WBAFN logo: Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First NationsWBAFN
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Painted landscape of hills, rivers and forest with geometric Turtle Island patterns in the sky

About WBAFN

Our Roots. Our Nations. Our Voice.

Incorporated in 1993 as a non-profit tribal council entity, WBAFN exists to strengthen the six First Nations we serve: working together, sharing resources and speaking with one voice.

Who we are

A non-profit tribal council built by and for First Nations

WBAFN was incorporated in 1993 as a non-profit tribal council entity. We foster and advance the economic, health, education, social, cultural and recreational interests of our member First Nations: Dokis, Henvey Inlet, Magnetawan, Wahnapitae, Nipissing and Wasauksing.

Our association is founded on the belief that every nation's voice is stronger when we share ideas, techniques and resources. We provide technical, advisory and management services so that each community can plan, build and care for the places they call home.

About the WBAFN Logo

The WBAFN logo was created and generously donated by Chief Tim Restoule of Dokis First Nation.

  • Rivers flow from the east.
  • The centre represents the rising sun.
  • The bottom represents Turtle Island, with rivers flowing through it.
  • The eagle symbolizes the strength that holds the circle of chiefs strong.

Our Founding Principles

  • Supportive: we support member programs and services.
  • Voluntary: each nation joins by its own choice.
  • Sharing: ideas and resources make us stronger.
  • Consultation: affected nations have a right to be heard.
  • Respect: we give every nation a stronger voice.
  • Service: we serve member nations and their people.

Our history

From one shared concern to one stronger voice

  1. Late 1980

    A vision for working together

    Former Chief Norman Recollet of Wahnapitae First Nation saw the advantage of the Highway 69 corridor First Nations working together toward common goals and concerns.

  2. Engagement

    Finding common ground

    The Highway 69 corridor First Nations held a number of engagement sessions to identify their commonalities and how they could move forward under the structure of a Tribal Council. It was agreed that together they would have a stronger voice with governments when conducting First Nation business.

  3. September 30, 1993

    WBAFN is incorporated

    The Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations was incorporated. Its name means eastern flowing waters into Georgian Bay.

  4. Our objects

    What we were incorporated to do

    To foster and advance the economic, social, cultural and recreational interests of our member First Nations.