We are Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek - Sand Point First Nation
An Ojibwa First Nation dedicated to serving our generations by creating a self-sustaining and healthy community for today and tomorrow.
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
Sand Point First Nation
The Values that lead BNA’s Economic Development include:
- Ambition
We pro-actively seek out opportunities and are driven to achieve results
- Self-Sufficiency
We will make sound, sustainable business and financial decisions so we can set our own path and support our people
- Fairness
We consider all perspectives and potential impacts in our decision making and provide equal opportunity to all
- Continuous Improvement
We learn from our experiences, the wisdom of our Elders and our mistakes to ensure we are always getting better as we move forward
- Collaboration
We welcome and seek out opportunities to partner with our neighbours, local businesses, regional industry and government to achieve the best possible outcome
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
News and Announcements
Events Calendar
Traditional Healing Clinic - Dilico
02/09/2025
The clinic is offered bi-monthly with the next dates as September 22-25, 2025. It includes: sacred fire, sweat lodge, teachings, medicine harvesting, traditional feasts, ceremonies, and traditional craft.
If you are interested in an application or have questions about the program or program dates, please contact Alyssa Lentz or Tina Dennis at 1-855-623-8511 or communications@dilico.com
Virgin Falls Dam - Options Analysis Study
28/08/2025
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is currently undertaking an options analysis assessment for the future of the Virgin Falls Dam. OPG intends to create a long-term plan for this site. This planning will be done through a collaborative approach that will be inclusive and respectful to local Indigenous interests, perspectives, and traditional knowledge.
We would love to hear from you! If you wish to provide comments, share stories, or have questions about the Virgin Falls Dam or the options being examined, please contact one of the following team members listed below:
TBT Engineering Limited
Aaron Keffer, MES, Environmental Coordinator
1918 Yonge St Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6T9
Tel: (807) 624-5160
Toll Free: 1-866-624-8378
e-mail: akeffer@tbte.ca
Ontario Power Generation
Denise Hardy, Sr. Advisor, Indigenous Relations
1269 Premier Way – 2nd Flr, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T7
Tel: (807) 252-8458
e-mail: denise.hardy@opg.com
Annuity Case & Title Case Meeting
27/08/2025
Join us on Saturday, October 4, 2025 for more information on our Annuity Case and Title Case.
We will be hosting this meeting at the Superior Inn, Thunder Bay, ON.
More information to follow.
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Education Funding Application
13/08/2025
Deadline: August 22, 2025
If you have any questions, please reach out to Tylyn via email at tsilander@bnafn.ca
*Please note this application does not guarantee a bursary*
*You will be notified of a decision by September, 2025*
Back to School Supplies
13/08/2025
Guide to Eating Ontario Fish
12/08/2025
On behalf of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, I am pleased to inform you that we have released the 2025 fish consumption advisories through the online Guide to Eating Ontario Fish.
We encourage everyone to check the guide and fish consumption advisories before they go fishing. This online guide and interactive map will help Ontarians identify and prepare the types and amounts of fish that are safer to eat from 2,800 lakes and rivers in Ontario.
The Guide to Eating Ontario Fish features new and easy-to-use information, including:
- the sizes and amounts of fish you can safely eat
- the safest types of fish to eat
- how to prepare fish for eating
- special advice for children and people who are pregnant or may become pregnant
Thank you for helping us share important information about safe fish consumption in Ontario with your community. If you have any questions, please contact: fishguide@ontario.ca.
Violet Legarde (1938 - 2025)
09/06/2025
À sa résidence, le samedi 31 mai 2025, à l’âge de 87 ans et 2 mois, est décédée madame Violet Legarde, épouse de feu Lucien Drouin et fille de feu Joseph Legarde et de feu Veronica Wawaie.
At her residence, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the age of 87 years and 2 months, passed away Mrs. Violet Legarde, wife of the late Lucien Drouin and daughter of the late Joseph Legarde and the late Veronica Wawaie.
