Resources

May 19th, 2020

Lindsay Lambert has written a letter to the Editor of the Ottawa Citizen, our local newspaper. ====================== Dear Editor,        Blair Crawford states in his article on the great celebrations of VE-Day that “Canada’s National War Memorial… in memory of the First, was hastily converted with the addition of the years 1939-1945 to its base. […]

April 5th, 2020

This is a legal opinion by lawyer Douglas R. Adams concerning the Chaudière Islands as lands reserved for public purposes. Adams bases his opinion on federal law and precedents. On the question of the Chaudière Islands, Adams concludes that because of the immeasurable value to the people of Canada, of the sacred lands and waters […]

April 5th, 2020

Free the Falls unanimously agrees to fully support the Kikokomisag Tiji Pikwakanagan / Algonquin grandmothers in the court case before the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in the assertion of all their traditional rights for all members of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation. Court document – Ontario Superior Court Case: 17-71837

July 4th, 2018

Akikodjiwan is a site of global significance. The late elder Grandfather William Commanda from Kitigan Zibi Algonquin Anishinabeg First Nation proposed a comprehensive vision for Chaudière, Albert and Victoria Islands. This vision included the re-naturalization of the islands and restoration of native flora. His legacy vision also proposed a mainly open-space area for all nations […]

June 15th, 2017

Join Indigenous and settler faith leaders for a peaceful walk on June 23rd. 10 a.m. —  Gather on Victoria Island (Booth Street) – Prayers and ceremonies 11 a.m. —  Walk to Parliament Hill 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Reach Parliament Hill – Speeches Albert Dumont, Anishinabe Elder, has put out a call for us to […]

March 22nd, 2017

Join us for a spectacular evening of inspiring music! This Concert is a fundraiser for Free the Falls & Cross Cultural Sound Exchange. The Heart of The Medicine Wheel A fundraising house concert Featuring: Keynote Speaker Algonquin Elder Albert Dumont Musicians: Tito Medina & Don-Sarazin Come at 6 pm if you wish to view the sacred […]

March 2nd, 2017

“The Algonquin Anishinabe Nation Quebec tribe has never surrendered its title to the Kichi Sibi lands,” says Kitigan Zibi Chief Jean Guy Whiteduck announcing his community had filed Aboriginal title claim with the Superior Court of Ontario on Wednesday, December 7th, 2016. The lawsuit seeks to have the aboriginal title recognized naming the Government of […]

January 5th, 2017

Join us for a fundraiser on Saturday, January 7 at 7 pm Black Direction House Concert

December 28th, 2016

Documents circulated Dec 6, 2016 by the City of Ottawa’s planning department point to Windmill Development Group’s leasing of lands on Chaudière and Albert Islands, while a Dec 7. statement of claim by Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, on behalf of the larger Algonquin Anishinabe Nation, names Chaudière and Albert Islands as part of a legal challenge […]

December 9th, 2016

It took a year and a few requests before Chief Harry St. Denis of Wolf Lake First Nation got word from the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) that Perry Bellegarde has done his job–something that wasn’t clear even 2 weeks ago. In fact, the National Chief’s July 2016 letter to officials who […]

November 30th, 2016

Chief Harry St. Denis of Wolf Lake First Nation wants to know if National Chief, Perry Bellegarde, has been accountable to the chiefs assembly that met last December in Gatineau. He is asking the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to tell him whether a resolution opposing the Zibi condo development, which […]

November 23rd, 2016

Ottawa’s Windmill Development Group has suffered a big financial loss and is now trying to make amends to disgruntled condo buyers at its Union Lofts project—built on the site of a former heritage church—in Toronto. Earlier this week, Toronto real estate agent Bob Aaron told the Toronto Star: “It’s a cautionary tale to read the […]

November 18th, 2016

In a written statement issued November 17, Justice Charles Hackland announced he will waive court costs sought by the City of Ottawa and the condo developer Windmill Development Group against the five individuals who challenged the City’s planning decision to rezone Chaudière and Albert Islands from parkland to commercial/residential, namely from public space to private […]

