BNA Community Mission Statement

"To foster a strong cultural identity and to protect Mother Earth. To provide equal opportunities for all".

eagle landing

BNA Community Vision Statement

"To grow BNA's economy and become recognized as a sustainable and supportive community where businesses succeed, members thrive and culture is celebrated".

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.

Lake_Nipigon
Wolf head
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek

Sand Point First Nation

The Values that lead BNA’s Economic Development include:

We pro-actively seek out opportunities and are driven to achieve results

We will make sound, sustainable business and financial decisions so we can set our own path and support our people

We consider all perspectives and potential impacts in our decision making and provide equal opportunity to all

We learn from our experiences, the wisdom of our Elders and our mistakes to ensure we are always getting better as we move forward

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

Youth Effect Program

06/03/2024

Papasay is partnering with Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre to launch a Youth Effect program designed to employ the youth from May 6th to August 23rd in a full-time position. 

Community Meeting

06/03/2024

Join us at the Victoria Inn on Sunday, March 24th for a community meeting where we will be presenting the final Comprehensive Community Plan! 

Gaa Bii Gee Weh Waat BNA Powwow

28/02/2024

Please join us in a Powwow to honour Gaa Bii Gee Weh WaatThose Who Returned Home” on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

We will be lighting the sacred fire at 7:30AM, with doors opening at 10AM, Grand Entry at 12PM, and a feast at 5PM. 

Housing Internship for Indigenous Youth

28/02/2024

CMHC is now receiving applications for the 2024-25 Housing Internship for Indigenous Youth (HIIY) program. The intake period to receive applications will run from February 22 to April 22, 2024.
The goal of the HIIY program is to assist Indigenous youth between the ages of 15-30 in pursuing long-term employment in the housing sector. The program offers financial support to sponsors who provide housing-related internships that combine on the job training, skills development and practical work experience.

BNA Storytelling Sessions

30/01/2024

We are looking for you or your families stories! Oral stories have been passed down since language has existed, and we want to preserve that history from previous generations to the next. If you are interested in signing up for this or have questions, please email or call Jake at (807) 623-2724 ext. 208 or jalfieri@bnafn.ca

2024 Indigenous Student Opportunities

Posting Close Date: April 30, 2024

TC Energy is seeking Indigenous students who want to be #EnergyProblemSolvers in various locations, across Canada. As a valued member of our team, you’ll do exciting, challenging work, solve real problems, and make a meaningful impact. You’ll learn about the business and build your professional network by working closely with other skilled people at TC Energy.
Term lengths vary by 4, 8, 12, and 16-month opportunities.

TC Energy’s scholarship program

CLOSES May 3th, 2024 at 11:59 PST.

Are you an Indigenous student:

  • Enrolled in a post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year
  • A citizen or permanent resident of Canada
  • Located in a community near TC Energy’s operations or projects
  • Would benefit from supplementary education funding

Apply for TC Energy’s scholarship opportunities before May 3rd!

If you would like to learn more about the program, please contact Star Park or   tiffany_morning_bull@tcenergy.com.  They will be happy to share some tips and tricks on the application.

Construction Aggregate Material Course

starts on April 8th, 2024

Thunder Bay, ON

The Construction Aggregate Material Course delivered by TBT Engineering starts on April 8th, 2024.  This course will run for ten days and is scheduled to conclude on April 19th, 2024.  Training will be delivered by TBT Engineering in Thunder Bay.

AETS provides supports for participants who are members of our nine affiliated First Nations.  Support eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, that may include:

  • Travel to Thunder Bay
  • Transportation to and from classes
  • Meal allowances
  • Training and equipment costs
  • Accommodations

Construction Aggregate Material Course

starts on April 8th, 2024

Thunder Bay, ON

The Construction Aggregate Material Course delivered by TBT Engineering starts on April 8th, 2024.  This course will run for ten days and is scheduled to conclude on April 19th, 2024.  Training will be delivered by TBT Engineering in Thunder Bay.

AETS provides supports for participants who are members of our nine affiliated First Nations.  Support eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, that may include:

  • Travel to Thunder Bay
  • Transportation to and from classes
  • Meal allowances
  • Training and equipment costs
  • Accommodations

Environmental Monitor Coordinator Course

starting on February 20th, 2024

Confederation College, Thunder Bay, ON

Are you looking to expand your skill set and take a step towards employment in the field of construction?

Environmental Monitor Coordinator (Research Specialization) delivered by Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) through Confederation College starting on February 20th, 2024.  This course is five weeks long; ending date is March 26, 2024.

AETS provides supports for participants who are members of our nine affiliated First Nations.  Support eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, that may include:

  • Travel to Thunder Bay
  • Transportation to and from classes
  • Meal allowances
  • Training and equipment costs
  • Accommodations

Grand Opportunities for Indigenous Youth

24/01/2024

Come join Laidlaw Foundation to learn about grant opportunities from Laidlaw Foundation, Indigenous People Resilience Fund, MSLE, Thunder Bay Community Foundation, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Sun Life, and United Way.
February 15, 2024
Thunder Bay, ON

Gift cards, draws, light food, and drinks will be available!

To learn more about this event, email the Program Director Amanda at abernard@laidlawfdn.org 

Ice Fishing Event 2024

24/01/2024

 BNA’s Annual Ice Fishing Event will be held at Sand Point March 9th and 10th! This is a two day event, all your fishing needs and lunch will be provided.
 
Limited Transportation will be available for a DAY TRIP on the Saturday ONLY and Weather Permitting.
 
Prizes for:
Longest Lake Trout, Longest Speckle Trout, Skunked Prizes and Random Draws throughout the day!!
 
