Guarding Our Land, the Anishinabek Way
Combining Ancestral Traditions With Modern Programs for Holistic Growth and Cultural Preservation
Our Values in Action
Cultural Authenticity & Deep Roots
Honoring our heritage, building our future
Holistic Approach
Serving the whole person, mind and spirit
Community-Led Decision-Making
Our people guide their own destiny
Strong Partnerships
Collaborating for a stronger community
Diverse service scope
Comprehensive support for our people
The Story Behind the Name
"Mitchikanibikok Inik" means "Stone Weir People," referring to a traditional fishing method using stone barriers. The community's historic settlement, Barriere Lake, lies 30 km north of Rapid Lake. Their traditional territory covers 10,000 square kilometers. Rapid Lake itself was named after one of several lakes and rivers submerged in the 1920s to form the Cabonga Reservoir, which facilitated log transportation.Â
History
The Algonquin Nation has lived in the unceded territory of the Ottawa Valley since time immemorial. One of its ten communities, the Algonquins of Barriere Lake—known as "Mitchikanibikok Inik"—is located in Rapid Lake, within the Parc La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve. Situated 374 km north of Montreal and 158 km south of Val-d'Or along Highway 117, this community spans 29.7 hectares. It was initially established in 1929, but only officially recognized by the federal government in 1961.
