Acknowledgement of Ancestral Lands Preamble:

We acknowledge that the Chippewa, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples, referred to collectively as the Anishinaabeg, inhabited these lands at the time of transfer to the Crown by treaty. Lambton County was part of the Huron Tract Purchase, which was transferred under Treaty #29 in 1827, and also includes lands associated with the Sombra Township Purchase transferred under Treaty #7 in 1796, and Long Woods Purchase transferred under Treaty #21 in 1819. We also acknowledge the earlier Indigenous people who travelled these lands in the time of the Wampum treaties.

We acknowledge that we are all treaty people, with our own set of rights and responsibilities. Treaties are a foundational part of our society, and the settlement of Lambton County within a treaty area was made possible through the treaty process. The existence of treaties is proof that the first settlers of what is now Canada acknowledged First Nations as sovereign people and negotiated Nation to Nation. By understanding the colonial history of Canada we can renew our relationships with each other and move towards meaningful reconciliation.

Further, it is through the connection of the Anishinaabeg with the spirit of the land, water and air that we recognize their unique cultures, traditions, and values. Today, we are part of this same land that sustains all life, and it is the sacred responsibility of all people to ensure that the environment remains protected. Finally, we acknowledge that the inherent languages of the Anishinaabeg preclude any English/French meaning.

Acknowledgement of Ancestral Lands:

We acknowledge that this land on which we are gathered today is part of the ancestral land of the Chippewa, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples, referred to collectively as the Anishinaabeg. It is through the connection of the Anishinaabeg with the spirit of the land, water and air that we recognize their unique cultures, traditions, and values. Together as treaty people, we have a shared responsibility to act with respect for the environment that sustains all life, protecting the future for those generations to come.

Language Pronunciations:

Anishinaabeg (ah-nish-i-nah-beg)
Chippewa (chip-uh-wah)
Odawa (o-dah-wah)
Potawatomi (pot-uh-wah-tuh-mee)

Our Mission

The Lambton County Archives is a centre for archival material relating to the history of Lambton County. Primary responsibilities include;

• Preserving the collection of archival material.
• Making this material accessible to the public.
• Assisting the public with local history and genealogical research inquiries.

Our Mandate

The Lambton County Archives will collect material related to the history of Lambton, including the history of Lambton's residents and families. It will organize, preserve and make available to the public all such materials. Our work is framed through County of Lambton Cultural Services Strategic Plan, which establishes a clear vision reflected in the County's needs, assets, constraints, and ambitions.