ALL FISHER PEOPLE MUST BE SIGNED UP BY FEBRUARY 29th TO ENTER THE DERBY! EMAIL Liz elatta@bnafn.ca to sign up.
Please provide all names and ages of participants.

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).

Indigenous Student Learning Program

05/12/2023

Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) has an opportunity for Indigenous Students of any age, across Canada who have limited financial recourses, including Indigenous students living with disabilities. To be eligible, students must be of low-income, enrolled in formal education (online, remote, on-site) and must be actively attending classes.

Submit your filled application along with the supporting documents to the sislp@bcands.bc.ca to be considered to receive a laptop and/or related accessories necessary for learning and academic success.

Please note that due to shortages of chips, laptops and other electronic devices may take longer than usual to ship. 

Community Photo Album Project

11/07/23

BNA is excited to announce a new project, Reclaiming Our History, which will lead to the creation of a community photo album to hold our pictures, stories, and history. We see this project as an opportunity to help connect our youth with memories and stories from on the land, as shared by our Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

We are asking Sand Point members to participate in the project if they are able and want to. You can help by sharing photos or stories of our community, such as family photos or gatherings on the land.

If you would like to be involved in the project or have any questions, please reach out to Jake Alfieri (jalfieri@bnafn.ca, 623-2724 ext. 208) or Aandeg Skelly (askelly@bnafn.ca) for more information.

New Office Hours

02/11/23

Monday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Tuesday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Wednesday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Thursday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Friday: CLOSED

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday: CLOSED

Newsletter Feature

14/09/23

To all of our entrepreneurs, artists, contractors, businesses… we would like to extend the invite to all of our members to feature advertisement in our newsletters.
 
For our upcoming newsletter, I will require all copy, images, and logos and/or brand identity by September 22, 2023. This will be designed for you but if you would like creative control please send either a sample design (can be .png) or a working copy (.ai or .indd format only)
 
Anything sent after that date could still be featured in our Winter or Spring Newsletter.

 

4th Annual Anishinaabe Kwe

16/05/23

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.

In Memory of Joseph Spade

Friday August 8, 1958 - Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023

Mr. Joseph Spade, age 64 years passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Joseph was born on August 8, 1958 in Whitewater, Ontario. He was a member of the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. Joe loved his home in Whitewater. His best days were spent with family, always laughing. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and guiding tours. Joe was a spiritual man who would teach anyone willing to learn traditional ways of life. He was also a talented wood craver.

Joseph will be lovingly remembered by his younger brother George Spade, his children Christy Kwandibens (Kaylee), Josie Spade (Dennis), Jared Spade, Aiden Spade, Sylvester Spade, Gloria Machimity, Roberta Machimity, Stephanie Machimity, Nick Necan, Crystal Necan as well as 18 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Joseph was predeceased by his father John Spade, mother Mary Spade (Wabano), son Adam Spade, sisters Josie Kwandibens (Spade), Margaret Wilson (Spade), brothers Richard Spade, Christy Spade.

A funeral service for Joseph was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in the chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.

To send flowers to the family of Joseph Spade, please visit Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Community Notice: MacDiarmid Landfill Closure

07/3/23

The MacDairmid Landfill will no longer be operational as of March 31, 2023.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Lands and Environmental Coordinator, Jessica Hubbard, at jhubbard@bnafn.ca

Norval Morrisseau "Copper Thunderbird"

06/3/23

After a years-long investigation, the Thunder Bay Police and the OPP have announced the seizure of more than 1,000 alleged fraudulent paintings, prints, and other artworks declared to be Norval Morrisseau’s. The three main groups involved in this case have been producing fraudulent artwork from as early as 1996, being sold from Thunder Bay to around the world.

Norval Morrisseau was a respected and valued member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek.  Our community has been deeply troubled by the proliferation of fake paintings that have hurt the legacy of one of Canada’s most important artists. We are relieved to see the individuals responsible are being held accountable for the damages to his reputation.  We hope that with these arrests made, this difficult chapter is now coming to a close so that we can begin to focus on the great contributions Norval Morrisseau has made through his ground-breaking artwork.  The use of storytelling was an integral part of his paintings.  Through Norval’s storytelling, he was able to share the history and culture of the Anishinaabe peoples of Northern Ontario.

For more information, please contact communications@bnafn.ca.

Ice Fishing Event Photos

06/3/23

Miigwetch to all who were able to come out to our annual Ice Fishing Event this weekend on the land! It was a great time with amazing food (made by Shelly!), good weather, warm fire, and great people. If you wish to share any of your own photo/video please add them to the form below or email jalfieri@bnafn.ca. Any photos shared may be included in future newsletters, on the website, or in BNA postings.

Good Food Box

09/1/23

Good Food Boxes will be available on the 3rd Wednesday 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:

Ashley Stevenson at astevenson@bnafn.ca

Gloria and Chief Paul Gladu

BNA Christmas Party Photos

16/12/22

Find your Christmas Party photos here! To download, you will require a pin, this can be found on our members only Facebook or by emailing communications@bnafn.ca asking for the pin! Please only email if you are a BNA member!

COMMUNITY WARNING!

22/10/22

Important Warning: there is an increase in overdoses due to lethal levels of “Royal Blue Dope” (Fentanyl) in street drugs.
Please remember if you or a friend are using drugs to always have a sober companion, carry naloxone, and call 911 if you see any signs of an overdose.
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) !

Continuing Education

27/09/22

AETS with Biigtigong Nishnaabeg: Endzhi-gkinoohmaading Private High School is offering free credit course(s) leading to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.