Sagamok Anishnawbek

Sagamok Anishnawbek is an Ojibway, Odawa, and Pottawatami community located on the north shore of Lake Huron, approximately 120 km west of Sudbury, Ontario. The area is known for its natural beauty characterized by boreal forest, many lakes and rivers, and rocky shores. A signatory to the Robinson - Huron Treaty of 1850, the community's traditional territory is historically significant as a transportation hub and for its role in the development of the fur trade. Sagamok has a population of 2,500, of which 1,400 live on reserve. The community is situated within one of the most active mineral resource areas in Canada. In recent years mineral exploration activity in Sagamok's traditional territory has increased significantly with the staking of mining claims by several companies. The community is notable for its members' heavy involvement in forestry and for having signed an Impacts and Benefits Agreement with a nickel mining company in order to ensure economic benefits are shared and environmental stewardship is followed on Sagamok's traditional territory. The community has a significant on-reserve population and with the promise of more jobs coming to Sagamok in the near future, providing options for adequate housing is a priority of community leadership. In addition to new, single family dwellings, one option being considered is a large, multi-unit complex. Renovation loans backed by the Fund will help to ensure the life spans of existing homes are carefully managed and maximized. Sagamok is affiliated with the North Shore Tribal Council and the Union of Ontario Indians.