Chippewa Of The Thames First Nation

At Chippewa Of The Thames First Nation, the TLE department (treaties, lands and environment) is driven by our peoples needs and where they want to see the growth of community go. We uphold our traditional and community values as we enter spaces meant strictly for the western world. We actively work to protect the lands and waters by blending our traditional and western knowledge. Including our community in many of our initiatives (plantings, guided walks through the forest, workshops, community engagement events etc) is of utmost importance when doing any restoration or conservation work. The community supports us and we support the community.

Company History

We are Deshkaan Ziibing Anishinaabeg, also known as Chippewa of the Thames First Nation. We are a forward-thinking Nation, deeply rooted in our traditional values and teachings. Guided by culture, heritage, and continued learning. We actively work towards a future of self governance that will be strong socially, culturally, spiritually and economically. Our community is located along the north bank of the Thames river, about 20km southwest of London, Ontario. Chippewas of the Thames was established in 1760, and our land base is compromises of 3,331 hectares of unceded territory in Southwestern Ontario. The TLE department was established in 2012 and was a department prioritized by the community’s needs. over time and absorbing different functions along the way.

Company Facts

Within the past 10 years the TLE department has grown from 4 staff members in the beginning to 15 currently staff members.
We have 2 certified land managers that are still with our department. The TLE department has started a Land Guardians initiative that trains guardians in science and culture to instil environmental ethics. This initiative began in 2022 and there are over 20 trained Land Guardians.