Profile

Sandy Lake First Nation

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.

Geography

Sandy Lake is a remote, fly-in First Nation community located in the boreal forested area of Northwestern Ontario along the Severn River.  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. The community is made up of 7 geographical areas - River, Centre, Airport, Big Rock, Old Sawmill, Ghost Point, and R.C. 

Accessibility

As a fly-in community, Sandy Lake is accessible by plane only. During the winter months, it is accessible on the winter road network. The winter road season is approximately 6-11 weeks between January-March. It is during this time that the community ships essential materials and equipment for the year that would not otherwise be economical or possible to ship by plane.

Population

As of July 2105, there are 3,014 Sandy Lake band members registered with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. According to the statistics, approximately 2,571 band members are living on-reserve. ("Registered Population." Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. 2015. Web. 11 Aug. 2015.)

Political Structure

Sandy Lake First Nation is governed by an elected Chief, a Deputy Chief and eight (8) councillors.

The Elders Council 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 49 First Nations in northern Ontario. 

Community Map Directory

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.     

Sandy Lake Board of Education

     3.     

Sandy Lake Community Development Services Inc. (Corporation)

     4.     

Nishtum Building (Sandy Lake Health Authority)

     5.     

Tikinagan Child & Family Services

Businesses

 

     6.     

Northern Store/Post Office

     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 (Sandy Lake Health Authority)

     15. 

Thomas Fiddler Memorial Elementary School

     16. 

Thomas Fiddler Memorial High School

     17. 

Gabbius Goodman Adult Learning Centre

     18. 

Washtenigun Christian School

     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

 

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. 

Pentacostal Church

     36. 

RC Church

     37. 

Full Gospel Church

     38. 

Mennonite Church

     39. 

Revival Centre 

 

Sandy Lake Radio

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