Elle demeurait à Saint-Georges.
She resided in Saint-Georges.
Madame Violet Legarde sera exposée au salon Astral du Parc commémoratif Chaudière-Appalaches, 2455, 25e Rue Saint-Georges le samedi 14 juin 2025 de 14h à 17h45.
Mrs. Violet Legarde will be at rest in the Astral Room of Chaudière-Appalaches Memorial Park, 2455, 25th Street Saint-Georges on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Un hommage sera célébré le même jour soit le samedi 14 juin 2025 à 18h en la chapelle du Parc commémoratif Chaudière-Appalaches et de là au crématorium du Parc commémoratif Chaudière-Appalaches.
A tribute will be held on the same day, Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Chaudière-Appalaches Memorial Park and from there to the crematorium of Chaudière-Appalaches Memorial Park.
Ultérieurement la mise en terre aura lieu au cimetière l’Assomption sous la direction de La maison Roy & Giguère inc. Saint-Georges.
Burial will subsequently take place at the Assomption Cemetery under the direction of La maison Roy & Giguère inc. Saint-Georges.
Elle laisse dans le deuil ses enfants : Réginald Legarde (Debbie Legarde), Shirley Drouin, Marco Drouin, Marlène Drouin, Dany Drouin (Marcel Bolduc) et un enfant par alliance feu Yvan Drouin; ses petits-enfants : Jennifer Legarde, Régis Binet, Christian Binet (Annie-Pier Poulin), Stéphane Binet, Denis Drouin, feu Nathalie Drouin, Jean-Stéphane Drouin (Mélodie Campion), Chantal Drouin, Jessy Morin, Jimmy Drouin, Bianca Drouin (Steven Grondin), Isabelle Drouin-Vachon (Sébastien Turgeon), Catherine Drouin-Vachon (Rémi Goulet), Anne-Marie Gagné (Jason Bergeron), Anthony Gagné (Julia),Sylvain Gilbert, Cindy Gilbert (Martin Gagnon-Savard), Stéphanie Gilbert (Keven Jacques), Bruno Gilbert (Érika Morin), Jovany Drouin-Boulet et Sylvie Drouin (Stéphane Thériault) et ses 39 arrière-petits-enfants.
She is survived by her children: Réginald Legarde (Debbie Legarde), Shirley Drouin, Marco Drouin, Marlène Drouin, Dany Drouin (Marcel Bolduc) and a stepchild, the late Yvan Drouin; her grandchildren: Jennifer Legarde, Régis Binet, Christian Binet (Annie-Pier Poulin), Stéphane Binet, Denis Drouin, the late Nathalie Drouin, Jean-Stéphane Drouin (Mélodie Campion), Chantal Drouin, Jessy Morin, Jimmy Drouin, Bianca Drouin (Steven Grondin), Isabelle Drouin-Vachon (Sébastien Turgeon), Catherine Drouin-Vachon (Rémi Goulet), Anne-Marie Gagné (Jason Bergeron), Anthony Gagné (Julia), Sylvain Gilbert, Cindy Gilbert (Martin Gagnon-Savard), Stéphanie Gilbert (Keven Jacques), Bruno Gilbert (Érika Morin), Jovany Drouin-Boulet and Sylvie Drouin (Stéphane Thériault) and her 39 great-grandchildren.
Elle laisse dans le deuil les membres des familles Drouin ainsi que ses neveux, nièces, cousins, cousines et ami(e)s.
She is survived by members of the Drouin family as well as her nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
RST Review Information
05/06/2025
Anyone is welcome to sit in the review hearings presented at the Thunder Bay Courthouse. The review hearing will also be available to watch online.
The first day of each week that the Court is sitting for the review hearing there will be a sunrise ceremony in Paterson Park at approximately 7:15AM. The sacred fire will burn in Paterson Park each day that the Court is sitting for the review hearing. Anyone is welcome to join these ceremonies.
