Demographic characteristics of participants (n = 34).

The Anishinabek Nation represents 39 First Nations throughout the province of Ontario from Golden Lake in the east, Sarnia in the south, Thunder Bay and Lake Nipigon in the north. The 39 First Nations have an approximate combined population of 65,000 citizens, one third of the province of Ontario’s First Nation population. The Anishinabek Nation has four strategic regional areas: Southwest, Southeast, Lake Huron and Northern Superior. Each region is represented by a Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief. Place names of the Anishinabek Nation is a cultural phenomenon dating back to the earliest of human history. As the first occupants of the Great Lakes Region, the Anishinaabe gave names to the surrounding landscapes. Cultural knowledge and language is revitalized by virtue of daily use, spiritual connections, and increased awareness of history. Naming placings is a practices that serves many purposes that includes:

1. Reinforcing the spiritual connection to the land,

2. Knowledge of travel routes and trading areas,

3. Knowledge of hunting and fishing areas, and

4. Legends and stories told by the Knowledge keepers.

5. Honoring the teachings and knowledge sharing by Elders

6. Tool for educating the youth and others.

The approach to naming places differs across the First Nations, reflecting particular geography, history and circumstances. The geographic naming for this project is continuous work in progress. As we know place names are not static and the landscapes evolve. Over time, the Anishinabek Nation will update the map(s) and additional name places will be added and shared. Recording and adopting Indigenous names aids in the preservation and revitalization of the Anishinabek Nation culture, and language.

The Anishinabek Nation represents 39 First Nations throughout the province of Ontario from Golden Lake in the east, Sarnia in the south, Thunder Bay and Lake Nipigon in the north. The 39 First Nations have an approximate combined population of 65,000 citizens, one third of the province of Ontario’s First Nation population. The Anishinabek Nation has four strategic regional areas: Southwest, Southeast, Lake Huron and Northern Superior. Each region is represented by a Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief.The Anishinabek First Nations are interested in understanding and learning the mining activities that is occurring within their territories. The data is public data available from both the Federal and Provincial Governments. The data was pulled in May , 2022. The data is available for the First Nations to use for their own purposes.