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
Heavy Equipment Operator Training
02/10/2025
In collaboration with AETS, BNA is able to train one BNA band member along with the required supports for this training.
You will go through specialty modules/signoffs to operate: front end loader, excavator, bulldozer, haulage truck, skidsteer, forklift, fuel truck, service vehicle.
Bonus modules include: operate generator over 10 VA, operate portable pump, and operate a compressor.
Learning essentials include: maximizing safe production operations, radio communication etiquette, field level risk assessment, pre operational & operational checklist, operator maintenance, open pit procedures, tire safety awareness, and emergency preparations.
Certifications include: common core, fall protection, lockout tagout, and WHMIS.
Interested members can email Jordan at jhatton@bnafn.ca by October 14, 2025.
Rescheduling of October 4th Community Meeting
30/09/2025
Dear Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Members,
Please be advised that the Community Meeting, originally scheduled for October 4th, 2025, is being rescheduled.
This decision has been made to better accommodate the availability of representatives from Ontario and Canada, whose attendance and participation will complement the discussions and presentations planned for the meeting.
At this time, a new date has not yet been confirmed. We will be rescheduling for Fall of 2025 and will notify membership as soon as it is scheduled.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to gathering at a future date.
Miigwetch
Notice to the Community
16/09/2025
September 16th, 2025
The Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Chief and Council wish to inform all members that a vacancy has arisen on Council due to the recent resignation of Councillor Tracy Gibson.
Chief and Council are committed to ensuring that the process as set out in the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Election Law is followed fully and correctly. As stated in Section 50(a) of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Election Law, the next highest voted candidate is to be given the opportunity to assume the vacant position. In accordance with the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek Election Law, Matt Gladu as the next highest voted, will be given the opportunity to fill the vacant Councillor position.
At the same time, Chief and Council have a legal duty to provide a safe and respectful working environment for all employees and members of Council. Chief and Council wish to advise the community that a human resource investigation is being undertaken. This review will be carried out by an independent third party to ensure fairness and transparency.
Chief and Council remain committed to transparency, good governance, safety and the well-being of all community members and staff. Updates will be provided to the community as appropriate and as the investigation is completed.
Yours truly,
Chief and Council
Parent and Caregivers Support Group - ONWA
11/09/2025
We are pleased to invite you to a special session of “Love Builds the Bundle” for parent and Caregivers, Thursday September 25th, 2025, 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Ontario Native Women’s Association located at 380 Ray Boulevard (Dalton Street entrance). This session will be provided at our monthly Parent and Caregivers group.
ONWA provides a supportive and culturally grounded space for parents, caregivers, family and friends to come together, share and learn. Love builds the bundle is designed to strengthen family connections, celebrate culture and build supportive networks that nurture the wellbeing of our children, youth and families.
This is open to all indigenous and non-indigenous families, caregivers, family, and friends.
We warmly welcome you to take part in this facilitation. Your presence and voice are valued as a part of this collective journey.
If you have any questions or would like to confirm your participation, please contact Gia at gbrunettiprovenzano@onwa.ca or call 807-627-7004 to save your spot.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Seeking a New Member for Papasay Board of Directors
09/09/2025
Due to a vacancy on the Papasay Board of Directors, Chief and Council are looking to appoint a new BNA member for the Board to support the corporation in advancing. Strong candidates will be passionate about the community and about economic development and have knowledge about business and industry in our region.
If you are interested, please provide an email or letter of interest to Jordan Hatton, BNA’s Director of Economic Development, at jhatton@bnafn.ca by Thursday, October 2nd at 4:30PM.
Gender Journeys - ONWA
09/09/2025
Ontario Native Women’s Association is pleased to share that the Gender Journeys program will be running again this Fall 2025.
The group will start Saturday October 18, 2025, and will run every Saturday until Saturday December 13, 2025, which is our 9-week program.
This program is designed to provide education, support and resources for transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirt and gender diverse individuals, as well as for those who are exploring their gender identity.
Gender Journeys is open to all Indigenous and nonindigenous people from 16 to 29.
We invite agencies and community members to share this information widely with anyone who may benefit from this program.
For registration, session dates and location please see attached posters.
If you have any questions or would like to refer participants, please feel free to contact me Gia Brunetti-Provenzano at 807-627-7004 or gbrunettiprovenzano@onwa.ca
Changes to Fish Consumption Guidelines
09/09/2025
Please see the following letter about heavy metal monitoring in fish populations of the Namewaminikan (Sturgeon) River.
For further information, see the following website https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-eating-ontario-fish or contact Lands coordinator Jess Hubbard at jhubbard@bnafn.ca
Change in Council: Due to a Sudden Council Resignation
08/09/2025
In order to give staff time to facilitate an orderly transition, the Band Office, Family Well-Being Centre, and Grandview will be closed Monday, September 8th and Tuesday, September 9th. Staff will be working from home.
10th Annual Fall Traditional Gathering
08/09/2025
Fort William First Nation presents their 10th Annual Fall Traditional Gathering on September 30th, 2025, in honour of our children.
Sunrise Ceremony – 6am with John Gagnon
Grand Entry – 1pm & 6pm
Youth Dance Special
Tiny Tot Dance Special
Hand Drum Special
Feast – 5pm
Giveaway & Closing – 8pm
Vendor inquiries: culturalworker@fwfn.com
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.
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.
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) !