If BNA members have any questions or concerns on how to view the review hearings, please contact Jake Alfieri at jalfieri@bnafn.ca
BNA Final Election
27/05/2025
- Chief Paul Gladu
- Councillor Tracy Gibson
- Councillor Marcel Donio
Next Phase of Housing Builds
22/05/2025
BNA Housing is excited to announce that the next phase of new housing builds is on the horizon! The process is set to officially begin in January 2026.
As part of our improved approach, members will be invited to participate in the design process, especially during the finishing stages of construction. This involvement ensures that homes reflect the needs and preferences of future residents while helping to:
✅ Keep the project on track and within budget
✅ Support more efficient internal planning
✅ Reduce administrative steps
By working together, we aim to build homes that truly serve our community—while maintaining accountability and progress throughout the development.Stay tuned for more details in upcoming newsletters and announcements from the Housing Department.
BNA First Nation Housing Award
27/02/2025
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek is honoured to receive an award at the 2025 First Nation Housing Conference in recognition of our commitment to excellence in residential construction, the quality of our homes, and the strong management of our housing portfolio. This achievement reflects the dedication of our leadership, staff, and community members in building safe, sustainable, and high-quality housing for BNA families. Through careful planning, skilled craftsmanship, and effective housing management, we continue to create homes that meet the needs of our growing community. This award is a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide quality housing while ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations. We extend our gratitude to our partners, funders, and the entire BNA community for their support in making this success possible.
The partners and funders that supported us include: BNA (Management and Coordination), CMHC (Funder), ISC (Funder), First Nations Housing Market Fund (Funder), Gotwood (Builder), Nokiiwin Tribal Council (Technical Advisory Services), TBT Engineering (Technical Advisory Services), OFNTSC (Technical Advisory Services), First Nations Northern Housing Conference (Conference Host)
Good Food Box
13/11/2024
Good Food Boxes will be available on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Recipients must sign up for corresponding programing by the 2nd Monday of each month. Each box contains fresh fruits, garden vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Good Food Box will require the following
information:
Number of children, adults, and seniors in the
household
Contact information (phone/email)
To:
Braidey Stein at bstein@bnafn.ca
Mamaweh Neebweedoah Powwow Photos
04/06/2024
Miigwetch to all that could come out to our annual powwow! What a beautiful day at Grandview. Please click the link below to see some photos from that day.
5th Annual Anishinaabe Kwe
22/05/24
Thank you to all of the ladies who were able to make it to such a wonderful event. You may look at all the photos by clicking the link below, and you will have access to download.
Community Christmas Party
06/12/2023
A big thank you to Chondon Photography for capturing all the joy from our Community Christmas Party. To view the photos, please click the link below. If you wish to download these photos, please email jalfieri@bnafn.ca for the PIN (band members access only).
Chief Paul Gladu, Minister Patty Hajdu, Councillor Tracy Gibson
FedNor Funding for PVAWP
13/10/22
On October 13th, Patty Hajdu visited us at our Papasay Sawmill. Art Gladu, Chief Paul Gladu, Councillor Tracy Gibson, Elder Marcel, and Jordan Hatton were able to give her a tour of our facility and showcase our operation. After a smudging ceremony and an opening prayer from Elder Marcel, we could begin an announcement where FedNor invested $1.7 million to expand our Papasay Sawmill!
Councillor Tracy Gibson, Chief Paul Gladu, National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, and Councillor Lillian Calder.
Visit From National Chief RoseAnne Archibald
04/10/22
Miigwetch National Chief RoseAnne Archibald for visiting Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek on October 3rd, 2022!
We were able to give her a tour of our land and showcase the beauty of BNA. What a surprise to us all Chief Roseanne also visited our Satellite office in Thunder Bay the next day and was able to meet Chief & Council again, tour our office, and meet our staff members. Guh waabuhmiigo minnowa (We will see you again) !
