Municipality of Sioux Lookout

ORGANIZATIONS

First Nations Services

The 29 First Nations communities serviced by Sioux Lookout are spread from Lac Seul, a few kilometres from Hudson, to Fort Severn on the coast of Hudson Bay. Most of the communities are accessible only by air and rely on services provided in Sioux Lookout.

One such service, Wawatay Native Communications Society, is a radio network that reaches all the First Nation communities and broadcasts in the native language of the area. Wawatay also produces native language television programs. Other activities include publishing a semi-monthly newspaper, translation services, distance education and assisting in establishing local community radio stations and high frequency radios for emergency use by hunters and trappers. Wawatay employs approximately 34 people.

There are three First Nation Councils based in Sioux Lookout that coordinate activities and services for their member First Nations; Shibogama First Nation Council, Windigo First Nation Council and the Independent First Nations Alliance.

Tikinagan Child and Family Services is a non-profit, Native child and family services organization serving 29 First Nations in the western portion of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation as well as the communities of Savant Lake, Pickle Lake and Allanwater.

Their services include: community-based customary care; child protection; child care; permanent care; family support; community services; Family Counselling Unit, Quake-E-Say-Win Children's Centre; Chakabesh Youth Centre; and the Band Family Service Worker Program.

The Northern Nishnawbe Education Council assists First Nation people to access post-secondary school programs and to successfully transition in their first year of high school in Sioux Lookout.

Pelican Falls First Nations High School is located twenty-eight kilometres from Sioux Lookout. The High School provides a full range of services to First Nations students in the district. The students are housed at the Pelican Falls Centre to provide a transition period while living away from home for the first time.

The Wahsa Distance Education Centre was established in the fall of 1990 to provide Ontario accredited secondary school courses through distance education to the 29 Sioux Lookout District First Nations. Wahsa operates as a private school under the authority of Northern Nishnawbe Education Centre.

Equay-Wuk is a dedicated group of women with a common vision to increase the role of Native women in the changing world of Northern Ontario. The common vision includes:

• Healthy families and lifestyles
• A common voice for First Nations women
• To increase representation of First Nations women in politics, employment, committees and organizations

The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority provides health-related services for First Nation communities in the Sioux Lookout area. Services include transportation to medical appointments for patients from the Far North, translation services, hostel accommodation services during the patients stay in Sioux Lookout, Tuberculosis Education, Diabetes Education, Prenatal Nutrition Programs, Breakfast for Learning Programs and FAS/FAE Education.

BUSINESSES

Downtown Retail

Sioux Lookout is serviced by a downtown shopping area. The Municipality has recently removed the parking meters in an effort make shopping in the downtown an easier and more pleasant experience.

Current retail stores include:

• Sears, mail order outlet
• The Northern Store
• Johnny's Fresh Market
• The Bootlegger
• The Bargain! Shop
• Cheers!
• Bloomin' Wild Flowers
• Three Pharmacies
• Ireland's Jewellery
• Wilson's Business Supply
• Al's Sports
• Critters Cuts & Huts
• Signatures Signs and Stichery
• Sioux Lottery
• Home Hardware
• McDiarmid Lumber
• DJ's Gas Bar
• Roy Lane
• Robin's Donuts
• Oshtugon Computers
• Wellington Inn
• Several Hair Stylists
• Several Day Spas

There are many artists in Sioux Lookout who offer a fine variety of paintings, original ceramics and native crafts that can be purchased in the local gift shops.

Presently the town draws upon a market of approximately 50,000 people from the Far North as well as summer tourists and residents.

Skilled Trades & Services

The Municipality has a wide variety of specialty services which include:

• carpentry
• drafting/mapping
• dry-walling/painting
• electrical
• heavy equipment
• insulation
• inspection
• appliance repair
• locksmith
• masonry
• plumbing/heating
• welding

Professional services include four real estate offices, four lawyers, accountants, consultants, insurance agents, and an engineering firms. Available for your banking needs are the Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and the Northern Lights Credit Union.

Night Life

For your entertainment, Sioux Lookout has five licensed establishments.

For Your Dining Pleasure

From fast food outlets to elegant dining -- there are 14 restaurants in Sioux Lookout offering a wide variety of food. From hamburgers and pizza, to surf and turf, the decision is yours.

Banquet facilities are available through various restaurants and motels in Sioux Lookout as well as the many service organization halls. The Royal Canadian Legion has the largest banquet facility and can seat up to 307 persons. Catering services are also available in Sioux Lookout.

Accommodations

There are six modern and well-run hotels and motels in Sioux Lookout, providing 164 available units.

Various services are also available at the:

• Lamplighter Motel, Hwy. 72 - (807) 737-1014
• Forest Inn & Conference Centre, 11 May Street, (807) 737-1330
• Best Western, Hwy. 72 - (807) 737-4444
• Sunset Suites Motel, Hwy. 72 - (807) 737-1111
• Sunset Inn, Hwy. 72 - (807) 737-1113
• Wellington Inn, 67 Wellington St. - (807) 737-4030

There are approximately 38 cottage resorts and lodges on the many surrounding lakes that provide clean and comfortable accommodation to tourists.

For a complete list of businesses, groups and organizations, a business directory is available at the Tourist Information Centre at: (807) 737-2991.