Location: Georgina Island, Snake & Fox Islands
      The Chippewas of Georgina First Nation consists of three islands, Georgina Island, Snake Island and Fox Island. Also belonging to the Chippewas of Georgina First nation is a small area of land at Island Grove, on the mainland near Snake Island. The islands lie approximately 2 km off the southern shore of Lake Simcoe.

      The largest island is Georgina Island which is 4.5 km long and 3.2 km wide with an area of 3,499 acres. The western shoreline is where the urbanized portion of the island is located. The largest nearby centre is Sutton, located 6.5 km to the southwest and the shoreline hamlet of Virginia Beach is where the ferry is docked.


Chippewas of Georgina Island Profile:
Economic Development:
      Farming became obsolete with the high cost of machinery in relation to the yield of the crop. Logging was a short term economic resource due to the limited land base. The geographical location presents restrictions with the water travel. With the arrival of the ferry and barge, the leasing of properties with cottages increased. There are 260 leased properties with cottages on Snake Island, 120 leased properties with cottages on Georgina Island and 60 leased properties with cottages on Fox Island.
      Electricity and phone lines were installed in the late 1950's. Indoor plumbing came in the 1960's. Both Snake and Fox Islands have phone lines and hydro hooked up, however no roads exist. A small ferry service is available for cottagers/visitors if required.
      The First Nation employs individuals through the Band Office, the Marina, Restaurant and the ferry/shuttle service. There is more potential for tourism in this area. Georgina Island has proved itself to be a thriving community that is striving for economic independence and cultural recognition.

Population:
      The total Georgina Island Band membership is 539 comprising of 41% living on reserve and 59% off reserve.

Education:
      A three room elementary school from kindergarten to grade six is located on the Island. Two rooms are for the regular curriculum and the third is used for Ojibway language. Intermediate, Secondary and post-secondary schooling is done on the mainland. Students board on the mainland during the winter months when the ferry lies dormant.

Social Services:

• Day Care Centre
• Homemaker Support
• Police Service
• Fire Protection
• Ferry and Barge fee for Service
• Hovercraft-for winter commuting
• Apartments
• Periodic visits from a Medical Doctor General Practitioner, a Psychologist, a Massage Therapist, a Chiropractor and a Foot Care Specialist
• Volunteer Emergency Response Team

      In 1992 a new water treatment and distribution system was put into place. Sewage treatment and disposal are by individually owned septic tanks and tile beds.

Infrastructure:
      The following is a list of the Band owned buildings:

• Administration Building
• Marina on the mainland and southwest corner of the Island
• Storage building for storing boats-on mainland
• Gas pump-on mainland
• Restaurant / Gift Shop
• Parking Lot adjacent to Restaurant
• Day Care Centre
• Community Hall
• Primary School
• Fire Station
• OPP Office
• Church and graveyard
• Water system plant
• Medical Health Centre and ambulance
• Two trailers
• Dump

      About 75% of the residents have water and fire hydrant access. There is a library attached to the school. A main road surrounds the Island which is mainly gravel and about 15 miles in length. Smaller secondary roads are gravel as well.

Governance:
      Election for office is held every two years and are regulated by the Indian Act. The council consists of four councillors and one chief.

Sources:
Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Community Profile, Ellen Cowie, June 1997.
The Lake Simcoe Indians: A History from 1792-1876, H.A. McCue, May 1978.

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