October 27th, 2016

On October 26, a panel of Divisional Court judges denied a motion by Douglas Cardinal and other appellants to “vary or rescind” Justice Hackland’s decision of May 26, 2016  October 26. “Despite strong arguments, the full panel dismissed the claim, saying it did not meet the very narrow test of showing that Justice Hackland had […]

October 19th, 2016

Historian and researcher, Lindsay Lambert, has written to Ellen Fry, the ombudsperson for the National Capital Commission. His letter sets out the framework by which the NCC can view its public responsibility to ensure an Indigenous stewardship of the sacred site Asinabka/Akikodjiwan. Dear Ms. Fry, For almost 70 years, the plan has been to reclaim […]

October 11th, 2016

Supporters of Douglas Cardinal will stand with him and other appellants as they spend another day in court fighting the rezoning of islands in the Ottawa River by the City of Ottawa, which supports Windmill Development Group’s bid to build condos on this Algonquin sacred site. On October 26, a panel of Divisional Court judges […]

September 18th, 2016

A tangled web of land deals points to Zibi condo sales being subject to the axiom: buyer beware! Documents from the Ontario Land Registry Office, in the form of Service Ontario’s Land Registry records, show that Windmill Dream Zibi Ontario Inc. has a five-year lease that it bought for $2 from Domtar Inc. in June […]

September 3rd, 2016

An article published by the National Observer on Sept. 1 raises important questions about Windmill Development’s influence on the designation it has received from One Planet Living, which has allowed the company to claim that it is creating “one of the world’s most sustainable communities” at its proposed Zibi condo site on sacred islands in […]

July 1st, 2016

July 1, 2016 — Local history expert and antique restorer, Lindsay Lambert, has written a letter to Canada as the country celebrates its 149th birthday. The letter outlines the events leading to the situation in which the National Capital Commission, City of Ottawa, and Algonquin peoples find themselves today: “For almost 70 years, the plan was […]

June 30th, 2016

A new video features the heartfelt words of Algonquin elders and their supporters who are opposed to the Zibi condos planned for the sacred site, Asinabka. Included in the video are Jeff Westeinde, Windmill Development Group; Romeo Saganash, New Democrat MP; Mariah, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community member; Elder Albert Dumont of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg; Lynn […]

June 24th, 2016

The Ottawa & District Labour Council has pledged support and made a donation in support of an Algonquin vision for the islands and waterfall that make up the sacred site, Asinabka. The resolution passed unanimously on June 15, 2016. Ottawa and District Labour Council (ODLC) Asinabka Resolution Whereas Algonquin Grandmothers and Elders have organized a […]

June 21st, 2016

Today, in celebration of National Aboriginal Day, a local group released a new video that chronicles what is at stake and why more than 500 people took to the streets of Ottawa on June 17. The historic It is Sacred walk on June 17 lifted the hearts and spirits of Indigenous and non-Indigenous supporters of […]

June 15th, 2016

A monument to broken promises. That’s how Algonquin two elders are describing the consequences of a condo and commercial development that Windmill Development Group is proposing for the sacred site Asinabka/Akikodjiwan. The plan “betrays municipal commitments to the late Algonquin Elder William Commanda, contradicts Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s pledge to reconcile relationships with First Peoples, […]

June 10th, 2016

Suzanne Keeptwo has written a passionate letter to Senator Murray Sinclair–the former chair of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission–asking that he “ask the prime minister to implement a moratorium until a Talking Circle can be instituted to peacefully talk this out and come to consensus with all concerned parties.” Keeptwo is a multi-faceted creative artist […]

June 8th, 2016

Media Release JUNE 7, OTTAWA – Wednesday evening’s panel discussion on the ‘Zibi’ development project will bring together speakers representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, but all sharing a common understanding that the development of the sacred Chaudiere Falls site needs to be stopped. WHAT: “Reconcilation Needs Justice – Stop Windmill’s ‘Zibi’ Condos on Sacred Algonquin […]

