The Circle of Turtle Lodge

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Reclaiming Culture

... reviving, promoting, and restoring Anishinabe Culture since 1999

Increasing Awareness

...educating the Settler population in Eastern Ontario

Advancing Reconciliation

...promoting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

About

Fully Indigenous-owned, The Circle of Turtle Lodge (CTL) was founded with a clear purpose: to restore the Traditional Culture and Teachings of the region’s Indigenous Peoples, the Algonquin Anishinabe, and to pass them on for generations to come.

Since 1999, CTL has provided opportunities for people of Indigenous Heritage to gather for culture, healing, and community in the Ottawa Valley. Our Indigenous members include individuals from many different Nations cross Canada, regardless of ‘status’. And we include non-Indigenous Settlers as Allies in our work towards Reconciliation.

We are an independent not-for-profit organization, and a registered charity, based in Deacon, which is at the head of Golden Lake in unceded Algonquin Territory in Ontario. And although most Indigenous issues are political, we do our best to maintain a neutral and national focus.

Our Impact

CTL has created experiences that touch people’s lives. It published Anishnabe 101, hosted retreats featuring traditional Arts & Crafts, shared Moon Ceremonies, and gathered in Talking Circles.

This year, CTL hosted its first Elders Conference featuring speakers from within our own membership. And now, since receiving a gift of land in Killaloe, by a creek that we’ve named Healing Waters, our Traditional Knowledge programming can include more land-based activities – Monthly Talking Circles around the Sacred Fire, Moon ceremonies, Seasonal Ceremonies as they happen, and Medicine Walks in the land.

By reconnecting directly with the earth, our members can truly reclaim their heritage, build resilience, and foster deep, systemic healing, away from urban pressures

Eventually, we intend to establish a fully-staffed, permanent sanctuary on non-urban land, where ceremonies, teachings, and community gatherings can flourish.

How your gift will be used

Renfrew County is home to more than 8,400 Indigenous people, but the Indian Act restricts the local First Nation from helping anyone outside its membership. Without a Native Friendship Centre, services for other Indigenous people is limited.

As one of the few lifelines available, CTL can only do so much with their own strained resources.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #92 urges the private sector to go beyond words and take meaningful steps. Supporting CTL is one such step. In just 25 years, CTL has shown what’s possible: publishing books, hosting retreats, and creating safe cultural spaces. With the right support, it is poised to do even more.

By investing in CTL, partners have the chance to fill a critical service gap, support Indigenous self-determination, and be part of something lasting: a sanctuary for culture and healing in the Ottawa Valley.

*You can support our cause by purchasing books from our SHOP , by making a donation Or by considering being our Partner in Reconciliation with your ongoing sponsorship .