The Full Story of
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) is a proud, progressive and resilient indigenous nation on the shores of what is now called Dinorwic Lake west of Dryden, Ontario with strong roots in our Anishinaabe culture and the history of our people. With approximately 740 members, we have survived colonialism and attempted acculturation by Canada, the residential schools, the flooding of our lake and the destruction of our natural environment, the sixties scoop of our young people and many other hardships to emerge as a vibrant nation with strong roots in our culture and a diversified modern economy.
Mission
Our mission is to use all our resources to build and maintain a strong community; to support and strengthen our families, and to uphold the inherent rights of every child. We will protect and assert our jurisdiction, we will gather in the spirit of family,we will strive to include every member of our nation in moving our community forward, and we will unify our strength given to us by the Creator, to ensure a safe path for our future generations.
Vision
WLON is always on the lookout for business opportunities that can benefit our members and our nation as a whole. The culture of enterprise that is clearly evident at Wabigoon today is consistent with and linked to what it means to be Ojibway. It is seen as complementary to the renewal of other cultural practices such as traditional powwows. It is an identity of traditional Ojibway people who are able to flourish in the contemporary world.
Community Profile
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) is a proud, progressive and resilient indigenous nation on the shores of what is now called Dinorwic Lake west of Dryden, Ontario with strong roots in our Anishinaabeg culture and the history of our people. With approximately 740 members, we have survived colonialism and attempted acculturation by Canada, the residential schools, the flooding of our lake and the destruction of our natural environment, the sixties scoop of our young people and many other hardships to emerge as a vibrant nation with strong roots in our culture and a diversified modern economy.
The ancient presence of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation people on their land is reflected in its vast forests and countless lakes, rivers and streams. Aki and Nibi - the land and water - are vital resource for the people of WLON and must be protected. The landscape surrounding our people is reflected in them through language, culture and way of life. Extensive fields of Manomin (wild rice) were planted by the ancestors and now form an abundant source of food for people and animals. Vast towering stands of pine, birch, cedar and spruce, as well as blueberries and other foods, were nurtured by an extensive knowledge and practice of controlled burning. Because of our heritage WLON was a leader in the processing of wild rice and our tree nursery has been an important supplier of saplings for reforestation efforts by the forestry industry.
WLON has participated in a wide range of economic opportunities through joint ventures with a number of businesses in north western Ontario. Our entrepreneurial spirit has been recognized and rewarded by Aboriginal Business Canada. We also have a broad range of services in our community through our Administration Center, our Health Centre our School and Business Centre.
WLON is always on the lookout for business opportunities that can benefit our members and our nation as a whole. The culture of enterprise that is clearly evident at Wabigoon today is consistent with and linked to what it means to be Ojibway. It is seen as complementary to the renewal of other cultural practices such as traditional powwows. It is an identity of traditional Ojibway people who are able to flourish in the contemporary world.