Press release of the Anishinabeg Aki Mikinak Kichi Sibi Land Trust
Kebaowek, October 28, 2025 – The Kebaowek, Temiscaming and Long Point First Nations are celebrating a historic moment with the acquisition of Fitzpatrick Island, a 34-hectare island known in Anishinaabemowin as Manido Namitic. This marks the first conservation project of its kind on private land in Quebec. This milestone results from over six years of collaboration between the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), the Government of Quebec, and the three First Nations, an unprecedented advancement in Indigenous-led private land conservation and stewardship.
Manido Namitic was purchased from the Hynes family through the Projet de partenariat pour les milieux naturels, an initiative through which NCC and its partners received over $53 million in financial support from the Government of Quebec. The property was then transferred to the newly created Aki Mikinak Kichi Sibi Land Trust. This transfer was carried out in partnership between NCC, the First Nations, and the Government of Quebec under the Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) project, which fosters the creation and recognition of protected areas on private lands.
For the First Nations of Kebaowek, Témiscaming, and Long Point, this project ensures the long-term protection of the island and its cultural and spiritual significance by the Mamowiinini (Algonquin people) through the Anishinabeg Aki Mikinak Kichi Sibi Land Trust, as a recognized Milieu Naturel de Conservation Volontaire (MNCV). In the future, Manido Namitic could also be designated by the First Nations of the Aki Mikinal Kichi Sibi Land Trust as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) under Algonquin governance and law.
This project was made possible thanks to the generous financial support and vision of numerous donors who helped NCC acquire the island with the support of the Quebec Government through the Partenariat pour les milieux naturels project, as well as Copernicus Educational Products, Dr. Philippe Blais, the Natural Heritage Conservation Program of Environment and Climate Change of Canada’s Nature Fund, and the TD Bank Group. Deep gratitude is extended to all contributors whose commitment has ensure the protection of this unique ecological, cultural, and spiritual sanctuary.
“We are honoured to have played a role in this historic initiative and proud to support the leadership of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation in protecting Manido Namitic,” said Claire Ducharme, Vice-president at the Nature Conservancy of Canada in Quebec. “This project reflects the power of collaboration and a shared vision for conservation. It is a moment of celebration, and we are eager to continue supporting this important work for generations to come.”
A Place of Deep Connection and Knowledge
The Algonquin-Anishinabeg Nations have always held profound spiritual and ecological relationships with the Kichi Sibi (Great River) and its tributaries. Our ancestors have lived and travelled throughout this watershed since time immemorial, drawing sustenance, guidance, and spiritual strength from Aki (the Earth) and Sibi (the River).
Manido Namitic is a place of exceptional biodiversity and cultural heritage. It is home to ancient trees, rare wildflowers, endangered mussels, and the longest known network of underwater karst caves in Canada. The island’s limestone alvars, once the site of territorial gatherings, now host a rich mosaic of life that sustained Algonquin communities for generations. It also bears traces of historic wild rice cultivation, a testament to the ingenuity and sustainable land stewardship of our ancestors.
“The return of Manido Namitic to Algonquin governance is more than a land transfer — it is an act of reconciliation in action. This island holds the stories of our ancestors and the lifeways that sustained them, and it will now be protected under our own laws, guided by our responsibilities to the land and water. Today, we are not just reclaiming territory, we are ensuring that future generations can learn, gather, and thrive here, as our people have since time immemorial,” said Chief Lance Haymond of Kebaowek First Nation.
This island is not only a haven for endangered species such as the map turtle, butternut tree and pinesap, but also a living classroom and a sacred gathering place. It will serve as a space where Elders can transmit knowledge, language, and culture to youth — free from modern distractions and grounded in the Medicine Wheel and the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
A Shared Path Forward
Looking to the future, we are committed to preserving the ecological integrity and cultural richness of this island. The Aki Mikinak Kichi Sibi Land Trust, together with the Algonquin Anishinabeg communities and partners such as NCC, Dr. André Martel and the Canadian Museum of Nature, will integrate traditional knowledge and Western science to ensure the island’s stewardship is guided by the wisdom of both worlds.
