Communities
Wasaya Airways offers four main base locations to our customers in Northwestern and Northeastern Ontario. Each base provides a vital link to the First Nation communities in which Wasaya Airways LP serves.
There are over 20 First Nation communities in Wasaya Airways’ service area, with each ranging in population from 800 to 8500 people. The majority of communities house modern day conveniences while still maintaining traditional cultural activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping. Each community has it’s own traditions and customs.
Fort Severn
If you are seeking adventure, Fort Severn will satisfy all your yearnings. “The Most Northernly Community in the province of Ontario” offers outdoor experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Located at the edge of the tree line near Hudson’s Bay, its tundra landscape is home to exotic wildlife including polar bears, caribou, ptarmigan, artic char, beluga whales, and seals.
For more information about Fort Severn, visit:
Summer Beaver (Nibinamik)
Nibinamik, also known as Summer Beaver, is nestled on the shores of beautiful Nibinamik Lake. This small community offers wonderful opportunities for wildlife viewing as well as kayaking, fishing, and hunting.
For more information about Summer Beaver, visit:
Wunnumin Lake
Wunnumin Lake First Nation is one of the original eight communities which started the company in 1986.
CURRENT CHIEF AND COUNCIL
Chief Rod Winnipetonga
Deputy Chief Sam Mamamkwa
Head Councillor Lawrence Gliddy
Councillor Gordon Mckoop
Councillor Clarence Anderson
Councillor Sheila Angees
as April 2017
Wunnumin Lake First Nation is located 360 km northeast of Sioux Lookout in Ontario, Canada. Its registered population is approximately 565. The Wunnumin Lake community can be accessed primarily through air transportation; however, during certain seasons one can also travel to this community using either the winter trails, winter road system or waterways.
For more information about Wunnumin Lake, visit:
Kingfisher Lake
Kingfisher Lake First Nation is one of the original eight communities which started the company in 1986. Elder Albert Mamakwa had a vision to help the young people and he wanted to see the First Nation communities get involved in business ventures.
Today, Kingfisher Lake is a tremendous supporter of Wasaya and a proud owner.
Current Chief & Council
Chief Eddie Mamakwa
Deputy Chief Verna Aganash
Head Councillor Isaac Sainnawap
Councillor Samuel Sturgeon
Councillor Amos Mamakwa
as of February 2017
Kingfisher First Nation is located 350 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout. It is accessible by air all year round, waterways during summer and ice roads in winter. The total registered population is approximately 500 people, of which the on-reserve population is 460.
For more information about Kingfisher Lake, visit:
Kasabonika Lake
Kasabonika Lake is surrounded by a spectacular natural landscape that makes it the perfect spot to hunt, fish, camp, canoe, and kayak in splendid isolation. You can forget your cares in this four season destination 400 kilometres north of Pickle Lake.
For more information about Kasabonika Lake, visit:
Wapekeka
Wapekeka First Nation (formerly known as Angling Lake First Nation) is an Oji-Cree community in the Kenora District, the community is located approximately 450 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout. The total registered population is approximately 375, of which the on-reserve population is 355.
For more information about Wapekeka, visit:
Big Trout Lake (Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug)
Come visit Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug on sparkling Big Trout Lake. Its pristine waterways and forests are made for exploring – start planning your adventure today!
For more information about Big Trout Lake, visit:
Bearskin Lake
Located four hundred and twenty-five kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, Bearskin Lake offers a true wilderness vacation. This area is the home of the Bearskin Lake First Nation and is renowned for its beautiful lakes, forests, and abundant wildlife.
For more information about Bearskin Lake, visit:
Muskrat Dam
Muskrat Dam is a paradise for outdoorsmen and naturalists. Situated approximately 370 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, the area offers unlimited opportunities to enjoy Northwestern Ontario’s natural beauty and escape from the hectic grind of everyday life.
For more information about Muskrat Dam, visit:
Keewaywin
Keewaywin is located north of Red Lake, Ontario. It is connected to Sandy Lake First Nation by Sandy Lake.
For more information about Keewaywin, visit:
Sandy Lake
Sandy Lake is the place to be if you are interested in canoeing, kayaking, hunting, or fishing. This area is home to the Sandy Lake First Nation and is the birthplace of Carl Rae, the famous Canadian artist who helped pioneer the Woodland style of art. The artistic legacy of Rae continues to thrive in Sandy Lake. The area has many talented painters who, like Rae, explore their cultural heritage through their art. Visitors will also enjoy the Muddy Water Music Festival, an annual event showcasing Aboriginal music.
For more information about Sandy Lake, visit:
Pikangikum
Pikangikum offers unique adventures that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. It is approximately 110 km from Red Lake on Pikangikum Lake. The lake and the nearby picturesque Berens River provide ample prospects for fishing and water sports. Choose from a number of wilderness outfitters and be sure to visit the thriving Pikangikum First Nation community.
For more information about Pikangikum, visit:
Lansdowne House (Neskantaga)
Neskantaga, also known as Lansdowne House, is a small community offering an infinite number of ways to enjoy its northern splendour. Immerse yourself in this area’s exciting outdoor and recreational activities.
