Curve Lake First Nation seeks to be caretaker for Kinomaage Waapkong
By Rhonda Gagnon and Marci Becking
LONDON – Curve Lake First Nation Gimaa Keith Knott spoke about a recent resolution that was passed by Chiefs-in-Assembly to advocate for Curve Lake First Nation to become primary caretaker of Kinomaage Waapkong, also known as the Teaching Rocks.
“Kinomaage Waapkong holds profound significance for Anishinabek First Nations. This sacred site embodies Anishinaabe history, spiritual practices, and cultural teachings. Unique among Canadian provincial parks, it safeguards over 1,000 carved glyphs—powerful symbols of clan systems, responsibilities to one another, and the deep connection between women, the earth, water, and the moon. Kinomaage Waapkong is evidence of our Anishinaabe history, spiritual, and cultural experience,” stated Gimaa Keith Knott, Curve Lake First Nation, during day two of the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Assembly held in London, Ont.
Despite the existing relationship between Petroglyphs Provincial Park and Curve Lake First Nation, this partnership remains limited. Rather than true co-management, Curve Lake’s role is often reduced to gatekeeping and staffing the welcome center, where members educate visitors about the Teaching Rocks.
Successful models for First Nation stewardship already exist. For example, the 2015 agreement between the Government of Ontario and Beausoleil First Nation for the co-management of Springwater Provincial Park has empowered the community to engage in conservation efforts and long-term planning.
“Curve Lake First Nation seeks to reclaim full stewardship of Kinomaage Waapkong, ensuring the protection and preservation of these invaluable heritage sites. By restoring First Nation leadership over the park, Curve Lake can enhance the safeguarding of sacred spaces and strengthen cultural education for future generations,” stated Gimaa Knott.
The Anishinabek Nation will support engagement and dialogue by facilitating a meeting between the Anishinabek Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to discuss a First Nation-led model for managing Kinomaage Waapkong. In addition to supporting other Anishinabek First Nations in their provincial park endeavours, such as Whitefish River and Killarney Provincial Park.