In 2025, Sandy Lake First Nation signed a process agreement with Frontier Lithium — not to approve a mine, but to make sure our community is fully informed, heard, and respected at every step.
Sandy Lake First Nation and Frontier Lithium signed the 2025 Sandy-Frontier Process Agreement. This agreement sets up how Sandy Lake will consider Frontier's proposed lithium mine near the Sandy Lake / Deer Lake junction.
This is not approval for a mine. Sandy Lake has not agreed to anything happening on our lands. We simply created a structured, funded, and respectful process to learn more and decide.
Frontier will pay all costs so that Sandy Lake does not have to spend its own money while studying this proposal carefully.
We will work with our elders and knowledge keepers to identify, explain, and apply Anishinninew laws and protocols. This means running sessions on Anishinninew law, interpretation, and community dialogue — so our values lead the entire process.
Our team — including hired experts and legal advisors — will review and comment on all project documents and proposed activities submitted by Frontier Lithium. We will ask tough questions and make sure we fully understand what is being proposed.
We will present the views of Sandy Lake First Nation to Frontier and to both federal and provincial governments. Our community's perspective will be heard at every level of decision-making.
Sandy Lake's rights are not diminished by this agreement. Here are the safeguards that are in place for our community:
Sandy Lake controls its decision-making under Anishinninew laws and protocols. Our traditions and governance guide every step.
Sandy Lake can terminate the agreement at any time with just 30 days notice. We are never locked in.
Sandy Lake's treaty and inherent rights remain fully protected. This agreement does not change or reduce them in any way.
Sandy Lake decides what information to share and what stays confidential. We are always in control of our own data and knowledge.
Sandy Lake First Nation has a responsibility to protect our lands, waters, and future generations. The 2025 Sandy-Frontier Process Agreement creates clarity around how information will be shared and how our laws and protocols will be respected.
A mine does not just happen. There is a long road of study, consent, and approvals before anything could proceed. Here is where we are:
Frontier maps underground deposits at their own expense and designs — on paper — how they might mine them. No minerals are sold.
Sandy Lake studies the proposal, engages elders, holds open houses, and asks questions.
After full review and community engagement, Sandy Lake and neighbouring nations decide whether to consent.
All federal and provincial approvals must also be obtained before any mine opens.
Only if all approvals are granted would construction begin and minerals eventually be sold.
Sandy Lake is part of the Four Nations Agreement, where we share information with North Spirit, Deer Lake and Keewaywin, and look for ways to help each other. This reflects our deep connections.
Frontier has signed a similar process agreement with Deer Lake. We are coordinating to share information and support each other.
We have been meeting with North Spirit Lake and Keewaywin to share information about Frontier's proposals and find ways to help one another.
