About Us

 

McDowell Lake First Nation is a small Oji-Cree First Nation band government located in Northern Ontario, located approximately 155 km northeast of Red Lake, Ontario, Canada, on the central western shore of McDowell Lake. It is part of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Council (Northern Chiefs) and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

 

Community members live in urban communities primarily Thunder Bay and Red Lake. Community members travel by float plane and skidoo to their traditional lands throughout the year. McDowell Lake Council and Staff coordinate trips to the community village, so that the people can remain connected to their lands. Summer activities include, fishing, hunting, gathering berries, gardening and renovating village houses. The community uses a sawmill and chainsaws to build and renovate homes. Ice is collected in the winter and kept in the ice shed under sand to last the summer.