Community Profile
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.
The current reservations lands are located approximately 19 km west of the Greater City of Sudbury, near Lively, On. 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% living on reserve and 80% off reserve. 70% of those off reserve live in the Greater City of Sudbury area.
The community has grown significantly throughout the years. Currently, there over 140 houses located in the community, over 20 businesses and 30 cottages owned by residents on various lakes throughout the First Nation. Along the northern shores of Lake Penage, 43.5 acres of land was surrendered for cottage leasing purposes. Currently, there are 97 lots that have road access to the cottages. Not only is it road accessible but electricity and telephone services are available for the cottagers. We have a diverse landscape that includes residential, commercial, light industrial, sacred and institutional lands.
Band Government falls under section 74 of the Indian Act. Elections are held every two years. In 2004, Chief and Council passed an ‘Order in Council’ to limit the number of Councillors elected into Office to seven (7). Band meetings are held bi-weekly. Each council member holds a portfolio based upon the organizational structure of the First Nation. The First Nation Government belongs to a variety of political organizations including:
First Nations Financial Management Board
First Nations Major Projects Coalition
Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce
First Nation Land Management Act
Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin Limited Partnership
Eshkaa Niibish Development Inc.