November 7, 2025 – Maniwaki, Quebec
At ZibiMade, everything we do is guided by the land, culture, and community that has nurtured our people for generations. Founded by a member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, ZibiMade celebrates and supports artists from Kitigan Zibi and other Indigenous communities, providing a platform for their voices, creativity, and cultural expression.
Recently, our Nation took a historic step by filing a landmark land claim in Québec Superior Court, asserting Aboriginal title over large swaths of western Québec. This claim is not only about territory, it is about recognition, stewardship, and the ability for Indigenous communities to govern and protect the lands that sustain us.
For us at ZibiMade, this is deeply connected to our mission: ensuring Indigenous culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship can thrive while respecting the lands and communities from which they emerge.
Understanding the Kitigan Zibi Land Claim
A Historic Step for Indigenous Rights
On October 29, 2025, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation filed a claim in Québec Superior Court seeking formal recognition of Aboriginal title over roughly 8,000–10,000 square kilometers of traditional territory. This claim names the federal and provincial governments, Hydro-Québec, and the National Capital Commission (NCC) as defendants and requests $5 billion in compensation for past harms, including resource extraction, unconsented land use, and mismanagement of resources.
Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck emphasized that the claim does not target private landowners. Instead, it is about Indigenous communities having a meaningful say over lands that have been historically exploited without consent.
The Lands Involved
The claim covers eight key areas, including:
- Islands in the Ottawa River, such as Morris and Kettle Islands
- Gatineau Park and surrounding lands in the city of Gatineau
- Two harvesting zones in the Gatineau regional county
- Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve
- Baskatong Reservoir and surrounding areas flooded during the 1927 Mercier hydroelectric dam
These lands hold cultural, economic, and spiritual significance for the Kitigan Zibi community. The claim references the 1760 Treaty of Swegatchy (Oswegatchie) and the Royal Proclamation of 1763, both of which historically recognized Algonquin land rights.
Why This Matters to Us at ZibiMade
As a collective dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and artistry, we understand that culture, community, and land are inseparable. The land claim highlights the importance of Indigenous governance and stewardship; not just over natural resources, but also over the creative and economic spaces that allow our communities to thrive.
Every artist we support, every piece of artwork we share, and every transaction we facilitate is an extension of responsibility to the land and community. We operate with the knowledge that our work contributes to sustaining Indigenous creativity, heritage, and economic independence, just as the land claim seeks to protect the resources and rights of Kitigan Zibi for generations to come.
Supporting Indigenous-Led Commerce
One of the ways communities can participate in this movement is by supporting Indigenous-owned and operated businesses. At ZibiMade, we celebrate the work of Kitigan Zibi artists and beyond, showcasing unique, high-quality artwork that carries the traditions, stories, and innovations of our people.
Shopping with Indigenous enterprises ensures that:
- Profits and benefits stay within Indigenous communities, supporting livelihoods and cultural preservation
- Creative work and heritage are respected and sustained
- Ethical and community-driven practices guide commerce, aligned with Indigenous governance and stewardship
By choosing Indigenous-led businesses, every purchase becomes an act of support for sovereignty, culture, and community sustainability.
The Legal Claim and the Future of Indigenous Stewardship
The Kitigan Zibi land claim is part of a broader movement across Canada to recognize Indigenous title and rights. A successful outcome could:
- Empower Indigenous communities to manage lands, water, and resources sustainably
- Ensure long-term benefits for generations
- Set a precedent for reconciliation, recognition, and co-management of resources
For ZibiMade, this reinforces our commitment to amplifying Indigenous creativity, supporting community-based commerce, and respecting the land that sustains us all.
How You Can Support Indigenous Artists and Businesses
We invite everyone to:
- Shop with Indigenous-owned and operated retailers like ZibiMade, whether online or locally.
- Discover and support Indigenous artists, celebrating their work and sustaining their communities.
- Educate yourself about Indigenous land rights and stewardship, recognizing the connection between commerce, culture, and territory.
- Participate in community-driven initiatives, ensuring that Indigenous voices and values guide economic and cultural activity.
Every act of support strengthens the future of Kitigan Zibi, Indigenous entrepreneurship, and cultural resilience.
Culture, Community, and Commerce
At ZibiMade, we know that commerce, community, and culture are inseparable. The Kitigan Zibi land claim reminds us that our creativity and economic activity must honor the land, heritage, and sovereignty of our Nation.
By supporting Indigenous-led businesses and artists, you contribute to a future where culture thrives, communities flourish, and Indigenous rights are respected. Together, we can ensure that commerce, art, and stewardship exist in harmony, celebrating our roots while building a sustainable and equitable future.