June 3rd, 2016

Algonquin elders are inviting people of all nations, faiths, and abilities to join them at a morning ceremony on Victoria Island–the eastern part of the sacred site Asinabka–followed by a walk to Parliament Hill on June 17. Details and background about an event that promises to culminate in a massive show of support for the […]

June 2nd, 2016

With the launch of their website StopWindmill.ca, committed labour and student activists in the nation’s capital have organized a public meeting on June 8 in support of the It Is Sacred ceremony and walk to Parliament Hill set for June 17. The coalition represents six labour and student groups that are vowing to #stopWindmill. Each […]

June 1st, 2016

Professor Noel Salmond, who supports an Indigenous vision for Chaudière Falls and Its Islands has developed “Ten Reasons Why Putting Condos All Over Chaudière Island Is Not Like Me Putting An Addition On My House.”        by Noel Salmond (used with permission) A partner at Windmill Development Group, Jeff Westeinde, says that building […]

May 27th, 2016

Media Release from May 27, 2016 ================================================== The massive June 17 sacred walk planned for the Chaudiere Falls site (Akikodjiwan / Asinabka) in Ottawa/Gatineau will now be holding the extra weight that an Ontario Superior Court judge shrugged off in his ruling yesterday (May 26) – the responsibility of recognizing and protecting the sacredness of […]

May 17th, 2016

“Where water spills, life begins! The fish, birds, animals and plantations are already aware of their sacred instructions. Only we, the human beings, have lost our way. This is why we must defend Asinabka, our most sacred site.” These words from Albert Dumont, an Aboriginal Elder linked to the National Capital Region (NCR) branch of […]

May 6th, 2016

Chiefs from the Algonquin Nation Secretariat (ANS) are asking Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief, Perry Bellegarde, to “urgently issue” a letter advising the Crown governments, the NCC and Windmill Development Group of a resolution passed during the AFN’s Special Chiefs Assembly in December 2015. The resolution calls for protection of the Algonquin Sacred […]

May 5th, 2016

With the release of a letter from the Algonquin Nation Secretariat (ANS) to the National Capital Commission (NCC) today, the question of conflict of interest within that federal institution looms large. The First Nations represented by the ANS have also issued a news release [PDF loads] that sets out their concerns about a senior staff […]

April 25th, 2016

In a new letter to federal cabinet ministers, the head of the Greenspace Alliance, Erwin Dreesen, has reiterated the concerns set out three months ago by three prominent environmental organizations in Ottawa. Their original letter in support of greening the islands, dated January 26, 2016, announced, “we have decided to speak for the land, the […]

April 15th, 2016

Renowned architect Douglas Cardinal, whose iconic buildings include the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., is a long-time admirer of Mahatma Gandhi.  He pursued architectural studies at the University of British Columbia and received his architectural degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He […]

April 13th, 2016

Do you have good walking shoes? Spiritual grandmothers from Pikwakanagan First Nation on unceded Algonquin territory are organizing a sacred walk on May 30, 2016 in Ottawa. More details will be available closer to the date.

March 26th, 2016

Shanghai Restaurant and China Doll FUNdraiser! 8 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at 651 Somerset St W A Karaoke Party to raise funds for Freeing Chaudière Falls and its Islands. Suggested donation $10 at the door, cash only. Classic Shang Finger Foods included! Presentation by Albert Dumont (South Wind) 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at Carleton […]

March 21st, 2016

A press release today from the chiefs of three Algonquin First Nations describes the recent Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) ratification vote as evidence of how the AOO process initiated in 1992 lacks legitimacy. “The governments of Ontario and Canada have a legal duty to consult and accommodate the Algonquin communities who assert an interest in […]

March 17th, 2016

Where else does a vote or referendum allow for two classes of voters to exist, thus spawning general confusion about whose voices are valid when the results emerge? This question has emerged today as Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) released official vote results (PDF will load) on the ratification process related to its Agreement in Principle (AIP). […]

March 8th, 2016

Challenging Development is part of the morning program (with session chair, Karen Green of Carleton University) at a day-long student-centered conference slated for Saturday, March 19. The session of most interest to our supporters will be held 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and features these presentations: A Tale of Two Reconciliations in Environmental Planning: The […]

