Fort William First Nation
Fort William First Nation is located on the western shores of Lake Superior, adjacent to the City of Thunder Bay. The First Nation is involved in several economic development projects in energy, forestry and consulting industries. It also has six community based Indigenous-owned businesses in the areas of real estate, tourism, aggregates and community recreation facilities. There are also 24 member owned businesses on reserve, including 12 retail businesses (gas, grocery/convenience, restaurant, trailer rental, native arts and crafts), nine manufacturing businesses (construction, concrete, heavy equipment, welding, general contracting) and three businesses in the service sector (legal, consulting, recreational). Fort William First Nation is also involved in several joint ventures for large industrial projects. This includes a 140 MW photovoltaic solar park project that was completed in 2010. The project spans about 100 acres and produces 13 million kWh of solar energy annually.
Red Rock Indian Band
The Red Rock Indian Band is located 100 kilometers east of Thunder Bay and close to Highway 11/17. Building economic self-sufficiency is a key strategic priority of the First Nation. The Red Rock Band Economic Development Strategy provides a framework to support increased personal, family and community health of the First Nation through greater participation in the economy. A key project in the economic development strategy is the construction of a professional building complex to attract new industries and services to be based in the community. Other economic initiatives are: Little Jackfish Project, Commercial Properties/Real Estate Investments, a Marble Quarry, the Energy East Pipeline, The Chalet Lodge and more.
Pays Plat First Nation
The Pays Plat First Nation is a small community located near Rossport, Ontario along Trans Canada Highway 17. The First Nation supports a number of economic development initiatives to stimulate the local economy and is involved in the forestry industry, supplying wood from the Kenogami Forest to the AV Terrace Bay Pulp Mill. Pays Plat is also pursuing the development of a 10 MW power generation project with Pic River First Nation.
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (The Ojibways of Pic River) is situated on the northern shore of Lake Superior at the mouth of the Pic River. The First Nation is known for the role it has played in developing “run of the river” hydroelectric projects in Northern Ontario. It is partner to three projects: the 13.5 MW Black River generating station (GS), the 5.0 MW Twin Falls GS and the 23.0 MW Umbata Falls GS. In all, these projects produce enough electricity to meet the needs of some 30,000 homes in Ontario. The community also has another eight projects in development. Biigtigong Nishnaabeg is focused on creating a self-sustainable community with local employment, education and resource opportunities. The community has several businesses including a forestry company, a cable television company and a high-speed internet company.
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg has made significant progress in advancing its economic development and business capabilities over the last several years. As part of this, the First Nation established the White Lake Limited Partnership (WLLP) with a view to expand economic development activities. The WLLP has numerous business lines including in forestry, civil construction, commercial/residential construction, security services, camps and catering, among others. The community also holds and equity interest in several forestry ventures including a sawmill (White River Forest Products LP) and a logging company (Magwayawk Forestry Services LP).