Wednesday March 10, 2010

Community Profile

Nigigoonsiminikaaning Nation is located in Northwestern Ontario and is 40 kilometres(kms) east of Fort Frances. The First Nation has approximately 130 members living on a territory of 4,800 hectares. The community is situated 300 kms west of Thunder Bay, 300 kms east of Winnipeg and approximately 500 kms or 290 Miles north of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is relatively isolated physically and economically from mainstream Canada. While isolated from Canada in this capacity, the area is rich culturally in the vast history of the Ojibwe people in the area.

The community has its own voluntary organizations, including a volunteer fire department, Recreation, Education, Housing and Economic Development committees. The Band Administration services the community in the areas of community health, education, social services, policing, housing and economic development.

Today the community lives reasonably within their means. The traditional fishing economy has become weakened due to over fishing and tourism. The community has recently built a gymnasium, four seasons recreational outdoor facility, and a daycare centre.

The children are bused 20 kilometres east to Mine Centre School in Mine Centre, Ontario for elementary school. The Youth commute to Fort Frances for education services, including secondary and limited post-secondary services (through Confederation College, Lakehead University and Seven Generations Education Institute). On-line post-secondary education opportunities were not available because of lack adequate bandwidth needed to complete courses. It is anticipated that increased bandwidth will be made available pending approval of the Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services business plan to Industry Canada.

The Chief & Council govern the community affairs, with respect given to the Elders and Youth in the decision-making process. There are two Councillors within the government, Councillor Ron Allan and Clayton Windigo share duties in the areas of housing, economic development, social services and administration. Gary Allen, Chief of Nigigoonsimikaaning First Nation is active in political activities on behalf of the community through the Fort France Chief's Secretariat, Grand Council Treaty #3, Chief's of Ontario and Assembly of First Nations.

The First Nation has also made arrangements with the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to setup seasonal language camps at the mouth of the Ottertail River. Highlights of the activities at the Language Camp include trapping camps, wild rice harvesting, fasting and Ojibwe ceremonies.

Reserves/ Settlements

No.	Name	Location	Hectares
06245	RAINY LAKE NO. 26A	ON SOUTH SHORE OF RED GUT BAY IN NORTHEAST RAINY LAKE	1909.7
06246	RAINY LAKE NO. 26B	ON SOUTH SHORE OF RED GUT BAY IN NORTHEAST RAINY LAKE	1068.4
06247	RAINY LAKE NO. 26C	ON SOUTH SHORE OF RED GUT BAY IN NORTHEAST RAINY LAKE	1107.6
06336	AGENCY NO. 1	IN SW/SO OF/DE RAINY LAKE	6422.5