ABOUT
IFNA
Rooted in autonomy and guided by member Nations, IFNA exists to build capacity, deliver services, and create opportunities for generations to come.
Our Story
Since our early years, we have worked to strengthen capacity in areas such as infrastructure, health, education, and governance, always responding to challenges with collaborative solutions. Over time, we have expanded from not only providing advisory services but also delivering programs and services directly in our Nations. This includes Technical Services related to infrastructure, Health Services, Education, and the creation of our Integrated Emergency Services Department, established after leading emergency management efforts during the 2019 and 2021 Pikangikum evacuations.
Today, IFNA has grown from 15 caring individuals to a team of more than 160 people who are committed to serving and supporting our member Nations. With this growth, we are able to focus on initiatives that strengthen both the health of member Nations and the organization itself. We continue to uphold our founding vision: supporting the strong Nations who chose to come together for the well-being of our people and the generations to come.
Prior to the establishment of the Independent First Nations Alliance in September 1987, the five communities of Lac Seul First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Pikangikum First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, and Muskrat Dam First Nation remained independent from any existing tribal council. Each community is recognized as an autonomous Nation with its own needs and aspirations, and through IFNA they became interconnected, building strength and unity while maintaining their independence.
In 1989, IFNA was incorporated to provide technical advisory and development support to member Nations. Guided by the people, the IFNA Chiefs direct the affairs of the Tribal Council through custom practices and shared leadership, ensuring that the organization remains rooted in the values and needs of the communities it serves.
On April 1, 2000, Whitesand First Nation joined the Alliance, further strengthening IFNA and extending its reach. With this addition, the Alliance grew to five member Nations, each bringing unique perspectives while working together toward common goals.
Our Story
Prior to the establishment of the Independent First Nations Alliance in September 1987, the five communities of Lac Seul First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Pikangikum First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, and Muskrat Dam First Nation remained independent from any existing tribal council. Each community is recognized as an autonomous Nation with its own needs and aspirations, and through IFNA they became interconnected, building strength and unity while maintaining their independence.
In 1989, IFNA was incorporated to provide technical advisory and development support to member Nations. Guided by the people, the IFNA Chiefs direct the affairs of the Tribal Council through custom practices and shared leadership, ensuring that the organization remains rooted in the values and needs of the communities it serves.
On April 1, 2000, Whitesand First Nation joined the Alliance, further strengthening IFNA and extending its reach. With this addition, the Alliance grew to five member Nations, each bringing unique perspectives while working together toward common goals.
Since our early years, we have worked to strengthen capacity in areas such as infrastructure, health, education, and governance, always responding to challenges with collaborative solutions. Over time, we have expanded from not only providing advisory services but also delivering programs and services directly in our Nations. This includes Technical Services related to infrastructure, Health Services, Education, and the creation of our Integrated Emergency Services Department, established after leading emergency management efforts during the 2019 and 2021 Pikangikum evacuations.
Today, IFNA has grown from 15 caring individuals to a team of more than 160 people who are committed to serving and supporting our member communities. With this growth, we are able to focus on initiatives that strengthen both the health of our Nations and the organization itself. We continue to uphold our founding vision: supporting the strong Nations who chose to come together for the well-being of our people and the generations to come.
Vision
Sustainability and autonomy for IFNA First Nations communities
Mission
Helping IFNA First Nations advance their priorities and develop healthy, sustainable communites
Our logo reflects the spirit of who we are.
The five points represent our five member Nations — Whitesand, Lac Seul, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Pikangikum, and Muskrat Dam.
Together, they form the shape of a tree or a river, depending on interpretation, symbolizing both connection and growth.
The branches show how each Nation maintains its independence, while the tree as a whole reflects the strength that comes from standing together through IFNA. “IFNA” sits Beneath the tree, representing both our role in uplifting the communities and the oversight our Nations hold over the organization.
Leadership of IFNA
The Chiefs of our Nations make up the governing body of the Independent First Nations Alliance. Together, they set priorities, provide oversight, and ensure accountability to member communities.
Each Chief brings forward the voice and priorities of their Nation while working collectively to advance shared goals. Through their leadership, IFNA remains grounded in the values, traditions, and aspirations of our people.
Pikangikum First Nation
Chief Paddy Peters
Box 323, Pikangikum, ON P0V 2L0
Muskrat Dam First Nation
Chief Carla Duncan
Box 140, Muskrat Dam, ON, P0V 3B0
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
Chief Donny Morris
Box 331, Big Trout Lake, ON P0V 1G0
Lac Seul First Nation
Chief Clifford Bull
Box 100, Hudson, ON P0V 1X0
Whitesand First Nation
Chief Lawrence Wanakamik
Box 68, Armstrong ON P0T 1A0
Guiding Principles
Our work is guided by the voices, values, and visions of the communities we serve.
Everything we do is rooted in four foundational principles: Community, Capacity, Compassion, and Courage.
We honour the autonomy and identity of each of the five independent First Nations within our alliance, recognizing that every community brings its own strengths, knowledge, and priorities. By building strong relationships and listening deeply, we ensure our work reflects the unique direction and needs of each Nation. While we come together as an alliance to share resources and expertise, we never lose sight of the importance of local leadership and self-determination.
Our commitment is to walk alongside communities, not ahead of them, and never without them.
We build capacity with the goal of community-driven strength and self reliance. Our role is to support and strengthen local systems and knowledge. We exist to help communities build on what they already know, do, and envision for themselves. Through collaboration, training, and tailored services, we work to increase each community’s ability to operate independently and sustainably.
We are continuously evolving to meet emerging needs and to offer diverse, high quality services, ensuring that the tools and support we provide are as dynamic as the communities we serve.
The challenges our communities face are not the same as those in urban centres. IFNA understands that each Nation has its own unique circumstances, shaped by systemic barriers and demographic realities.
These challenges impact housing, education, health care, and the path to
self-reliance. We lead with compassion and work alongside communities to create long term, practical solutions that reflect their needs.
At IFNA, we lead by providing First Nations–led solutions that reflect the priorities and visions of our member communities. Every initiative we undertake is developed in close partnership with the Nations we serve, ensuring alignment with their goals and aspirations.
Our strength comes from walking alongside communities, respecting their leadership, and delivering approaches that work for them, now and into the future.
Guiding Principles and Mandate
Our work is guided by the voices, values, and visions of the communities we serve. Everything we do is rooted in four foundational principles: Community, Capacity, Compassion, and Courage.
