Cultural Experiences

“Atikokan” is believed to be derived from Ojibwa-Chippewa, meaning “caribou bones” or “caribou crossing”. Numerous rock paintings and lake names attest to the native legacy of the Atikokan-Quetico area, an area blessed by Queticom, the Ojibwa Spirit of Unusual Beauty.

Atikokan Proudly Resides on Treaty #3 Land

The Grand Council Treaty #3 exists in the territory of the Anishinaabe Nation, key to Canadian Confederation in that the British wanted to plan a route between Fort Garry and Fort William (now Winnipeg, MB and Thunder Bay, ON respectively).

Grand Council Treaty #3 is 55,000 sq. miles spanning from west of Thunder Bay to north of Sioux Lookout, along the international border, to the province of Manitoba. It’s made up of 28 First Nation communities, with a total population of approximately 25,000. Two of these First Nation communities, Seine River First Nation and Lac La Croix First Nation, are located just outside of Atikokan and maintain a strong relationship with the community.

Atikokan is also proud of its ties with the local Metis community and is fortunate to have the Métis Nation of Ontario represented here through our local Atikokan Métis Council.