About Us

The vast and beautiful territory which surrounds Wunnumin Lake First Nation has always been carefully utilized and preserved by the local native people as their aboriginal homeland. Their rights to culture, fishing, gathering, hunting, language, and trapping were granted to them by the Great Creator and therefore it is not surprising that their relationship to the land is combined with respect and responsibility.

 

Brief History:

 

During 1929 - 1930 the leaders of Wunnumin Lake First Nation were summand to Big Trout Lake to participate in the signing of the adhesion to Treaty No. 9. It is interesting to note that Wunnumin Lake First Nation was given land allocation at this time.

 

In 1947 the Ontario government enacted the trapline registration and fee system which forced the Wunnumin Lake people to outline trapping areas and also begin paying for the land use. Many native people were placed under duress as the result of provincial law. These resource regulations did not provide the native any option but to adhere foreign laws.

 

In 1964 the Wunnumin Lake people decided to establish their own permanent community which is still located on the western part of Wunnumin Lake.

 

Location:

 

Wunnumin Lake Reserve is situated within the Sioux Lookout district.

Latitude 53 N

Longitude 89 W

360 km northeast of Sioux Lookout Nearest Neighboring Community Kingfisher Lake First Nation 40 km west of Wunnumin Lake.

 

Size:

 

Wunnumin Lake reserve has been divided into two sections of alloted land. The current inhabited land consists of 5,855hectares (22.61 square miles) and then uninhabited land containing 3,797 hectares (14.66 square miles) is located several km east, on the southern shores of Wunnumin Lake.

 

Population: (September 2002)

 

The Current Band membership of Wunnumin Lake First Nation is quoted to be 489 residents and 25 off-reserve.

 

Accessibility:

 

The community can be accessed primarily through air transportation, however during certain seasons one can also travel to this community using either the winter trails, winter road system or waterways.

 

Natural Environment:

 

Wunnumin Lake and surrounding areas has a large variety of wildlife, aquatic life and forest vegetation. These resources have benefited the local residents both personally and commercially.

 

Language:

 

The first language of Wunnumin Lake people is a combination of Ojibway and Cree, other wise known as oji-cree. It is estimated that over half of the population can speak English language fluently, but the native language is permanently established in the community.