February 29th, 2016

Four individuals who appealed the City of Ottawa’s rezoning of Chaudière and Albert Islands to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) will appear in court on March 9, 2016 with a motion for leave to appeal the OMB’s dismissal of their original appeals. A Feb. 24 date for this case was postponed when the court decided […]

February 26th, 2016

For the Protection of the Akikodjiwan Falls and Islands (Chaudière Falls and Islands) and to Voice our opposition to the “Zibi” project, please join Chochoakine Nika (Mother Earth Goose) and ANORW ( Anishnabe Nation of the Ottawa River Watershed) and allies in a Peaceful Rally from Victoria Island to The Parliament buildings this upcoming Sunday, February […]

February 23rd, 2016

The court appearance by four individuals expecting to file a motion for leave to appeal an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) decision of Nov. 2015 related to the City of Ottawa’s rezoning of Chaudière and Albert Islands has been cancelled. A new date has yet to be set. Court officials advised the appellants on Feb. 22 […]

February 22nd, 2016

An Outaouais website designed for use by high school teachers and students provides compelling images of Chaudière waterfall and a map that shows the extent of traditional Algonquin occupation of lands along the Kitchi Sibi (Great River) in the 1600s.   The website segment called Asticou, the Roaring Godhead, refers to the spiritual significance of […]

February 18th, 2016

Four individuals who appealed the City of Ottawa’s rezoning of Chaudière and Albert Islands to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) will return to court on Feb. 24, 2016 with a motion for leave to appeal the OMB’s dismissal of their original appeals. WHERE: Ontario Divisional Court, Motions Court. 160 Elgin Street. Room not yet assigned. […]

February 14th, 2016

Chris White of CKCU radio at Carleton University devoted an hour on Feb. 12 to hearing from Chief Harry St. Denis of Wolf Lake First Nation and from Dr. Peter Stockdale. Chief St. Denis is one of 10 Algonquin Chiefs asserting Indigenous land rights in order to protect the sacred site, Akikodjiwan, from a condo […]

February 8th, 2016

The Year of the Monkey begins today, and friends in the Chinese community are opening the doors of the Shanghai restaurant for a wingding fundraiser on Friday Feb. 19. Did you know?  Celebrations around the lunar new year last for two weeks. This year’s astrological animal is the monkey, in the fire element. Wearing red underwear will […]

February 5th, 2016

A meeting earlier today in Ottawa between 10 Algonquin chiefs has had promising results. Here’s an insider’s view of how events unfolded. Timing for the next meeting has not been announced, but the chiefs have asked to meet with Ministers from the federal Cabinet, not with the head of the NCC. That’s what nation-to-nation consultations […]

January 31st, 2016

Nine Algonquin First Nation chiefs who asserted Indigenous land rights to the sacred site Akikodjiwan in 2015 will be meeting with the National Capital Commission (NCC) on Feb. 5, 2016 in Ottawa. The meeting was announced in a press release from Wendake, territory of the Wendat Nation. It follows support for the chiefs’ position by […]

January 27th, 2016

At a public meeting hosted by Ecology Ottawa in 2015, Windmill Development Group partner Jeff Westeinde said the city of Ottawa “does not need more parks.” This was in response to a question about rezoning of Chaudière and Albert Island by the City of Ottawa from parkland to commercial/residential—a municipal decision that remains before the […]

January 18th, 2016

“I received a letter from the Prime Minister which may or may not have been a response to my personal letter. It did not address the issues raised,” said 83-year-old Dr. Cecil King on January 15 from his home in Saskatoon. What did Dr. King’s letter to the Prime Minister (PM)say that the PM has […]

January 18th, 2016

Quebec activist Gabriel Luneau has launched a video (his first in English) that puts Justin Trudeau–and his government Ministers–on notice that it’s time to walk the talk on the new government’s support for Indigenous rights. One of the Indigenous land rights that Gabriel highlights is support for the sacred site Akikodjiwan. He urges the Prime […]

