Our Community

Wahnapitae First Nation (WFN) is a proud Anishinaabe community, located on the shores of Lake Wahnapitei in northern Ontario. Its traditional name, Wahnapitaeping, means “place where the water is shaped like a tooth’. Currently, WFN is home to more than 170 residents, with over 700 members scattered around the globe. As it continues to grow, WFN comes together as a vibrant and thriving mix of families, entrepreneurs, and dedicated volunteers who are ready to create a strong and resilient First Nation for current and future generations.

Culture and History

Located on the north shores of Lake Wahnapitae, Wahnapitae First Nation is a signatory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty (1850) and an Ojibway community of the Anishinabek Nation. The community has a land base of 3.2 km X 3.2 km and is accessible through logging roads. It is a developing community with a rich history and a strong cultural identity originating from its people.

“Wahnapitae, a river of northern Ontario (dist. of Nipissing), flows out of Lake Wahnapitae in lat. 46 degrees 40’ N., Lon. 80 degrees 42’ W. On its shores are forests of red and white pine, cedar, Tamarac and hardwood. The soil is eminently agricultural.

Wahnapitae, a post village in Nipissing dist., Ont., on Wahnapitae River, and a station (wanapitei) on the main line of the C.P.R., 12 miles east of Sudbury. It has 2 churches (R.C and Union), 4 stores, 2 hotels, besides telegraph and express offices. Pop. 300. 

Wahnapitaeping, a lake of northern Ontario (dist. Of Nipissing), in lat. 46 degrees  45’ N., lon. 80 degrees 45’ W., about 10 miles long by 8 miles wide. The north shore is low and marshy; some parts of its banks are covered with red pine. It contains several islands and receives a waiver from the north.” - Lovell's Gazetteer of the Dominion of Canada: 1908 p. 936

People and Nature

Wahnapitae First Nation’s strongest assets are its people and the natural environment. Preservation of both is critical, both for environmental and for the preservation of our Anishinaabe culture and traditions. The people who choose to live and work in the community are adventurous spirits with a strong sense of identity and community pride.