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
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek – Land Code Amendments
16/10/2025
Dear Membership,
We wish to provide an important update regarding the ratification of the proposed amendments to our Land Code. The Land Code is our community’s law that sets out how we will manage our lands. The first Land Code was approved on March 29, 2014. Since then, the Lands Committee has listened carefully to the voices of our members. The proposed amendments before us today are based on information shared by community members and are designed to give Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek greater autonomy in how our lands are governed.
These changes will enhance our capacity to make informed decisions about community living, health and social matters, economic development, and commercial enterprises, while always upholding the values of our membership. Importantly, the amendments also acknowledge the sacred responsibility we carry for the land, the water, and the places that hold cultural and spiritual significance. Protecting the environment and preserving our significant sites is central to who we are as Anishinaabe people and will remain at the heart of our governance.
As you may be aware, there has been a change in leadership on Council. Out of respect for this transition and in recognition of the responsibility that comes with understanding governance portfolios and current matters, we believe it is best to pause the ratification process at this time. This will provide leadership with the time they need to become fully informed about these critical issues. Additionally, due to the recent strikes at Canada Post, the mail delivery service has been unpredictable. Due to these circumstances, BNA has decided to postpone the ratification of the land code until early 2026.
We know that many are eager to see these changes move forward, and we share that sense of urgency. However, it is equally essential that the process is completed in a good way, with full respect for our leadership, our members, and our laws.
We have included the information document entitled “Check the facts before believing these 5 misconceptions.” We also encourage members to contact me, the Lands Coordinator Jhubbard@bnafn.ca (jhubbard@bnafn.ca), with any questions about not only the land code changes but also matters related to Bingwi Neyaashi’s lands and water.
We appreciate your patience and continued involvement. This step is not a cancellation, but rather a brief delay to ensure that when we move ahead, we do so with strength, unity, and respect – for our people, for our lands, and for the generations yet to come.
Miigwetch for your patience and understanding,
Jessica Hubbard, BNA Lands and Environmental Coordinator
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
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
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) !
