After going 160 years without ownership of their traditional homeland, the members of Sand Point First Nation are now celebrating. The band's 230 members now have a reserve on the shores of Lake Nipigon.
The dispute over the 1000 hectares dates back to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 that left Sand Point members without an official homeland. However members were allowed to stay on the land until1943 when a flood forced them out. Sand point was next converted into Black Sands Provincial Park in the early 70s.
The park was then deregulated by the province in 1999. Two decades of negotiations finally led to the land being returned over to Sand Point First Nation.
Homecoming celebrations were held with hundreds of members and well-wishers from all levels of government in attendance.
Along with housing, the band plans to build a 75-bed long term care facility for elders. The chief says there are also plans to build a75 bed long term care facility for elders
Sand point First nation is located on highway 11 about 20 kilometres south west of Beardmore.
