The traditional territories of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation included a river which flows for over 273 kilometres. This river was the lifeline of a People who depended on it for transportation, food, and spiritual sustenance.

The Chippewa called the river Deshkan Ziibiing or Antler River. The antlers refer to the antlers or the horns on the water serpent that lived in the river.

The French called the river La Tranche and in1792 the British named it the Thames River. It served as the main transportation route for thousands of years. Natural resources are still abundant in the river and along the riverbanks.

Antler River Associates takes it name from Antler River, the river which continues to flows through the traditional, unceded territory of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

The history of the Chippewas of the Thames is fascinating and provides an interesting perspective to a history that is shared with the country of Canada.

The Chippewa people are also known as Anishinaabe peoples. The Chippewa, Odawa and Pottawatami nations are part of a larger alliance known as the Three Fires Confederacy. Together, they formed a powerful political and military force in the Great Lakes area.

From the earliest times when the People were placed here on Mother Earth by the Creator they have adapted to change and survived. The Chippewas moved seasonally within their traditional territories to hunt, fish, harvest and gather foods, and to socialize with others. They were economic partners with the French in the early years of the fur trade. Later, they were involved in Pontiac’s War. They fought to protect their homelands from the British after the British defeated the French. Their participation contributed to the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Through the Proclamation the British recognized the sovereignty of First Nations and mandated that nation-to-nation treaties were needed before additional settlement on indigenous lands occurred.

Later, the Chippewas of the Thames fought in the War of 1812 to protect their homelands from the Americans. Along with many other First Nations they played a key role in saving Canada during the invasion.

The Chippewas of the Thames are treaty partners with the British Crown and the Government of Canada. Several Pre-Confederation treaties were signed that have resulted in the present-day community of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

Today, the community continues to thrive and develop. Approximately 60% of the band membership lives off the reserve. The membership includes professional athletes, lawyers, a medical doctor, teachers, nurses and others who excel in their fields.