NAN Celebrates Land Base for McDowell Lake First Nation with Mishi Sakahikaniing Reserve

November 26, 2025

THUNDER BAY, ON: The Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Executive Council congratulates Chiefs, Council, and the members of McDowell Lake First Nation for reaching a historic milestone in their years-long effort to establish a permanent land base for the remote Anisininew community.

“We are pleased to congratulate Chief Lois James and the Mishi Sakahikaniing council for their determination to reclaim their home over nearly decades of advocacy and negotiations. The creation of the Mishi Sakahikaniing Reserve is a historic achievement that all members of McDowell Lake can be proud of.

Achieving reserve status took a tremendous amount of work by community leaders, representatives of many other organizations, and various levels of government. It has taken tremendous leadership, skill and perseverance to navigate this complex process, and we acknowledge the efforts and persistence of everyone involved.

This is a major accomplishment and a milestone. Achieving reserve status will help Mishi Sakahikaniing members on their path to cultural revitalization and self-determination in their way and on their terms.

We acknowledge the shared commitment of our federal and provincial Treaty partners to support the community in the spirit of reconciliation and partnership.”

McDowell Lake First Nation is located approximately 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay on the shore of McDowell Lake. It is only accessible by float plane and ski-equipped aircraft and has a population of approximately 50 people on-reserve.

The community was established by trapper Johnny Kenequanash in the 1940s on the central western shore of McDowell Lake known as Misi-zhaaga’igan or “The Grand Lake.” Misi-zhaaga’igan was the main waterway for people travelling by canoes leading north to Windigo Lake or east towards Cat Lake. Today, the primary economic activity is traditionally trapping and fishing.

McDowell Lake was awarded official band status in 1985, and a land base of approximately 4,536 hectares was established through the 1991 Six Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Agreement between the governments of Canada, Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and five other First Nations.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca

NT5