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a visually striking image representing petition 115. the scene depicts indigenous leaders and community members presenting the petition to government (1)

Petition 115

Petition 115: A Historical Struggle for Recognition and Rights

Petition 115 is a pivotal document in the history of the Anishinaabe of the Kitchizibi First Nation. It represents our community’s enduring struggle for recognition, land rights, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. Here, we recount the significance of Petition 115 and its impact on our people.

Historical Background

In the 1800s, our ancestors faced relentless pressures from colonization, which threatened our way of life along the Kitchizibi (Ottawa River). To protect our lands and ensure our rights, the Anishinaabe leaders, led by Chief Pierre Shawanapenesi, initiated Petition 115. This petition aimed to secure our inherent rights to hunt, fish, and live on our ancestral lands without fear of prosecution or displacement.

The Petition’s Provisions

Petition 115 explicitly stated that the Anishinaabe people should not lose their rights to hunt and fish, which were crucial for our survival and cultural practices. Supported by the Montreal Treaty, the petition sought to protect these rights and prevent further encroachment on our lands by colonial authorities.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite the clear provisions of Petition 115, the Government of Canada has continuously undermined our rights. By removing our families from the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), the government stripped us of our recognition and federal funding. This has forced many of our community members to live without the legal protections and support we rightfully deserve.

Our ancestors’ resilience, however, remains a powerful testament to our strength. Many families went into hiding or assimilated as “French Canadians” to escape the oppressive policies of the time and protect our children from being forcibly taken to residential schools. These actions, although painful, highlight our community’s unwavering determination to survive and preserve our identity.

Continuing the Fight

Today, we continue to fight for the recognition and rights outlined in Petition 115. As the Anishinaabe of the Kitchizibi First Nation, we assert our right to harvest and sustain ourselves on our ancestral lands. This right is not only protected under Petition 115 but also by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Montreal Treaty or Great Treaty of Peace.

However, without current recognition, exercising these rights comes with significant risks. We urge all citizens of the AOKFN to be aware of the potential legal challenges and to stand together in our pursuit of justice.

A Vision for the Future

Our goal is to reunite the families affected by colonization and restore our inherent rights as Indigenous people. We are committed to continuing the legacy of our ancestors and fighting for the recognition and protection we deserve. The Anishinaabe of the Kitchizibi First Nation will persist in advocating for our rights, ensuring that our culture, traditions, and way of life are preserved for future generations.

Together, we will overcome the challenges we face and honor the spirit of Petition 115, reinforcing our identity and unity as a proud and resilient nation.