About Windigo First Nations Council

Organizational Profile

In August 1977 , four Chiefs from distinct, independent communities, met to discuss a collaborative venture. Arthur Beardy (Muskrat Dam First Nation), Tom Kamenawatamin (Bearskin Lake First Nation), Marty McKay (Sachigo Lake First Nation) and Saul Keeash (North Caribou Lake First Nation) decided that it was in their mutual best interests to develop a winter road to link all four communities. Thus, the Windigo Lake Transportation Company was born. It was a product of much common sense and foresight on the part of these leaders.
The Chiefs realized that they needed to find ways to help each other. Prior to this initiative there was minimal communication at the political and community development level. With the cost of air transportation of freight goods being increasingly costly, it was apparent that it would be more cost effective to transport building materials, store goods, and fuel over land. Efficiency could only be realized if communities worked together. The development of a winter road had additional benefits in that it provided many jobs, which helped to supplement seasonal earnings.

The success of the Windigo Lake Transportation Company laid the groundwork for the organization's evolution into the Windigo Project Development area. This occurred in 1979. The new name reflected the expanded range of projects undertaken and services provided to the communities.

In 1983, the Windigo Tribal Council was incorporated as a legal entity with the same four communities as the founding members. The major purpose of the Council was to take-over departmental services: technical services, planning and economic development.

Slate Falls, Cat Lake and Osnaburgh First Nations joined the Council in the early 1980's. New Saugeen joined in 1985. In 1988 Muskrat Dam left the Council. In 1993, Osnaburgh formally withdrew membership from the Council. As of 1995 Saugeen Nation withdrew from membership in all political organizations, including Windigo First Nations Council.

Koocheching First Nation was recognized as an associate member of the Council in December of 1994. Associate members of the Council had received limited services delivery and participation in the Council. Whitewater Lake First Nation joined the Windigo First Nations Council in 2000. The Council changed its by-laws at the General Assembly held in North Caribou Lake First Nation whereby all members would be recognized as equal members.

Our Mission

Mission Statement of the Windigo First Nations Council

Windigo First Nations Council takes its direction from the leadership of the Chiefs of the governing member communities. The Council has two main functions:

1. To develop programs and services that respond to the needs of the Band members within the seven communities of the Windigo area.
2. To negotiate with other levels of government on various aspects of First Nations' jurisdiction and control. Such representation is based on, but does not compromise, the treaty and inherent rights positions held by the elected leaders and elders of the member communities.

In order to act efficiently in these two different roles the Council has developed a strategy composed of:

1) Program Delivery
The Council operates programs that focus on day-to-day development issues such as housing and infrastructure development, business and employment development, education, health and social well-being.
2) Political Development
The Council contributes to the political development of members' communities by assisting in the move toward self-government. As instructed by the Chiefs, the Council will:

Ø Lobby and negotiate for community-based initiatives,
Ø Coordinate research and provide planning assistance,
Ø Design, develop, coordinate and advise member First Nations on programs and services which focus on community needs,
Ø Provide political representation as required and requested,
Ø Provide an information and support network, and
Ø Keep member First Nations informed of its activities.

Windigo First Nations Council exists to serve the member communities in terms of physical, economic, social, and political development. The Council takes its direction from the Chiefs and, ultimately, the Band members of the governing First Nations.

Statement of Principles of the Windigo First Nations Council

1. The Windigo Council respects the right of each individual to strive to meet his or her potential.
2. The Council's leadership and staff shall conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner.
3. The Windigo Council will act in the best interests of its member First Nations.
4. The solutions to the challenges facing First Nations lie within the First Nations themselves.
5. Each First Nation is unique and distinct.
6. Windigo First Nations have an inherent right to self-government.
7. The Chiefs and the Councils are the sole legitimate governing authorities within each First Nation.