List of Ontario First Nations Communities
Ontario is home to approximately 133 First Nations communities representing diverse Indigenous cultures, languages, histories, and traditions. Major cultural groups include the Anishinaabe, Cree, Algonquin, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, Delaware, and Mohawk peoples.
Many communities are located along the Great Lakes, while others are in remote northern regions accessible only by air or winter ice roads. Ontario contains more remote First Nations communities than any other province in Canada.
Major Indigenous Cultural Groups in Ontario
Anishinaabe
One of the largest Indigenous cultural groups in Ontario, including Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples. Communities are found throughout Northern and Central Ontario.
Cree
Primarily located in Northern Ontario near James Bay and Hudson Bay regions.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy)
Includes Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, Onondaga, and Tuscarora Nations, mainly located in Southern Ontario.
Algonquin
Primarily located in Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley region.
Oji-Cree
Communities largely located in Northwestern Ontario and remote northern regions.
Featured Ontario First Nations Communities
Six Nations of the Grand River
- Largest First Nations community in Canada
- Located near Brantford, Ontario
- Haudenosaunee Confederacy territory
- Home to Mohawk, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora peoples
- Coordinates: 43.0629, -80.1247
- Known for strong cultural preservation, lacrosse history, and entrepreneurship
Akwesasne
- Mohawk territory crossing the Canada–US border
- Located along the St. Lawrence River
- Coordinates: 44.9981, -74.6391
- Unique because it spans Ontario, Quebec, and New York State
- Strong traditions in governance, trade, and arts
Attawapiskat First Nation
- Cree First Nation on the western James Bay coast
- Remote fly-in community
- Coordinates: 52.9277, -82.4333
- Known nationally for housing and infrastructure discussions
- Traditional territory rich in hunting and fishing
Curve Lake First Nation
- Ojibwe community near Peterborough
- Coordinates: 44.6425, -78.3470
- Known for tourism, arts, and cultural education
- Popular destination for powwows and Indigenous events
Wikwemikong Unceded Territory
- Unceded Anishinaabe territory
- Located on Manitoulin Island
- Coordinates: 45.8019, -81.7645
- Famous for cultural tourism and powwows
- One of the few unceded Indigenous territories in Ontario
Moose Cree First Nation
- Located near Moose Factory on James Bay
- Cree community accessible by seasonal road and rail
- Coordinates: 51.2586, -80.6094
- Strong connection to Hudson Bay Company history
Neskantaga First Nation
- Oji-Cree fly-in community
- Coordinates: 52.1958, -88.8220
- One of Canada’s most discussed long-term boil water advisory communities
Sagamok Anishnawbek
- Located near Espanola
- Coordinates: 46.0505, -81.7827
- Anishinaabe community with growing business and education initiatives
Chippewas of Rama First Nation
- Located near Orillia
- Coordinates: 44.6422, -79.3522
- Home to Casino Rama
- Major tourism and entertainment destination
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
- Historic Mississauga Ojibwe territory
- Located near Hagersville
- Coordinates: 43.0727, -80.0508
- Signatory nation connected to Treaty 13 and Toronto area history
Northern Ontario First Nations
Northern Ontario contains many remote and fly-in communities connected to Treaty 9 territory.
Examples Include:
- Kashechewan First Nation
- Webequie First Nation
- Pikangikum First Nation
- Sandy Lake First Nation
- Bearskin Lake First Nation
- Fort Severn First Nation
These communities are known for:
- Ice road transportation
- Strong traditional land use
- Hunting, trapping, and fishing
- Oji-Cree and Cree language preservation
- Remote economic development challenges
Southern Ontario First Nations
Southern Ontario communities are often closer to urban centres and major highways.
Examples Include:
- Oneida Nation of the Thames
- Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
- Walpole Island First Nation
- Aamjiwnaang First Nation
- Saugeen First Nation
Many southern communities are active in:
- Tourism
- Gaming and hospitality
- Renewable energy
- Real estate development
- Manufacturing partnerships
Ontario Treaty Areas
Ontario First Nations communities fall within several historic treaty territories, including:
- Treaty 3
- Treaty 5
- Treaty 9
- Robinson-Huron Treaty
- Robinson-Superior Treaty
- Williams Treaties
- Upper Canada Treaties
These treaties continue to shape land rights, governance, and economic relationships today.
Remote & Fly-In Communities
Ontario has over 30 remote First Nations communities accessible primarily by:
- Air travel
- Winter ice roads
- Seasonal access roads
These regions are concentrated in:
- Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory
- James Bay coast
- Far Northwestern Ontario
