McDowell Lake First Nation

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McDowell Lake First Nation (Anishinini language: Misi-zhaaga'iganiing) is a small Oji-Cree First Nation located in Northern Ontario, located approximately 155 km northeast of Red Lake, Ontario, Canada, on the central western shore of McDowell Lake. As of December, 2007, their total registered population was 52. It is part of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Council (Northern Chiefs) and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

The First Nation's MacDowell Lake Indian Settlement, also known as MacDowell Lake, Ontario, is accessible by float and ski equipped aircraft. Though no winter/ice roads connect this community in the winter, a person can use either snowmobiles or snowshoes to trail off from winter/ice roads and head towards the community. Nearest winter/ice roads from the community connect Red Lake, Ontario, to North Spirit Lake, Deer Lake and Sandy Lake First Nations.

Contents 1 History 2 Government 2.1 Governance 2.2 Services 2.3 Official address 3 External links

[edit] History

The small community of Misi-zhaaga'iganiing was established by trapper Johnny Kenequanash in the 1940's on the central western shore of McDowell Lake, known in Anishinini language as Misi-zhaaga'igan, meaning "the grand lake." Misi-zhaaga'igan was the main water way for people travelling by canoes leading North to Windigo Lake or going east towards Cat Lake. Kenequanash and his family was soon joined by the James family. Most Band members were former North Caribou Lake (Weagamow Lake) members and also have close ties with Cat Lake members. For many years the prime economic activity is either trapping or commercial fishing. In 1985, McDowell Lake long with six other community was awarded official Band status. The Governments of Canada, Ontario, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and six of its member First Nations (Aroland, Keewaywin, McDowell Lake, New Slate Falls, Saugeen and Wawakapewin) signed an agreement in December 1991 to make lands available to establish Indian reserves in the six communities and to provide basic community facilities. In June 1992, the 4455 ha MacDowell Lake Indian Settlement was remitted, but Census Canada records only 2750 ha in 1996 and 1940 ha in 2006.

[edit] Government

[edit] Governance

The leadership of the First Nation is determined through a Custom Electoral System. The current Chief is Eli James, with Head Councillor Albert James and Councillor Ellen Keno. Their elected terms began on December 28, 2001.

The First Nation is a member of Keewaytinook Okimakanak Council (Northern Chiefs), a local non-political Chiefs Council. McDowell Lake is also a member of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, a Tribal Political Organization representing many of the First Nations in northern Ontario.

[edit] Services

Government services are provided by the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Council and by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Services include:

• KO Telemedicine
• K-Net ISP service
• NAN Police Service

[edit] Official address

McDowell First Nation
PO Box 321
Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0

Phone: 1-807-727-1168

Fax: 1-807-727-2170

[edit] External links

• INAC profile
• Indians and Bands on certain Indian Settlements Remission Order

v • d • e Nishnawbe Aski Nation Independent First Nations Alliance Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug • Lac Seul • Muskrat Dam • Pikangikum • Whitesand Keewaytinook Okimakanak Council Deer Lake • Fort Severn • Keewaywin • McDowell Lake • North Spirit Lake • Poplar Hill Matawa First Nations Aroland • Constance Lake • Eabametoong • Ginoogaming • Hornepayne • Long Lake 58 • Marten Falls • Neskantaga • Nibinamik • Webequie Mushkegowuk Council Attawapiskat • Chapleau Cree • Fort Albany • Kashechewan • Missanabie Cree • Moose Cree • Taykwa Tagamou • Weenusk Shibogama First Nations Council Kasabonika • Kingfisher • Wapekeka • Wawakapewin • Wunnumin Lake Wabun Tribal Council Beaverhouse • Brunswick House • Chapleau Ojibway • Matachewan • Mattagami • Wahgoshig Windigo First Nations Council Bearskin Lake • Cat Lake • Koocheching • North Caribou Lake (Weagamow Lake) • Sachigo Lake • Slate Falls • Whitewater independent NAN communities Flying Post • Mishkeegogamang • Mocreebec Council • Sandy Lake

v • d • e The Numbered Treaties · Treaty Nine Numbered Treaties Treaty 1 · Treaty 2 · Treaty 3 · Treaty 4 · Treaty 5 · Treaty 6 · Treaty 7 · Treaty 8 · Treaty 9 · Treaty 10 · Treaty 11 Treaty Nine Nations Abitibiwinni First Nation (Quebec)  · Albany First Nation  · Aroland First Nation  · Attawapiskat First Nation  · Bearskin Lake First Nation  · Brunswick House First Nation  · Cat Lake First Nation  · Chapleau Cree First Nation  · Chapleau Ojibway First Nation  · Constance Lake First Nation  · Eabametoong First Nation  · Flying Post First Nation  · Fort Severn First Nation  · Ginoogaming First Nation  · Kasabonika First Nation  · Keewaywin First Nation  · Kingfisher First Nation  · Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation  · Marten Falls First Nation  · Matachewan First Nation  · Mishkeegogamang First Nation  · Missanabie Cree First Nation  · Neskantaga First Nation  · Nibinamik First Nation  · Mattagami First Nation  · Muskrat Dam Lake First Nation  · McDowell Lake First Nation  · Moose Cree First Nation  · North Caribou Lake First Nation  · Sachigo Lake First Nation  · Slate Falls Nation  · Taykwa Tagamou First Nation  · Wahgoshig First Nation  · Wapekeka First Nation  · Wawakapewin First Nation  · Webequie First Nation  · Weenusk First Nation  · Wunnumin Lake First Nation

Coordinates: 52°12′36″N, 92°42′36″W