ANISHNAABE NATION OF LAC SIMON
Region: Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Québec, Canada
Population: 2,193
Ethnic Background: Anishnaabeg (Algonquin)
Forest Ecosystem: Southern boreal mixed forest (mostly spruce / fir / cedar / pine + birch / aspen)
Main Livelihoods: Jobs with band council, forestry, mining, construction, restaurants
Forest Dependency: Moderate
What made this an interesting place for a youth workshop? Like most other Anishinaabeg communities in Quebec, Lac Simon is located in a forest setting. It is a few km from the nearest urban center. Only a few community members live permanently on the land and depend on the forest for subsistence. Most community members need the land for cultural activities. They hunt/trap/fish/harvest plants on the land but are not dependent upon local forests for sustenance and livelihood. A small number of community members work in forestry, mining or other jobs related to the land and resources.
