The Settlement of Aroland First Nation

The settlement of Aroland First Nation occurred circa 1900 by community members engaged in the fur trade with the Hudson’s Bay Company. Aroland First Nation [Aroland 83 reserve] is comprised of an amalgamation of members with ties to Eabametoong, Marten Falls, Ginoogaming, Long Lake 58 and Fort William First Nations. Aroland First Nation is included in Treaty 9, an agreement established in July 1905 between the Government of Canada in the name of King Edward VII and various First Nation governments in northern Ontario. Aroland First Nation is a member of the Matawa Tribal Council and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

 

Although the settlement is not yet formally a reserve, it should be designated as such in the near future, and due to an agreement with the Crown is recognized as a reserve under the Indian Act. Following multiple negotiations, Aroland First Nation gained certain reserve status under the Indian Act on April 15, 1985. Reserve lands have recently been dedicated to the First Nation by both Provincial and Federal governments, however, a final formal designation of reserve lands is not yet in place. Current reserve lands contain 19,599 hectares (79.0 square miles) and extend northward from Highway 643 to encompass lands along the western and northern shores of Esnagami Lake. At present, these lands are generally undeveloped.

 

Aroland holds interests in both stewardship of its traditional lands and in fostering the social and economic well-being and resilience of its members.