Profile
Sandy Lake First Nation
Sandy Lake is a fly-in First Nation community located in the boreal forested area of Northwestern Ontario. Sandy Lake is 450 km northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba and 600 km northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario.Sandy Lake has a land base of approximately 17 sq. miles and a population of approximately 2650. This figure is based on the entire population of the community including both registered band members and non-band members.
As a fly-in community, Sandy Lake is accessible by plane only. During the winter months, it is accessible by winter ice roads. On average, the winter roads are driveable for a period of six weeks, weather depending. It is during this time that the community relies on shipping essential materials and equipment for the entire year that would not otherwise be economical or possible to ship by plane.
Neh gaaw saga'igan is the local translation of Sandy Lake. The name Wabitiquayang, which refers to the short narrow river between Sandy Lake and Finger Lake, was used in the mid 1900's.
Under Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Sandy Lake First Nation is Indian Reserve #88 and Band Membership Registry #211.
The community of Sandy Lake is made up of seven geographical areas - River, Centre, Airport, Big Rock, Old Sawmill, Ghost Point, and R.C. To maintain equally populated geographical areas for community elections and business, these areas are combined to make five sections - River, Centre, Airport/Big Rock, Old Sawmill/Ghost Point, and R.C. Although technically there are seven geographical areas, it is most common to refer to the combined five geographical areas.
Political Structure
Sandy Lake First Nation, an independent First Nation, is governed by an elected Chief, a Deputy Chief and (8) eight councillors. An Elder's Council of five elected elders actively participate and attend council meetings to witness and advise on decisions and resolutions of all matters and issues encountered and dealt with by the elected council.
Sandy Lake is not affiliated with any tribal councils and sits as an independent representative in matters of business. Although independent Sandy Lake is affiliated with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, a provincial territorial organization representing a majority of northern Ontario First Nations.
Community Map Directory
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Geographical Areas R = River C = Centre A = Airport B = Big Rock O = Old Sawmill G = Ghostpoint RC = RC |
Offices 1. Robert Fiddler Administrative Building (Band Office) 2. 3. Sandy Lake Community Development Services Inc. (Corporation) 4. 5. Tikinagan Child & Family Services |
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Businesses 7. Northern Store Gas Station 8. Airport Gas Station 9. Sandy Seaplane 10. Dan Dan’s 11. T & N’s 12. Adowgamik 13. Sandy Lake Motel |
Services 14. Nursing Station ( 15. 16. 17. Gabbius Goodman Adult Learning Centre 18. 19. James Fiddler Memorial Radio Station 20. Nishnawbe-Aski Police Station 21. Heavy Equipment Yard (Sandy Lake Community Development Services Inc.) 22. Lumber Yard/Warehouse 23. Diesel Generation Power Station 24. Lagoon 25. Water Treatment Plant 26. Sandy Lake Fire Hall 27. Airport |
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Recreation 28. Arena 29. Treaty Grounds 30. RC Baseball Field 31. Baseball/Soccer Fields 32. Golf Course 33. Centennial Commemoration Site |
Churches 34. Adam Fiddler United Church 35. 36. RC Church 37. 38. 39. Revival Centre |