The largest ‘mixed’ cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage site in North America
Part of the largest stretch of untouched boreal wilderness left on earth
Pimachiowin Aki is home to millions of trees, hundreds of lakes, rivers and wetlands, over a thousand plant and animal species, and an ancient living culture that thrives today.
The Land that Gives Life Cared for by the Anishinaabeg for over 7,000 years
The Anishinaabeg live as one with Pimachiowin Aki, using ancient conservation practices to keep the land it in its purest form for all generations.
Ji-ganawendamang Gidakiiminaan
Keeping the Land
Boreal Forest 
Wildlife 
Language 
Harvesting 
Climate 
Habitation
The Creator has given us the responsibility to protect and care for the lands on which we were placed.
u OqBSpY uoV piB uo ELIy oo RliVB oUoVBy oo sXiVB EV RoB S VuSIRnBy RBO Wf u RlVBy. oo RqXdCB S uVQnBUfBy RX XuB p RvRnY.
First Nations Accord
Explore the living cultural landscape News Stories
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5 Spectacular Pictographs Explained
The Bloodvein River waterway in Pimachiowin Aki contains the largest collection of pictographs in Ca…
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Tips on How to Smoke Fish and Meat
After 46 years as a commercial fisherman, Frank Young Senior retired last year. That doesn’t mean he…
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How a Meeting with Hunters and Trappers Led to the Idea for a New School Program
Melba Green grew up in Bloodvein River First Nation. Today, she is a Pimachiowin Aki Guardian; a res…
Great spirit moon
The Great Spirit Moon soars high in the winter sky, representing a new beginning of life for all. At this sacred time of year, we welcome the Great Spirit into our lives. It is also known as kissy month as we greet friends and neighbours, and wish each other a happy New Year.
Moon with short light
The daylight hours grow shorter. Red sucker fish migrate from their winter habitats to shallow streams where they will spawn. It is said that this fish gives up its life for the people during this time of year.
Eagle moon
The bald eagle returns to the North.
Goose moon
As Canada Geese return to the North, their V-formations mark the sky with a sure sign of spring. Along with their honks, we begin to hear the low croaking and calling of frogs.
Ice break-up moon
The ice breaks up on lakes and rivers, allowing moose to enter the waters—moose cows will swim across lakes and swamps to nearby islands where they will give birth and keep their calves safe from predators.
Budding moon
Flowers, leaves and medicines are given life and begin to bloom.
Hatching egg moon
Geese eggs start to hatch, and soon parents will lead their goslings to water for safety.
Blueberry moon
Wild blueberries emerge and grow ripe enough for picking. During this moon, many crops are ready for harvesting, including raspberries, chokecherries and sagewort.
Rice Moon
Wild rice starts ripening on the shorelines. This is a season of harvesting and a way of life.
Leaves changing colour moon
At this time of the year, the trees paint the horizon with brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow. The fall crops are ready for harvest. One must avoid watching the Vs of geese flying south or it will be a long and hard winter.
Falling leaves moon
The beautiful colours of fall make their offerings with falling leaves. Anishinaabeg collect medicines and firewood to prepare for winter.
Freezing moon
Lakes, rivers and waterways begin to freeze, a signal that it is time to harvest moose, ducks, geese and beaver in preparation for winter.
Little spirit moon
This is a time of healing, for making efforts to walk a good path, and for sharing positive energy with family and community.
