About Us
About Attawapiskat First Nation
Attawapiskat First Nation is a Cree community located in northern Ontario, near the mouth of the Attawapiskat River and just a few kilometers inland from the James Bay coast. The community’s traditional territory stretches far beyond the reserve, reaching up the coast toward Hudson Bay and inland along many river systems.
Attawapiskat has two reserve areas, Attawapiskat 91 and Attawapiskat 91A, with a combined land base of 1.32 km². The closest urban center is Timmins, about 500 km to the south, while Moosonee is located roughly 160 km away.
The people of Attawapiskat are proud of their Cree identity. Swampy Cree is the first language for most community members, keeping culture and tradition strong for future generations.
History
Attawapiskat has been home to the Mushkegowuk Cree for centuries. The area was originally used as a seasonal camp where families came in the spring and summer for fishing along the river. In the winter, families dispersed to inland sites or Akimiski Island to trap, hunt, and gather roots, berries, and other resources. These seasonal movements and traditional practices helped sustain the community and preserve Cree knowledge.
The Hudson’s Bay Company established a trading post in the late 19th century, introducing commercial fur trapping to the area. Attawapiskat became a signatory to Treaty 9 in 1930, which formally established the community’s reserve lands. Most members moved permanently to the community in the mid-1960s, though many continue to maintain a strong connection to the land through seasonal harvesting.
Since the 1950s, Attawapiskat has grown from temporary dwellings, such as tents and teepees, to permanent buildings constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Elders and families continue to live on the land seasonally, engaging in activities like caribou and goose hunting, fishing, and tending trap lines. These practices remain central to community life, culture, and identity.
Culture and Community
Attawapiskat First Nation is a vibrant community rooted in Cree traditions and a strong connection to the land. Hunting, fishing, and harvesting continue to play an essential role in daily life and cultural identity. Storytelling, ceremonies, and the passing down of traditional knowledge help maintain the Mushkegowuk Cree heritage.
With a population of roughly 1,500 to 2,000 on-reserve, the community values education, health, and social programs, while continuing to celebrate its cultural heritage through seasonal activities and community gatherings. Attawapiskat combines a deep respect for tradition with the services and infrastructure that support modern community life.
