About Us

The Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre is a non-profit organization that was established in 1975 under the direction of Grand Council Treaty #9, now known as the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN). The Centre is funded through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Cultural Education Centres program. The Centre is managed by a board of directors who represent each Tribal Council area of the NAN territory.

Our Logo

The fish, the beaver, and the goose in our logo represent the elements needed for survival: land, water, and air. All three are related and exist in harmony. Connected in this way, these elements remind us of the circle of life.

Our Vision

-In order to fulfill its role within the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre seeks to:
-Maintain and strengthen the cultural identity of Aboriginal people in the NAN territory.
-Develop positive images for Aboriginal people in the NAN communities.
-Make society aware of the importance of Aboriginal culture as well as develop a better understanding and appreciation of the NAN heritage.

Our Mandate

-To encourage and be supportive of the NAN communities in their efforts towards self-determination.
-To promote and encourage the establishment of library and information services in the communities of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
-To develop culturally relevant educational and language materials for Nishmawbe Aski Nation Schools.
-To work with Aboriginal communities and schools on educational and cultural matters.
-To support and maintain the use of the Aboriginal languages of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
-To promote and assist in cultural events and activities that will help instill and maintain the customs, knowledge, skills, values, and arts of the NAN people.
-To work and keep in close harmony with other organizations whose aims and objectives are similar to that of the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre.
-To involve our elders and youth on meeting the objectives of the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre.

Board of Directors

President – Irene Ross – Independent First Nation Alliance
Vice-President – Cathy Therriault – Matawa First Nations Council
Secretary/Treasurer – Gary Naveau – Wabun Tribal Council
Ex-Officio Member – Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox – Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Member – Geordie Kakepetum – Keewaytinook Okimakanak
Member – Bill Loutitt – Mushkegowuk Council
Member – Representative – Shibogama First Nations Council
Member – Frank McKay – Windigo First Nations Council

Our Catchment Area

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation

The Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre serves 49 Native communities of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (formerly known as Grand Council Treaty #9). Ninety percent of these communities are accessible by air only. The area covers 210,000 square miles and comprises the whole of Northern Ontario north of the 50th parallel. This area has a native population of approximately 45,000 people.

Independent First Nations Alliance

(Muskrat Dam, Pikangikum, Lac Seul)

Independant

(Flying Post, Mishkeegogamang , Mocreebec Council of the Cree Nation, Sandy Lake, Weenusk)

Keewaytinook Okimakanak

(MacDowell Lake, Poplar Hill, Deer Lake, North Spirit Lake, Keewaywin, Fort Severn)

Matawa First Nations

(Hornepayne, Constance Lake, Ginoogaming, Long Lake #58, Aroland, Marten Falls, Eabametoong, Neskantaga, Webequie, Nibinamik)

Mushkegowuk Council

(Moose Cree, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat, Chapleau Cree, Taykwa Tagamou, Missanabie Cree)

Shibogama First Nation Council

(Wunnumin Lake, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin, Kingfisher, Kasabonika)

Wabun Tribal Council

(Wahgoshig, Beaverhouse, Matachewan, Mattagami, Chapleau Ojibwe, Brunswick House)

Windigo First Nations Council

(Bearskin Lake, Sachigo Lake, Cat Lake, Koocheching, North Caribou Lake, Slate Falls, Whitewater Lake)