering, ie elaborate
carving, pottery, metalworking and farming.
trade through collection of tolls on river and farming.
Experienced international traders, Kichesipirini exercised
a number of strategies to maintain and expand their trade
activities.
Arts and Culture: Numerous copper and clay items
have been found on the Island. Were primarily a trade-
based economy. Burial traditions were also very different
with elaborately carved “coffins” and gravesite entrances.
The Kichesipirini culture was also more dramatically
affected by European contact.
Permanent Governance: More permanent
communities and governance system, including sachems
and councils with specialized positions and shared,
inclusive governance. Actively involved in independent
international trade and politics. Kichesiprini are also
shown to be differently influenced by European contact
and adapted and evolved to the challenges, becoming
increasingly different from inland Algonquins, while still
maintaining alliances.
Community Membership: Kichesipirini appear to
have always been more open to cultural diversity and
exchange. The community was bound through attachment
to territory and familial bonds, was inclusive and
formalized international covenants through established
and new relationships.
Other Algonquins
Transient: Followed well-established seasonal migrations
through family or clan territories to access food and
resources. A great amount of time and energy was spent
traveling and setting up camp. Small groups were essential
to ensuring ability to move quickly and not exhaust needed
resources.
Hunting and Gathering: Relied heavily on hunting,
fishing and gathering, moving to follow food sources. More
involved in trade after posts established in territory, with
separate posts and routes from the Kichesipirini. Records
document the superior hunting and trapping skills of the
inland Algonquins.
Arts and Culture: Minimum of items to allow for greater
mobility. Most of Inland Algonquin culture suited a people
that migrated in search of food. Most cultural expression
involved personal items, including beautifully decorated
clothing. Culture was not primarily trade based but
integrated the day to day realities of migration and hunting.
Seasonal Governance: More involvement in formal
politics and governance during summer, on occasion, but
broke into smaller clans during remainder of year.
Traditional methods and forms of governance were
maintained longer by inland Algonquins, however many
were also influenced by the missions and European contact.
Few made lasting relationships with external groups except
through other Algonquin or Aboriginal alliances, which
required only short-term and cause specific contacts.
Community Membership: Other Algonquins
maintained the tradition of forming primarily family and
clan based communities that had little contact with outside
groups. Many located on reservations and followed the
Indian Act.