Who We Are
Learn about our community, mission, Seven Grandfather Teachings, values, and flag.
Our community
Neskantaga First Nation
Neskantaga First Nation is an Ojibwe community located 436 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and 180 kilometres northeast of Pickle Lake, Ontario. Travel to and from the community is possible by air, winter road and, for the more adventurous, boat and paddle. The population of Neskantaga First Nation is about 400 people, about 300 of whom live on reserve.
Once part of a major trade route, the Attawapiskat and Otoskwin rivers surrounding Neskantaga merge into a delta with significant brackish tidal marshes. The area has a rich history, with ancient Anishinaabe communities dating back to at least 3000 BC and fur-trading sites from the early 1800s.
The Neskantaga First Nation community is defined by rich culture and tradition. Closely tied to the land, many members participate in the traditional harvesting of wildlife, fish, plants, bark, trees, berries, and water from cool, fresh springs throughout the surrounding area. The community is full of industrious people who create art, crafts, and other goods.
Continuing the practice of sharing oral history, many people still share legends and stories, including the creation story that binds members with a shared history and purpose. Traditional healing and ceremony continue through an intrinsic relationship with, and responsibility to, the land.
Where we are
Northern Ontario
Neskantaga First Nation is situated along the shore of Attawapiskat Lake in the District of Kenora.
Kenora, Unorganized, ON P0T 1Z0
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Our direction
Mission Statement
To build a community for the membership of Neskantaga First Nation in which we may live with dignity and in harmony with each other, our land, and nature; by providing leadership that will enable the membership to become self-reliant and healthy, in keeping with traditional ways, in partnership with others, and with the guidance of the Creator in all we do.
We will be transparent and accountable by working within the policies and guidelines that represent the best interests of Neskantaga First Nation. We will raise awareness of the factors affecting our community and work together to develop, promote, and implement prevention initiatives that support a safe, drug- and alcohol-free community.
We will maintain cooperative working relationships and support capacity building in the community to promote and sustain the highest standard of services. We will maintain the integrity of the First Nation while working within the values of the Seven Grandfather Teachings and with the guidance of our Creator.
Guiding values
Seven Grandfather Teachings
Our commitments
Values Statement
Neskantaga First Nation will strive to maintain the following values as we move forward towards a proud, self-reliant First Nation community:
- We will put the community first in all ventures, programming, initiatives, and delivery of services.
- We will always respect and acknowledge the Creator.
- We will always respect the land and all its bounty.
- We will respect our role as caretakers of our traditional territory.
- We will strive for a balance between conservation and resource development in all economic development.
- We will respect and include our youth, women, and Elders in all community-based ventures, programming, and initiatives.
- We will respect everyone's spirituality.
- We will honour those who have passed on by learning from their experiences.
- We will honour future generations by ensuring the development of a proud and self-reliant community.
- We believe that every community member has the right to receive services that are responsive and timely, whether in or outside the community.
- We believe that we are accountable to the community to ensure that adequate services continue to be available.
- We believe that those representing Neskantaga First Nation must be fit for duty. Fit for duty means being able to safely and acceptably perform all duties without limitations due to substance abuse or its after-effects.
- We believe in protecting the integrity of Neskantaga First Nation at all times by being professional and ethical while representing Neskantaga First Nation.
- We believe that we have a duty and obligation to work together in the community.
- We respect and acknowledge the diversity of the community's spiritual beliefs and faith-based practices. As a result of this diversity, we believe that we must be respectful, non-judgemental, unbiased, and work without controversy.
- We believe in discouraging any activity that promotes judgemental, disrespectful, prejudicial, oppressive, or discriminatory practices that target any group or individuals in the community.
- We believe in continuing to attend training that will build capacity and subsequently improve services in the community.
- We believe in treating all members and residents with respect and dignity.
- We believe in treating our Elders with high esteem.
- We believe in protecting our rights and the rights of others.
- We believe in maintaining an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.
Our flag
The Neskantaga First Nation Flag
“If you don't tell your children who and what they are, they will never know. How can they be proud of something they don't know?”
For many years, the people of Lansdowne House expressed a determination to unify the community through the Relocation Project and the process of relocating the community. With the help of Sandy Sagutch, the Chief and Council presented the Community Flag. The flag represents Native Culture and the People of the Land.
Native Culture is not a religion. It is a way of life that must be practised daily. It is not restricted. It offers freedom of choice. No one is forced into it, yet it is made available to anyone.
Learn more about our flag
Four directions and seasons
The four surrounding elements are described as representing the seasons and the four winds or directions.
Peace pipe
The materials and tobacco are connected with faith, honesty, kindness, caring, sharing, gratitude, and responsibilities to others.
Sweetgrass road
The road is associated with happiness, success, and contentment, alongside recognition of hardship and despair.
Feathers
The four feathers are associated with cultures of life and with both spiritual and everyday responsibilities.
Wolf and moon
The wolf is described as a reminder to follow the Creator's laws and practise faith, honesty, kindness, caring, and sharing.
Circles
The circles move outward from the individual to family, community, and the wider universe.
Flag colours
White
Day, snow, clean air, and what is good.
Green
The land and living with what the Creator provides.
Black
Night, peace, and tranquillity.
Gold
The good years possible through following Native Culture.