Indigenous Relations

The City of Greater Sudbury recognizes that it is situated on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation and is committed to fostering respectful, collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities. Through ongoing engagement, partnership and dialogue, the City seeks to advance shared priorities, support economic and community development and contribute to the broader goals of reconciliation. 

Greater Sudbury values its strong working relationships with Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation, collaborating on matters of mutual interest including land use planning, economic development, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, cultural recognition and community well-being. These relationships are grounded in respect, trust and a commitment to meaningful engagement that acknowledges Indigenous rights, perspectives and leadership.

City of Greater Sudbury Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, let us begin today’s meeting by reflecting on the privilege of working in Greater Sudbury.

This is a city with a rich history that began with the Anishnaabe people. We are grateful to live, work and play on the lands they have cared for since time immemorial, and we are thankful to them for sharing these lands and resources that have supported the prosperity of this city and its residents.

Our municipality is on the traditional lands of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation, signatories to the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. We are honoured to work with them in partnership and friendship toward a future that is successful for the next seven generations.

We thank them for their contributions to the vibrancy of our communities and to the guardianship of the lands in which we share. We also recognize the contributions of the Metis, Inuit and other Indigenous people in shaping and strengthening our community.

It is our collective responsibility to learn the history on which our city was built and to ensure that the mistakes made by our predecessors are overcome by our willingness to learn and grow. For Greater Sudbury and the Anishnaabe to flourish together, we must recognize and respect each other’s sovereign rights and title. With mutual understanding and collaboration, we will continue to grow together in the spirit of reconciliation.

Community Profiles

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek are descendants of the Ojibway, Algonquin and Odawa Nations. In 1850, Chief Shawenekezhik, on behalf of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek signed the Robinson-Huron Treaty granting the British Crown and their people (Royal Subjects) a right to occupy and share the lands of the Anishnawbek. Originally named Whitefish Lake First Nation reserve No.6 as established through the Robinson Huron Treaty area in 1850, the territory spans from the valley of the Vermillion River eastward to the valleys of the Wahnapitae and Sturgeon River.

The current reservation lands are located approximately 19 km west of the City of Greater Sudbury, near Lively. The current land base is 43,747 acres, much of it being deciduous and coniferous forests, surrounded by eight lakes, with eighteen lakes within its boundaries. As of October 2024, the total population is 1720 members with 20 per cent living on reserve and 80 per cent off reserve. 70 per cent of those off reserve live in the City of Greater Sudbury area.

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek website

Wahnapitae First Nation

Wahnapitae First Nation is nestled along the stunning Indigenous north shores of Lake Wahnapitei. Wahnapitae is a signatory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty (1850) and an Ojibway community of the Anishinabek Nation. The community has a land base of 3.2 km by 3.2 km and is accessible through logging roads. It is a developing community that is true and strong in cultural identity originating from its people, traditions and the enduring belief that the land is borrowed from future generations. The community's traditional name translates to "the place where the water is shaped like a tooth," reflecting its deep connection to the natural landscape.

Wahnapitae is home to over 170 residents, with more than 700 members living across the globe, from Canada to as far as Australia. As the community continues to grow, it thrives as a dynamic blend of families, entrepreneurs, and dedicated volunteers, united in building a resilient and prosperous future for generations to come.

Wahnapitae First Nation website

Learn More

Below are some useful links and resources to deepen your understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and contemporary experiences. Learning is a critical step on the path toward reconciliation and helps ensure that our actions are guided by greater awareness and understanding.