January 17th, 2016

British Columbia has learned the hard way that it was wrong to disregard coastal First Nations and their opposition to the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal. It’s a lesson that the National Capital Commission (NCC) must also heed for moral and legal reasons. A searing victory for First Nations at the B.C. Supreme Court on Jan. […]

January 12th, 2016

On Saturday, January 16, plan to attend a free screening of DamNation—the 2014 documentary about how people in North America are fighting to release rivers big and small from their concrete prisons. The weekend screening will begin at 7 p.m. in Room 150, Marion Building, 140 Louis Pasteur Private at the University of Ottawa. Share […]

January 7th, 2016

One of our activist supporters has identified a BBC broadcast that contains important words from Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner, Justice Murray Sinclair on the topic of building a new relationship between the nation state of Canada and First Nations. He was speaking at a public event held at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, on […]

December 23rd, 2015

With a new federal government committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and with the duty of federal departments to consult with legitimate First Nations clearly upheld by courts in Manitoba, the NCC needs to agree that the time has come to do just that. As a federal body with land holdings, the National Capital Commission […]

December 18th, 2015

Dream Unlimited Corp. and Windmill Development Group can make a bold move to build an eco-friendly community at LeBreton Flats. And the National Capital Commission (NCC) can help them shift from unceded Algonquin sacred space on the islands to a welcoming site adjacent to the City of Ottawa’s new LRT station, Pimisi. Some background: In […]

December 18th, 2015

Come to a free screening of DamNation on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 on the U of Ottawa campus. Our events page has all the details.

December 16th, 2015

Protecting the sacred Chaudière Falls site – Asinabka/Akikodjiwan – from Windmill’s “Zibi” condo development Panel discussion and musical performances. Topics to be addressed include the spiritual significance of the area, Aboriginal land title and rights, the Asinabka vision of the late Algonquin leader Grandfather William Commanda for the site, Algonquin communities’ perspectives, settler/ally activism on […]

December 11th, 2015

We can plan to have a presence at the December 15 release of the TRC’s full and final report. The event will occur at the Shaw Centre (formerly Ottawa Convention Centre) in Ottawa and it’s possible to buy free tickets to attend it. Only those with tickets will be allowed to enter this final, public […]

December 9th, 2015

In a surprise move, chiefs at the AFN’s National Chiefs’ Assembly voted late yesterday to support Resolution #7. The surprise is not in their support, but that the resolution came to a vote so early in the Assembly. The resolution requires that the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Perry Bellegarde, communicate the […]

December 8th, 2015

Resolution #7 having to do with Protection of Algonquin Sacred Waterfalls Area: Akikodjiwan Kitchi Zibi will be presented at the AFN Special Chiefs’ Assembly that opened this morning in Gatineau, Quebec. Full text of the 4-page draft resolution (PDF will load) is expected to come before the chiefs’ assembly on Thursday. Based on articles from […]

December 5th, 2015

Canada Post allows Canadians to send letters to Santa Claus for free. The same thing applies to any letter going to a any federal politicians on Parliament Hill, no matter what the season. Four Algonquin First Nation chiefs who want recognition of and nation-to-nation talks in support of their vision for the sacred site Akikodjiwan […]

November 30th, 2015

About 25 people gathered in Ottawa on Nov. 20 in support of 14 former cleaning staff in Toronto who are pursuing legal action alleging unfair labour practices by contracting companies hired by Dream Office REIT. A subsidiary of Dream Unlimited Corp., (in the condo partnership of Dream Windmill), Dream Office REIT is facing allegations from […]

November 25th, 2015

  The chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Jean Guy Whiteduck, has seconded a resolution passed by the Assembly of First Nations-Quebec Labrador (AFN-QL) on November 19 that opposes the so-called Zibi condo project slated to be built on sacred, unceded Algonquin territory. Full text of the resolution (PDF will load)  (French PDF here) passed by the […]

November 23rd, 2015

Do you have friends that want to know what is at stake and what has been happening to keep Algonquin visions for the islands and for Chaudière Falls alive? Thanks to Greg Macdougall of Equitable Education, this summary of recent events may be just what you need to inform others–and perhaps fill gaps in your own knowledge. […]

