The Serpent River First Nation is part of the unceded lands retained by the Ojibway who traditionally inhabited North Shores of the St. Mary’s River and Georgian Bay, of Northern Ontario Great Lakes Region. The Serpent River First Nation is part of the Robinson Huron Treaty, which was signed on September 5th 1850. The Serpent River First Nation is also known as Cutler or in the recent past as Kenabutch (sic). For the past three decades, traditionalist have preferred the Ojibway titles as Genaabaajing and Chi Gebebek Ziibibg Anishnabek.

The reserve has always been a relatively small community; however, recent years have showed a rapid development of community infrastructure and community services. In addition, the on-reserve population has a definite increase.