Ignace Tonené

Ignace Tonené (1840 or 1841 – 15 March 1916), also known as Nias or, by his Ojibwe name Maiagizis ('right / correct sun'), was a Teme-Augama Anishnabai chief, fur trader, and gold prospector in Upper Canada. Maiagizis was most commonly known by his French name, Ignace Tonené, that often was shortened to Nias. He was a prominent employee of the Hudson's Bay Company.

Tonené was the elected deputy chief of his community before being the lead chief and later, the life chief. In his role as deputy, he negotiated with the Canadian federal government and the Ontario provincial government, advocating for his community to receive annual financial support from both. He negotiated in both English and French, as well as native languages. His attempts to secure land reserves for his community were thwarted by the Ontario premier, Oliver Mowat.

In 1906, his successful prospecting triggered a gold rush. One of his claims was stolen from Tonené by white Canadian prospectors. Later, the site of the gold deposit he discovered became the Kerr Addison Mines Ltd..

Tonené died in 1916 at the age of 74 or 75. He is buried near Mount Kanasuta in Quebec.