November 11th, 2015

Come together on November 13th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Victoria Island to celebrate the culture of the Anishnabe people and to voice opposition to the Windmill and Energy Ottawa developments on this sacred site. A press conference will be held where Elders and influential leaders from the community will speak on why they are opposed […]

November 9th, 2015

Many thanks to a volunteer who videotaped the words of three esteemed elders at our Nov. 2 event on Victoria Island. Watch the unedited video of short speeches by Evelyn Commanda (daughter of Elder William Commanda); Anishinabe architect Douglas Cardinal; and acclaimed author and activist John Ralston Saul.

November 4th, 2015

Every one of the 3,200 signatures on this online petition comes from a person whose support we appreciate. Gita Baack, who started the petition, was gratified when acclaimed author, John Ralston Saul, signed a paper version she ceremoniously presented to him at a media event on November 2. (Use Explorer browser for best viewing of […]

November 2nd, 2015

Algonquin elder Evelyn Commanda,  Anishinabe architect Douglas Cardinal, and acclaimed writer John Ralston Saul told the media today that a proposal to build “green” condos on two islands in the Ottawa River, at the foot of sacred Chaudière waterfall, must include true consultations with Algonquin First Nations. The event attracted about 70 people, a host of […]

November 2nd, 2015

Not keen to carry a placard? Wondering what the term “information picket” means for the public event that will occur on Saturday November 7? “An information picket is a chance to have friendly conversations with potential buyers as they enter the site, and to share information about the ongoing legal dispute over the land and […]

November 2nd, 2015

A new blog post entitled Akikodjiwan by Algonquin Elder Albert Dumont says: “There is no place more sacred in my ancestral land than Akikodjiwan. People have gathered there at the waterfall since time immemorial to better themselves in their spirituality.”

November 1st, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2015 PRESS CONFERENCE RE: FUTURE OF CHAUDIÈRE FALLS AND THE ISLANDS TIME: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2015 AT 13:00 HRS. PLACE: VICTORIA ISLAND The Vision of the Sacred Islands: Our Heritage for over 10,000 years – As explained by Evelyn Commanda, Douglas Cardinal, and John Ralston Saul. Elder Evelyn Commanda, Architect […]

October 31st, 2015

Four First Nation Algonquin communities have articulated three demands and are asking for broad support for their vision for Akikodjiwan (sacred waterfall and islands in the Ottawa River). Please respond now to this urgent call for support. “Endorse our list of demands in order to build pressure on the federal, provincial, municipal governments and corporations, particularly […]

October 28th, 2015

THE BATTLE TO SAVE SACRED ALGONQUIN LAND ON THE CHAUDIÈRE ISLANDS FROM WINDMILL CORPORATION’S “CONDO-LAND” PROJECT IS ABOUT TO ESCALATE!   After initial legal and political skirmishes, the real battle against Windmill Corporation’s money grab on the Chaudière Islands (the old “Domtar lands”) is about to begin. On Saturday November 7, between 10 AM and 2 […]

October 24th, 2015

Justin Trudeau was just elected Prime Minister. Will he fulfil his election promises to indigenous people? For example, he said he would give indigenous people a veto over development in their territories, and that he would implement all 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Sign the petition to him and the federal […]

October 21st, 2015

Singer/Songwriter Vela recently created a music video titled “Reconciliation River”.  It merges imagery of the swirling waters and nature of Chaudière Falls and its islands with a powerful message of reconciliation. The message of the song pushes for reconciliation between settlers and indigenous people, to free the Chaudière Falls from the ring dam that holds […]

October 6th, 2015

Since it went live 3 days ago, our new online petition has had so many signatures that Change.org today listed it as a trending petiton on its federal election website. The petition calls on federal party leaders to honour Indigenous stewardship of Chaudiere Falls and the three islands that have long been considered sacred to […]

October 5th, 2015

Sign this new petition: —> Petition to Federal Party Leaders <— Spread it far and wide!  

