Who We Are
We are Deshkaan Ziibing Anishinaabeg, also known as Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. We are a forward-thinking Nation, deeply rooted in our traditional values and teachings. Guided by culture, heritage, and continued learning, we are working toward a future of self-governance that is strong socially, culturally, spiritually, and economically.
Southwestern Ontario is our modern traditional territory. We call ourselves Anishinaabeg—“the original people.” We are known as Ojibway, part of the Algonquin language family, who originally migrated to the Great Lakes region from the northeast of North America. Our Nation maintains strong political alliances with the Odawa (Ottawa) and Bodaywadami (Potawatomi), together forming the Three Fires Confederacy.
Our community is located along the north bank of the Thames River, about 20 km southwest of London, Ontario. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation was established in 1760, and our Nation continues to assert title to the Thames River waterbed. Today, our land base comprises 3,331 hectares of unceded territory in Southwestern Ontario.
Our Treaty History
The Longwoods Treaty (1818–1822)
The Longwoods Treaty is unique in Canada. Unlike most treaties—where many Nations were grouped together—this treaty was negotiated solely by the leadership of Chippewas of the Thames. The Treaty area covers approximately 900 square miles (about 580,000 acres).
In the fall of 1818, the King’s representative met with our Chiefs to purchase land. The Chippewas agreed, but on their own terms. These terms form part of what we now call the “spirit and intent” of the treaty. Three written versions of the Treaty followed—in 1819, 1820, and 1822—recorded in English and based on British real estate law.
Why Three Versions?
At first, the Crown intended to pay in goods, as it had done in 1790—pots, pans, knives, and cloth—in exchange for nearly three million acres of land. Our leaders refused to repeat that injustice. They demanded a fairer agreement, successfully negotiating for an annual cash annuity of $2,400, payable forever. To this day, Chippewas of the Thames continues to receive this payment each year.
Other Treaty Relationships
In addition to the Longwoods Treaty of 1822, Chippewas of the Thames is also a signatory, alongside other First Nations, to:
- London Township Treaty (1796)
- Sombra Treaty (1796)
- McKee Treaty (1790)
- Treaty #29 (1827)
All of these agreements are pre-Confederation treaties, signed before Canada became a country in 1867. These treaties remain central to our Nation’s rights-based approach today.