Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation
The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation (), formerly known as the Golden Lake First Nation, are an Algonquin First Nation in Ontario, Canada. Their territory is located in the former township of South Algona (now part of Bonnechere Valley) in the Ottawa Valley on Golden Lake. As of October, 2008, the registered population of the First Nation was 1,992 people, of which only 406 people lived on their own reserve. History. The name "Pikwàkanagàn" comes from the Algonquin, meaning "[beautiful] hilly country [covered] in evergreens" or simply "a hilly place". Families. Commonly known families associated with  the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn include: Amikons, Aird, Baptiste, Benoit, Bernard, Commanda, Cooke, Jocko, Kohoko, Lavalley, Leclaire, Meness, Sarazin, Tennisco, Two-Axe and Whiteduck. In September 1856, five families petitioned the Governor General for a grant of of land per family since their hunting grounds had been opened up for settlement and sale. Their request was denied. However, on September 17, 1873, the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn received Crown Patent to a total of , which became the First Nation's reserve. Many Algonquin skills are still practiced among the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn though assimilation with surrounding non-native communities and enforced Residential  schooling has affected their people, including several generations of their population raised without their culture, language and traditions. Now efforts are being made to bring culture, language and tradition into the forefront of their lives. Community members still participate in harvesting for food and fur, an annual powwow unites people and tribes, food, and crafting skills have survived and language skills though greatly diminished are being introduced into the community again. Culture. Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin (the Algonquin Way Cultural Centre) and the Manido Chiman Museum are located at 1674 Mishomis Inamo, Pikwakanagan First Nation. Governance. The First Nation's leadership is  determined though the Custom Electoral System, consisting of a chief and six councillors. The current Chief is Wendy Jocko. The councillors are Jim Meness, Dan Kohoko, Ron Bernard, Wendy Jocko, Barbara Sarazin and Steven Benoit. Their term will end in March 2020. The council is an independent member of the Anishnabek Nation, a political organization representing many of the First Nations not located in the far northern Ontario. Reserve. The First Nation have reserved for themselves the Pikwakanagan Indian Reserve, formerly known as Golden Lake 39 Indian Reserve. Their reserve of is adjacent to the hamlet of Golden Lake which  is located between the villages of Killaloe and Eganville, about south of Pembroke. The land straddles the south shores of Golden Lake and the Bonnechere River.