October 1st, 2015

In light of Energy Ottawa’s excavation in and around Chaudière Island in recent weeks, and because federal and municipal officials have not responded to the chiefs’ August 29 call for a meeting, four Algonquin chiefs have written a new letter dated Sept. 30, 2015. Chief Harry St. Denis, Chief Terrance McBride, Chief Lance Haymond and […]

October 1st, 2015

In a strongly worded letter, the First Nations Leadership Council of B.C. has pledged its support for Akikodjiwan, the Algonquin vision for stewardship of three sacred islands and a dammed waterfall in the Ottawa River. Released on September 21, the letter calls on the National Capital Commission and the municipalities of Gatineau and Ottawa, which […]

October 1st, 2015

Freeing Chaudière Falls and its Islands is calling for continued not-for-profit ownership of Energy Ottawa, and for excavations and expansion of the shoreline near Chaudière Island by Energy Ottawa to stop until real consultations are held with Algonquin First Nations by the National Capital Commission and City of Ottawa.    October 1, 2015–Windmill Development Group […]

September 25th, 2015

Mark your calendar for the best dam movie of 2014. This is your chance to see the documentary that makes the case for decommissioning dams in the United States. Extrapolate to Canada, if your imagination allows this. Here are details about the screening, which is free and part of Peace Week in Ottawa.   

September 22nd, 2015

In his response to a letter from four Algonquin chiefs, Metis/Blackfoot elder and world renown architect Douglas Cardinal has confirmed his support for Akikodjiwan. “I fully support your position and believe your proposed approach for restoring and protecting your Algonquin sacred area Akikodjiwan (including the waterfront in Gatineau and the Chaudiere, Albert and Victoria Islands in […]

September 17th, 2015

Prominent Canadians with Indigenous and non-Indigenous roots are shaking up the political and social order by urging Canadians to sign The Leap manifesto. The Leap’s manifesto contains stark reflections of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, including the need to implement UNDRIP. If you are excited about supporting The Leap’s bold vision for […]

August 26th, 2015

Algonquin Elder Albert Dumont was part of a panel discussion about “Unceded Algonquin Territory” on August 22nd at the Arboretum Festival, held on Albert Island. In his recent blog post, he questions views asserted by other panelists about the private development of the sacred islands and expresses the deep need for spirituality in today’s world: “This […]

August 19th, 2015

Five Algonquin First Nations are calling for protection of the important Algonquin site on the Ottawa River, and stating their opposition to the re-zoning of Chaudiere and Albert Islands for Windmill’s condo development. The First Nations are Wolf Lake, Timiskaming, Eagle Village, Barriere Lake and Long Point. Read the joint statement from four of the […]

August 17th, 2015

Chief Kirby Whiteduck of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation recently published an Op-Ed in the Ottawa Citizen in which he wrote that “a small but vocal number of groups and individuals” have “come out speaking against the Zibi project, purportedly on behalf of the Algonquin-Anishinabe.” The Freeing the Falls and Its Islands group wishes to […]

August 11th, 2015

Since the planting of the Peace Tree on the part of Asinabka known as Victoria Island in July, many people have been caring for the small white pine. Asinabka is the part of the Ottawa River that holds the Chaudière Falls and three islands below the falls. During a visit to Asinabka to care for […]

August 10th, 2015

Supporters of five appellants will gather on the morning of Monday, August 17 in downtown Ottawa before walking to City Hall for the continuation of a pre-hearing before the Ontario Municipal Board. The OMB pre-hearing will start at 10 a.m. in the Keefer Room of City Hall. The appellants’ case against the City of Ottawa […]

August 7th, 2015

We invite all who are interested to attend a friendly afternoon gathering on August 16. We will meet on Victoria Island to discuss and celebrate the islands and the sacred Chaudière Falls. The organizers have been meeting at the island for a couple of weeks. By sitting together and sharing food and talk, we have […]

August 5th, 2015

Come to a free screening of DamNation, a documentary that tells the story of grassroots people working to free the dammed rivers of the U.S. Made in 2014, the film takes you from coast to coast in the lower 48 where dams, large and small, are being decommissioned and rivers are flowing free again. The […]

