Country Canada Website georginaisland.com Province Ontario | Regional municipality York Population 275 (2011) | |
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First Nation Chippewas of Georgina Island | ||
The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation are an Ojibwa (or Anishinaabeg) people located on Georgina Island in Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. Of the First Nation's registered population of 666 people, 181 live on, and 485 live outside, their reserve. They are one of a handful of First Nations in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area.
Contents
- Map of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation ON Canada
- Geography
- Government
- Transportation
- Economy
- Education
- Health
- References
Map of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, ON, Canada
Geography
The First Nation has three reserves: the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Indian Reserve, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation 33A Indian Reserve and the shared Chippewa Island Indian Reserve.
The main reserve consists of three islands on the southern shores of Lake Simcoe:
Government
The reserve government consists of a five-member band council with four councillors and a Chief.
Fire and emergencies services consists of a single fire truck and ambulance. The department is staffed by a single full-time chief and volunteer responders.
Policing is provided by Georgina Island Police Service with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police. The force has three officers, and replaced the community officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1978.
Transportation
Access to Georgina Island is by boat to and from the mainland. A marina is located on the southern tip of the island for the ferry and smaller vessels. Built in 1999, the ferry Aazhaawe can carry 18 cars and 50 passengers. Ferry service is seasonal and not provided when Lake Simcoe is frozen over. Fan boats provide access to Georgina (Fox and Snake) during the winter. Georgina Water Taxi's Ahneen provides alternate travel to Georgina Island.
There are a few paved roads on Georgina Island (nine in total) with residents using personal vehicles. There are only unpaved roads on Snake Island and no roads on Fox Island. Primary means of transport to Fox and Snake Islands is by vessels docking on private docks around the islands.
Roads are maintained by the band. There is no airport or heliport on any of the islands.
Economy
The main employers on the reserve beyond the band are geared to tourism on the island. The island has a driving range, bed and breakfast and marina facilities.
Education
Primary education (from kindergarten to Grade 5) is found at a single school, Waabgon Gamig, on Georgina Island. York Region District School Board (YRDSB) provides staffing and assistance. Students from Grades 6 to 12 required to attend schools on the mainland with YRDSB.
Health
Basic health services is provided at the Georgina Island Health Building by local staff and medical staff visiting from York Region.