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
Climate Change Questionnaire
04/04/2024
Nokiiwin TC & BNA are looking for five individuals interested in participating in a climate change questionnaire. First five to sign up will receive an honourarium.
Please contact Meagan at meagan.hindman@nokiiwin.com or (807) 699-6210.
Rental 2-Bedroom Duplex Unit Available
03/04/2024
Key features of the rental unit includes:
- Location: Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation)
- Type: 2-Bedroom Duplex Unit
- Furnished with: Stove, Fridge, Washer, and Dryer
- Other Furnishings: Tenant’s Responsibility
- Heating: Wood Heat with Electrical Baseboards
- Master Bedroom: Includes Sliding Door onto Small Deck
units within our community.
To request a rental application or for further inquiries, please contact the BNA Satellite Housing
Administrator at (807) 623 2724 ext. 217 or via email at ctait@bnafn.ca.
Please ensure to submit your rental application by the deadline, Friday, April 19, 2024.
Housing Committee Applications
03/04/2024
Eligibility requirements:
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
- Be a BNA Member.
*An Honourarium is provided to committee members for their participation
The Housing Committee Application forms can be found on our website www.bnafn.ca or you can pick up printed sets at the Satellite Office 292 S. Court St Thunder Bay or contact: Chris Tait, Housing
Administrator (807) 623-2724 ext. 217 ctait@bnafn.ca
NORCAT Surface Miner Development Series
03/04/2024
Learn to Operate:
- Rock Truck
- Front End Loader
- Skid Steer as used in Surface Mining, Construction, and Forestry
Accreditation:
Your NORCAT transcript, which includes Surface Miner Program #770210 Common Core, MLITSD Working at Heights, and Red Cross Standard and Psychological First Aid, will be an industry recognized credential ensuring employers that you possess the skills and safety knowledge needed to begin a career using heavy equipment for surface mining, construction or forestry. It rests on core actions that encompass our accreditation: respect, prevent, and protect.
May application deadline: April 19, 2024
September application deadline: August 30, 2023
For more information:
NORCAT Thunder Bay
ph: 1-855-966-7228 x.324
e: thunderbay@norcat.org
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.
Youth Effect Program
06/03/2024
Housing Internship for Indigenous Youth
28/02/2024
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.
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).
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
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
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.
