Air carrier inks deal with First Nation.

Thunder Bay's North Star Air announced Oct. 29 of the signing of a strategic business agreement with North Spirit Lake First Nation in northwestern Ontario.

The community join the other partners of Muskrat Dam, Sachigo Lake, Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Neskantaga, Kashechewan, North Caribou Lake, Bearskin Lake, Poplar Hill and Webequie.

North Spirit Lake, with a population of 489, is 170 kilometres north of Red Lake.

The Thunder Bay-based air carrier operates a fleet of Basler BT-67 aircraft, a modernized version of the original DC-3 aircraft, equipped to haul both passengers and freight to remote communities and job sites.

A joint news release said the demands of these communities require a business partnership with a carrier that can bring "cost-effective air transportation solutions for the delivery of goods and services."

"We are pleased to...