August 5th, 2015

Three local authors have published an article in Peace and Environment News. The authors set out how a truly green vision for the islands in the Ottawa River will put the industrial past to rest by giving sacred islands a chance to to regenerate. It also supports freeing Chaudière Falls from the ring dam and […]

August 3rd, 2015

An opinion piece in the Centretown BUZZ by a local activist, Debra Huron, criticizes the National Capital Commission for allowing Windmill Development Group to do consultations the NCC had promised to do itself. How can a federally funded body get away with handing Indigenous consultations to the private company that stands to benefit from the […]

July 23rd, 2015

Chris White of CKCU, one of Ottawa’s independent radio stations, interviewed Métis artist, dancer, and activist Jaime Koebel about the unqiue Indigenous Walks she hosts in Ottawa’s downtown core and about her views on an Indigenous vision for Chaudière Falls and the islands in the Ottawa River. Here is an excerpt from the interview. Jaime […]

July 10th, 2015

Please join us in welcoming Anishinabe Grandmother Josephine Mandamin and the amazing Water Walkers by attending our Welcoming Ceremony on traditional Algonquin Territory. Ceremonies will be lead by local and visiting Elders. Come listen to the Anishinabe Teachings firsthand. A Community Feast will follow. All are welcome! Where: Victoria Island (100 Middle Street, Ottawa, ON) […]

July 9th, 2015

When Tim Yearington first saw drawings for Asinabka that architect Douglas Cardinal created for the Chaudière Falls and the three islands at its base, he saw a large, natural geo-form in the shape of a bird. Tim is a teacher, story-teller and elder who sits on the board of the Odawa Native Friendship Centre in […]

July 5th, 2015

Water is Sacred. Water is Our Responsibility. Water is a Human Right. This Sacred Water Walk follows an important course in the Anishinabe people’s history, which has been taught from generation to generation by the Elders. Through this Walk, the Water Walkers are raising awareness on preserving the integrity of the water along this route. […]

June 30th, 2015

  To Free Chaudière Falls is the top pick of people in an Ottawa City Hall survey for celebrating 2017!!! This includes a central park between Ottawa and Gatineau as Jacques Greber and MacKenzie King wanted. It includes building a National Indigenous Centre as Grandfather William Commanda, Douglas Cardinal and Jean Pigott envisioned. Now we just […]

June 25th, 2015

In the west, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon will participate in an historic event on June 26, 2015 in San Francisco. Walkers and Indigenous leaders arriving in San Francisco will witness the signing of a declaration for Indigenous Peoples Independence Day. In the north, walkers representing the Anishinaabe Nation of the Ottawa […]

June 18th, 2015

As more and more people talk about the best way to honour the islands in the Ottawa River, respected elder Albert Dumont adds his views to the debate in this recent blog post. A positive sign is that Windmill Development Group is currently focusing its attention only on the Gatineau portion of its proposal. In […]

June 15th, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2015 Please note that the appellant named at the end of this release is available to speak to the media, and that some appellants are currently filing objections to the OMB related to aspects of the proceedings. OMB appeal on rezoning of Ottawa River islands adjourned to August A pre-hearing […]

June 5th, 2015

All Canadians can choose to stand in solidarity with Algonquin/Anishinaabeg nations opposing the Dream Corp./Windmill mega-project at Chaudière Falls. These islands and the waters around them must remain a public space open to all nations, as evoked by the late Kitigan Zibi elder William Commanda. Based on principles of justice, here are 10 reasons to […]

May 31st, 2015

Come out to support the Preliminary Hearing for the appeal to oppose the rezoning of the Chaudiere & Albert Islands June 3.  The appellants claim the City of Ottawa, Domtar, the National Capital Commission and Windmill Development Group “are not following the Rule of Law. The federal government signed a charter that recognizes the United […]

May 11th, 2015

A promise yet to be fulfilled There’s a buzz in the air as Canada’s capital city gets ready to welcome thousands of people to mark the end of the federal government’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). On April 8, a group of TRC walkers left Cochrane, ON en route to Ottawa. Their goal is to […]

April 12th, 2014