Naicatchewenin First Nation facts for kids

The Naicatchewenin First Nation is also known as the Anishinaabeg of Nagaajiwanaang. They used to be called the Northwest Bay First Nation. This community lives in a special area in Ontario, Canada. This area was mentioned in an important agreement called Treaty 3 in 1873.

The Naicatchewenin community is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Fort Frances. The town of Devlin is 50 kilometers (31 miles) south on Highway 11. The big city of Thunder Bay is 420 kilometers (261 miles) to the east, and Winnipeg is 450 kilometers (280 miles) to the northwest.

What Does Their Name Mean?

In the Ojibwe language, the name Nagaajiwanaang means "At the place where the current is blocked." This name describes a feature of the land where they live.

Who Are the Naicatchewenin People?

As of February 2009, there were 375 people officially registered as members of the Naicatchewenin First Nation. Out of these, 257 people live right on their own land, called a Reserve.

The First Nation chooses its leaders through a system called the Indian Act Electoral System. Their council includes a chief and three councillors. These leaders work to make decisions for their community.

The Naicatchewenin First Nation is part of two larger groups:

• The Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services: This is a group of Chiefs from the region who work together.
• The Grand Council of Treaty 3: This is a bigger political group that helps many First Nations in northwest Ontario and southeast Manitoba.

Their Land and Home

The Naicatchewenin First Nation has special lands called Reserves. These are their traditional territories.

• Rainy Lake Indian Reserve No. 17A is their main home. It was measured in 1878 and is about 1,501.80 hectares (3,711.0 acres). This is where the Naicatchewenin community is located.
• Rainy Lake Indian Reserve No. 17B is another piece of land, about 987.50 hectares (2,439.0 acres).
• Agency Indian Reserve No. 1 is a smaller area, about 14 hectares (35 acres), that they share with three other First Nations.

A Look at Their History

An important part of their history is the Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI). This is a college-level school that is owned and run by Aboriginal communities. It was started in 1985 by ten First Nations bands from the Rainy Lake area.

These ten bands include:

• Big Grassy
• Big Island
• Couchiching
• Lac La Croix
• Naicatchewenin
• Nigigoonsiminikaaning
• Ojibways of Onigaming
• Rainy River
• Seine River
• Mitaanjigaming

Each of these bands chooses one person to be on the Board of Directors for the Seven Generations Education Institute. This board works with an Executive Director to lead the school.

Community Services and Programs

The Naicatchewenin First Nation offers many important services and programs to help their community members. These include:

• Band Administration: Managing the daily operations of the First Nation.
• Education: Supporting schools and learning for all ages.
• Health Services: Providing healthcare for the community.
• Brighter Futures: Programs to help young people grow and succeed.
• Building Healthy Communities: Initiatives to make the community a better place to live.
• Aboriginal Healing and Wellness: Programs focused on well-being and traditional healing.
• Social Services: Helping families and individuals with their needs.
• Family Services: Support for families.
• Housing: Managing homes and housing projects.
• Economic Development: Creating jobs and business opportunities.
• Post Secondary Education: Helping students go to college or university.
• Operations and Maintenance: Keeping community buildings and services running.
• Naicatchewenin Development Corporation: A group that works on new projects for the community.
• Community Services:
  • Fire Protection: Keeping the community safe from fires.
  • Emergency First Response Team: People trained to help in emergencies.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Planning for what to do during emergencies.
  • Roads and Bridges: Maintaining the paths and crossings.
  • Central Water Supply: Providing clean water.
  • Central Sewage System: Managing waste water.
  • School Bussing: Helping students get to school.
  • Forestry: Managing the forests around their land.
  • Recreation Services: Organizing fun activities for everyone.
  • Carpentry: Building and repairing things in the community.