The rugged lands and waters in and around North Bay, Ontario have a vibrant history as the ancestral home of First Nations peoples. Nipissing First Nation peoples are of Ojibwe and Algonquin descent and known as the N’bisiing Anishinaabeg, while the Dokis First Nation members are of Ojibwe descent. Indigenous people have lived here for upwards of 10,000 years, and for many generations, the area has been a hub of trails and canoe routes through the region’s vast boreal forest and many lakes and rivers, with opportunities for agriculture, hunting, fishing and trading. Today, there are over 8,000 urban Indigenous residents of North Bay and you can discover that Indigenous heritage through a variety of experiences in the city and neighbouring communities like Nipissing First Nation, Dokis First Nation, and Temagami First Nation.
The annual Maamwi Kindaaswin pow wow, hosted by North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, takes place in June at Lee Park on the shores of Lake Nipissing. Maamwi Kindaaswin, which means “learning together” in Anishinaabemowin, is open to the public and offers two days of cultural singing and dancing, with on-site artists and craft vendors, food trucks and community information booths. Dokis First Nation, located on the French River on the south side of Lake Nipissing about a 90-minute drive from North Bay, hosts its annual pow wow in June as well while Temagami First Nation holds its annual pow wow in July. For more information about attending the event and what to expect, visit Tourism North Bay's pow wow guide.
Named for Chief Raymond Commanda of Dokis First Nation, the Chief Commanda II is a popular outing for residents and visitors alike, offering a number of seasonal excursions on Lake Nipissing that include commentary about the area’s history and heritage. Consider, for example, the Manitou Islands scenic cruise option which gives you a closer look at the five fabled Manitou Islands, part of the ancestral lands of Nipissing First Nation and now a provincial park.
The EcoPath on Chippewa Creek is a 3.2-km paved trail between Lake Nipissing and Thomson Park. A traditional gathering place of the N’bisiing First Nation peoples, it’s now a community spot for all to celebrate nature and preserve the creek and its habitat. Interpretative signs along the trail cover the creek’s importance to the community, including number 4: A People Place, which was developed in consultation with local Elders to highlight the importance of inclusivity, water and the First Nation way of life. A new addition to the Path is Miskwaadesi, which means “painted turtle,” celebrating the Anishinaabe creation story of Turtle Island as well as the 13 moons of the lunar calendar represented on the shell. There are also four sturdy cedar posts in the traditional colours of red, yellow, white and black, to guide you through the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, and seven stones that represent the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Love, Honesty, Courage, Wisdom, Truth, Humility, and Respect. Miskwaadesi was created as a partnership between NBIFC and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.
Shabogesic Beach is the city’s largest beach, named after Chief Shabogesic, a Nipissing First Nation Chief—look for the plaque describing the history behind the name. Here you can swim, stroll on the beach or contemplate a spectacular sunset. Lake Nipissing is an important part of the area’s Indigenous heritage, both past and present. It was a place for trade, fishing, gatherings and ceremonies, for the N’bisiing peoples and other visiting Indigenous community members. Today, the N’bisiing community is involved in protecting these waters and restoring beds of wild rice, an important traditional food.
Aanmitaagzi is an Indigenous multi-disciplinary artist-run company based in Nipissing First Nation. Through theatre, dance, art, storytelling, music and more, Aanmitaagzi, which means “he or she speaks,” celebrates collaboration, tradition and exploration. Check its Facebook page for information about interactive workshops and public events. In North Bay, visit Maroosis Art Centre, a First Nations and local art, framing and art supply shop on Main Street, and check the exhibition listings of the WKP Kennedy Gallery at the Capitol Centre for current and upcoming displays of Indigenous fine art, sculpture and photography.
Visit the business directory of Nipissing First Nation to check out the variety of Indigenous-owned businesses. For example, you can shop for traditional craft supplies at Supplies for the Soul, jewelry at Gokmis Creations, intricate beadwork and other artisanal crafts at 17HR Convenience or dine on fresh locally caught pickerel at Jocko Point. In North Bay, pick up some delicious coffee (roasted in-house!) and fresh sandwiches and pastries at Twiggs, shop for organic foods and natural health products at Green Medicine or see what Anishwe has in store for art, décor and clothing. Ever Cool Ice Cream is a fun destination too—this food truck beside the North Bay Museum has all kinds of tasty treats.
The North Bay Museum features exhibits about pre-colonial life for the N’bisiing peoples as well as their role in the European fur trade, including birchbark canoe displays. The Mattawa Museum in Mattawa, a 45-minute drive east of North Bay, also has a section dedicated to Indigenous history, highlighting the area’s role as an important transportation corridor.
There are several gorgeous provincial parks in the North Bay area, perfect for a day trip, with opportunities to take in seasonal programming that imparts Indigenous ways of knowing, or simply explore the rocky islands, waterways and boreal forest. Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park is a 35-minute drive east of North Bay and has a Visitor Centre depicting cultural, natural and historical features of the area. You can try your hand at paddling a Voyageur canoe too. The Mattawa River is a designated Canadian Heritage River, and at Mattawa River Provincial Park.
Experienced paddlers can follow a canoe route that includes several stretches of rapids, 14 portages and an eight-metre waterfall. It’s also the site of the Mattawa River Canoe Race in June. Learn more about the historic route of the La Vase Portages too. South Bay Provincial Park on the south bay of Lake Nipissing is a 25-minute drive south of North Bay. At this non-operating park (no camping or organized activities) popular pastimes include swimming, fishing, boating and hiking.
North Bay, a vibrant small northern city about a four-hour drive from Ottawa or Toronto, has a variety of ways to explore the area’s rich Indigenous culture and heritage. Start planning your trip to North Bay today!
