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Our members get asked a lot of questions about AAFNA and how things work with the organization. We hope these are the most common questions that you have. If you have anything you would like to ask please visit our contact page and contact one of our members to answer your question.

Q) Is Ardoch recognized by the Federal and Provincial Governments?

A)  Yes, we are the oldest Algonquin community next to Golden Lake Reserve.
Our history dates back over 100 years when the Whiteduck family settled on the banks of the Mississippi at Ardoch.  Our history also is found on the Internet in an excess of 25 entries under our leaders Harold Perry and Bob Lovelace and Randy Cota . The entries are court challenges that were won by these individuals under hunting rights being acknowledged and honoured by both Governments.

Q) Are you a Status Community?

A) We are both a Status and Non-Status community. We have a number of members that are Status under the Indian Act, and we have members that fit the 1/8th blood Quantum but state that they do not need the Government to tell them that they are Algonquin let alone an Indian. We believe that direct decendency makes you equal to all. If you prove to the council that you are Algonquin, and that you have decendency, you are equal. We believe that the 1/8th cut off is a step by the Governments to eliminate a race, and for that reason, we are all equal.

Q)   Are you part of the Land Claim and are you for or against a land claim?

A)  We, Ardoch and Golden Lake were the two communities that were present when the Land Claim was initiated. We have always maintained that we want to be part of a claim but we would not sell out to anyone. We believe that our community needs to be strong before entering into a Claim. We believe in grass roots strength and a stable and strong community to be able to enter the negotiations strong. We are concerned of the present leadership at the Algonquin Nation Tribal Council and as a result we are apprehensive in being involved. We are active in constructive negotiations to remedy the problem areas. We are ready to be part of a claim, but our community must be first.

Q) If I live outside the Algonquin territory will I receive any of the benefits of a claim?

A) We believe that where you live is not an important element. All Algonquins should be benefit where they live is immaterial.

Q) If I am an Algonquin, does my spouse get any special considerations?

A)  Yes, we feel that If your partner lives with you and you are a couple,  the spouse has the same rights as the Aboriginal spouse. When and if the couple separate the considerations and or rights stay with the Aboriginal spouse only.

Q) Do you allow Non Algonquins to be part of your community?

A)  Yes, we are a traditional Community and believe in the traditional way of life. Traditionally adoption was practiced. This has a strict protocol that is followed to the letter.
If a child is adopted into an Ardoch Algonquin Family, they are accepted with open arms as being an Algonquin. An adult that has worked for and with our community and or shows that they are an active part of our community they two could be accepted to our community.

Q) Do you elect your Council and or Chief?

A)  NO, we believe in a Traditional Council. We have a family head for each core family in our community. The family appoints the councillor for there own family. This way each family has an equal say in the decision making process. The Heads of Family Council appoints the leader that they feel they want to carry the messages they want conveyed.
The Council also works on a consensus style Government and  no decisions can be made unless the complete council agrees on the question at hand. This stops Anarchy and persons in power fixing the outcome of a topic by over powering each other.

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Ardoch Algonquin First Nation Banner created by Kevin Wight.