The return of Manido Namitic is an act of healing and a powerful affirmation of Ona’ken’age’win (Algonquin law), which binds us to care for all beings and the waters that sustain us. It reaffirms our rights, cultural protocols, and responsibilities to protect Aki Sibi for generations to come.
Summer Celebration and Next Steps
To mark this historic return, the community recently gathered for a day of ceremony, celebration and cultural sharing, bringing together Elders, youth and guests from across the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation. The event included traditional songs, dances and activities symbolizing the living connection to Manido Namitic and the collective commitment to its protection.
In recognition of this meaningful milestone, a dedicated fund has been established to support the Aki Mikinak Kichi Sibi Land Trust’s ongoing management, conservation, and cultural revitalization efforts. Contributions will help strengthen this sacred responsibility and build a lasting legacy of care and connection.
Quotes
“The project with Manido Namitic to the Aki Mikinal Kichi Sibi Land Trust represents a significant step toward conservation guided by Indigenous vision and knowledge. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is honoured to contribute its expertise and resources in support of this leadership. Together, we aim to protect the ecological and cultural value of this unique place in a spirit of collaboration and respect, for the benefit of future generations.” — Claire Ducharme, Vice-President, Nature Conservancy of Canada – Quebec
“Thanks to the leadership of the Anishinabeg Aki Mikinak Kichi Sibi Land Trust and the support of Nature Conservancy of Canada, the conservation of Manido Namitic (Fitzpatrick Island) represents an important step forward in protecting species at risk and promoting Indigenous-led stewardship in Quebec. Through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, we are proud to support projects that protect lands of ecological and cultural significance for generations to come.” — The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The conservation of Manido Namitic (Fitzpatrick Island) demonstrates that Indigenous stewardship and community partnerships can protect not only nature, but also cultural heritage. I commend the Anishinabeg Aki Mikinak Kichi Sibi Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy of Canada for their leadership in safeguarding these lands in Quebec for future generations.” — The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
About the Aki Mikinak Kichi Sibi Land Trust
The Land Trust currently includes the Kebaowek, Long Point, and Témiscaming First Nations. While these three communities founded the trust, all communities of the wider Algonquin Nation have been invited to join, and the door remains open for future participation.
About Kebaowek First Nation
The Kebaowek (Kipawa) First Nation Band Council ensures effective local governance and administration under the leadership of our Chief and Council. Proudly representing our community, the Council is an integral part of the broader Anishnabeg Algonquin Nation, rich in heritage and strong traditional values. Located approximately 80 km west of North Bay, Ontario and near the town of Temiscaming, Quebec, the Kebaowek reserve spans 21.49 hectares along the Ottawa River, land that is both rich and deeply significant to its people.
About Quebec Government Programs
The Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) project is a co-funding agreement between the Government of Quebec and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) benefiting conservation organizations across the province. It supports the protection of ecologically significant natural areas through the acquisition of private lands, the creation of protected areas, and the establishment of ecological corridors. The ACSQ enhances the development and management of Quebec’s private protected areas network while promoting public access to nature.
The Partenariat pour les milieux naturels (PPMN) project is a $53-million grant from the Government of Quebec to NCC over four years (2020–2024). Through partnerships with provincial conservation organizations, the PPMN supported voluntary conservation initiatives aimed at protecting high-value natural environments, strengthening the provincial network of private protected areas.
About Environment and Climate Change Canada
The Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) of Environment and Climate Change Canada is a unique partnership that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private lands or interests in land. To date, the Government of Canada has invested over $500 million in the program, matched by over $1 billion raised by NCC, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Canada’s land trust community—resulting in the protection of nearly 800,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
Source: Kebaowek First Nation and Nature Conservancy Canada
Contacts
Kebaowek First Nation
Mathilde Robitaille-Lefebvre Media Relations
m.robitaille-lefebvre@seize03.ca
819-852-4762
Nature Conservancy Canada
Elizabeth Sbaglia
Director of Communications and Marketing
elizabeth.sbaglia@natureconservancy.ca
438-806-2619