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
Community Notice
16/07/2024
The BNA Trailer Park will have established power by the end of the day (July 16, 2024).
Brush Cutting Job Opportunity
18/06/2024
Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc. is currently recruiting for brush saw operators on the Lake Nipigon Forest!
What is the Job?
Workers will use brush saws to clear vegetation from forestry access roads to improve safety and line of site.
When Can I Start?
Positions are available immediately, and workers will be paid piece work for kilometers completed.
Construction Craft Worker
13/06/2024
Runs from: September 03 - December 06, 2024
Thunder Bay, ON
AETS in Co-operation with the Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is pleased to offer a Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program in the Construction Craft Worker (405A) Trade.
Program Includes:
- Cement Finishing
- Soft Skills Solutions
- H&S/Continuous Learning
- Transportation, tools, and work gear provided
- Up to 12 weeks subsidized work placement
Contact Jordan Rousselle for more information: 1-807-346-0307 ext.216
Gender Journeys
12/06/2024
ONWA is offering an LGBT+ program to explore gender and sexual identity and will provide reliable and up-to-date information on these topics for those in the community, questioning, or wanting to learn more.
It is a safe space to foster community, support, and connection. This group will respect the diversity of gender and sexual expression.
You can contact Gia directly at gbrunettiprovenzano@onwa.ca for more information or to sign up, or at events@onwa.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.
Community Health Information
23/05/24
Hello Everyone, Take a read over this informative poster about Measles.
There has been an increase in the cases of measles in Ontario and we want to make sure everyone stays safe!
If you think you may need a update on your measles vaccine, please contact your Doctor or NP. We have also spoken to ONWA Mindimooyenh Clinic, and they are offering Measles vaccine during their regular office hours.
You can call the Mindimooyenh Clinic at 807-697-1753.
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.
In Memory of Lawrence Ishkwegaa
January 12, 1975 – April 27, 2024
It is with great sadness, that the family of Lawrence Ishkwegaa (Esquega), age 75, announce his passing in the late hours of April 27, 2024, at Southbridge Lakehead Manor. Lawrence is survived by his daughters Kari Esquega, Selena Esquega, and his son Karhu Esquega, his sisters Lucy Day, Theresa Esquega and Myria Esquega, his numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and his 9 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.
Lawrence was predeceased by both his parents Margaret and Victor Esquega, his brothers Victor Esquega, Edward Esquega Sr and Quincy Esquega, and special sister Irene Harper, his nephews Gene Esquega, Edward (Eddie) Esquega Jr, Craig Johnston, Nicky Bannon and Tommy Bannon.
Lawrence was a Councillor and beloved Elder for Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek formerly, Sand Point First Nation. Lawrence loved learning about his Culture, Traditions and Anishinaabemowin. Lawrence worked on the ships for many, many years, and he loved being around his family, he enjoyed his music and playing the guitar. Lawrence always portrayed a smile and had a contagious laugh. Lawrence liked to participate in his community’s events and was not afraid to voice his opinions at community meetings. Most of all, he was great father and grandad who will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Private viewing services were held at Blake’s Funeral Chapel on Monday April 29, 2024, for family and close friends. His immediate family will be taking his ashes to Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek where they plan to hold a small, intimate gathering at his final resting place.
Authorization to Release Personal Information Form
21/03/2024
To address the inequities in the Indian Act which applies to the cut off dates of April 17, 1985; please fill out this form and email it to Aandeg Skelly at askelly@bnafn.ca.
For more questions and concerns, please contact Aandeg at (807) 630-1275.
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).
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
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
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.
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.