For more information about Neskantaga, visit:
Fort Hope (Eabametoong)
Eabametoong, an Ojibway word meaning “the reversing of the water place,” is a popular destination for anglers, canoeists, and kayakers. Located 350 miles north of Thunder Bay, it offers great whitefish, sturgeon, and walleye fishing as well as a multitude of other spring, summer, and fall outdoor adventures. This area, also known as Fort Hope, is the home of the Eabemetoong First Nation Reserve.
For more information about Fort Hope, visit:
Webequie
Unwind in Webequie, the destination that provides endless opportunities to enjoy Northwestern Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage. Stay at the Spruce Shores Lodge where you can “Experience The Ways of the North in Webequie First Nation, Land of the Ojibway Cree.” Spruce Shores offers outstanding fishing as well as scenic tours and delicious traditionally-prepared Aboriginal foods.
For more information about Webequie, visit:
Round Lake (Weagamow or North Caribou)
North Caribou Lake First Nation (also known as Weagamow or Round Lake) is located on the north shore of Weagamow Lake. It is approximately 320 km north of Sioux Lookout. This remote area offers unspoiled wilderness and exciting outdoor sporting activities for every taste.
For more information about North Caribou Lake, visit:
Sachigo Lake
Sachigo Lake offers rugged beauty, adventure, and thrills for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary. Home of the Sachigo Lake First Nation, this idyllic area is a mecca for recreation and wilderness seekers located 425 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout.
For more information about Sachigo Lake, visit:
North Spirit Lake
North Spirit Lake First Nation is a small community in Northern Ontario, located north of Red Lake. It is connected to Sandy Lake First Nation, and Deer Lake First Nation by winter / ice roads.
For more information about North Spirit Lake, visit:
Deer Lake
In Deer Lake, you’ll find everything you need to have an unforgettable vacation. This remote northern community has great fishing including lake trout, great northern pike, and walleye. If camping, hiking, or canoeing is more your style, you’ll never run out of rivers or wilderness to explore. You’ll also have the chance to encounter moose, eagles, hawks, and other wildlife in their natural environment.
For more information about Deer Lake, visit:
Poplar Hill
Poplar Hill First Nation is located in Northern Ontario, approximately 120 km north of Red Lake near the Ontario-Manitoba border. The First Nation is accessible by air and winter road. The total registered population is approximately 450 people, of which the on-reserve population is 420.
For more information about Poplar Hill, visit:
Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay (population 114,000) is located on the northwest shore of Lake Superior. Wasaya Airways’ Head Office is located in Thunder Bay at the Fort William First Nation. The hangar facility is located at the Thunder Bay International Airport.
Operationally, our Thunder Bay base primarily completes contract and charter requests while providing additional connecting service to our Sioux Lookout passenger service. Services are provided by four Pilatus PC-12 and one Beech 1900D.
For more information about Thunder Bay, visit:
Red Lake
Red Lake (municipality population 4700) is located 550 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The airport is located in Cochenour (in the Municipality of Red Lake). Like our Pickle Lake Base, Red Lake provides delivery for all essential services year round to the northern communities. Our Red Lake base offers two Caravan C208B for passenger, freight and fuel delivery requirements, and additionally, one Hawker Siddeley 748 for freight needs. When required, the Pickle Lake fuel Hawker is available to complete fuel delivery for customers in the Red Lake service area.
Wasaya Airways’ Red Lake service area comprises 12 First Nation communities, in Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba, which are:
Ontario:
Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Keewaywin, North Spirit Lake, Pikangikum, Poplar Hill, Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake
Manitoba:
Island Lake, Red Sucker Lake, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack (serviced through Island Lake Airport)
For more information about Red Lake, visit:
Sioux Lookout
Sioux Lookout (population 5200) is located 370 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Our Sioux Lookout base acts as the main hub for our passenger service to 21 First Nation communities to the north and the towns of Pickle Lake, Red Lake and the city of Thunder Bay.
Wasaya Airways offers two flights daily from Thunder Bay to Sioux Lookout return, on our modern, state-of-the-art-aircraft.
Also provided from Sioux Lookout are small freight shipments (small parcels, envelopes etc). Our Sioux Lookout base offers three state-of-the-art Pilatus PC-12 (one completely dedicated to charter work) and two modern Beech 1900D aircraft for our scheduled passenger service and ad hoc charter requests.
For more information about Sioux Lookout, visit:
Pickle Lake
Pickle Lake (population 500) is located 530 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Highway 599 ceases in Pickle Lake and all essential supplies to the northern communities are flown in year round. Our Pickle Lake base offers one Caravan C208B aircraft for passenger, freight and fuel needs, and additionally, two Hawker Siddeley 748; one dedicated to fuel, the other to freight.
Wasaya Airways’ Pickle Lake service area includes 12 First Nation communities, which are:
Bearskin Lake, Eabametoong (Fort Hope), Fort Severn, Kasabonika Lake, Kingfisher Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake), Muskrat Dam, Neskantaga (Lansdowne House), Nibinamik (Summer Beaver), Wapekeka (Angling Lake), Webequie, Wunnumin Lake
Service is also extended to the communities of Ogoki Post (Marten Falls), Slate Falls and Peawanuck, when required.
For more information about Pickle Lake, visit: