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Welcome to the December 2024 edition of the SFNS
bi-monthly newsletter!
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General Information
Administration
- Welcome - Sue Ireland
- Anniversary - Candice Noah
- Workshop Summaries
- Trusted Source Program
- Upcoming SCIS Clinic
Employment & Training
- ISETP
- Success Story
- Free Resources
Post-Secondary Support
- Updated PS Counsellor List
- Alternative Financial Aid
- James Bartleman Award
- Indspire Bursaries & Scholarships
- Western National Indigenous Scholarship
- SN Polytechnic Continuing Additional Qualifciations
- Brock Indigenous Adult Education Program
- Masters of Public Health
LDCC First Nation Health Policy
- Join the Healthy Policy Conversation
Economic & Capacity Development
- NVCIT
- Upcoming SFNS Events
- SFNS Economic Toolkit
- Webinars, Training, & Funding
Technical Services
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- Outreach Activities
- Upcoming Training
News & Notices
- Indig. Women's Deer Hunt (News Article)
- New Community Facility in KSP (News Article)
- Artist from AFN Awarded $100K (News Article)
- Save Mobility Plans
- Kids Help Phone - Resources
- Wellpath Counselling
- Hawk Communications App
- Roundtable Report MMIWG2SLGBTQI+
- Buffalo Riders Training Program
- Water Consortium
- NCTR Survey
- AES - Call for Artists
- KEB - Call for Presenters
- COTTFN - Call Out
- Nimkee - Upcoming Program
- FN Agriculture for 7 Generations
- Indig. Winter Market - Western
- Bboon Artists Market
- Gwetaandaawe Holiday Market
- Winter Round Dance - Lambton College
- Christmas Market & Food Sale
- Holiday Vendors Market - Oneida
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General Information
Please be advised that the SFNS office will be closed for the holidays as follows:
Monday, December 23, 2024 to Friday, January 3, 2025
Regular office hours will resume the next business day at 8:30 am.
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Welcome to the SFNS Team! | |
Shekoli! My name is Sue Ireland from On^yota'a:ká – People of the Standing Stone/ Oneida Nation, and I am (Ohkwalí) Bear clan. I have three daughters and two grandsons. I am a new staff member at Southern First Nations Secretariat and my title is Finance Officer. I have a diploma in Business Accounting from Fanshawe College, and I also have a diploma as Finance & Accounting Clerk from Native Education and Training College of Business, Healthcare, Human Services, and Technology. I recently worked as the Bookkeeper at the Oneida Health Centre. I am excited about the new role and learning opportunities that come along with this position, and I look forward to working with the staff here at SFNS.
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Happy 5th Anniversary Candace Noah! | |
Today, Candace Noah, Post-Secondary Education Counsellor is celebrating her 5th anniversary at SFNS.
Candace has been described by her colleagues and students as dedicated, passionate, and supportive. Her work has positively impacted the lives of the students she has worked with. Please help us in congratulating Candace and wishing her many more years of success!
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Mental Health First Aid: Supporting Youth
Munsee-Delaware Nation - October 28, 2024
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SFNS partnered with Opening Minds, a division of the Mental Health Commission of Canada to offer a full-day course on Mental Health First Aid – Supporting Youth. The session took place at the Munsee-Delaware Nation Community Centre with 13 participants in attendance. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or who might be in a crisis. The course is designed for adults who have frequent contact with young people.
Course participants learned how to:
- Recognize signs that a young person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or who might be in a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Have conversations that encourage a young person to talk about their mental well-being, and discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being.
- Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Check in with one’s own mental well-being and take action as needed.
In summary, the session was well received by those in attendance. Each participant who completed the course was provided with a certificate of their accomplishment.
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Getting Ranked on Google with Google Listings
October 30, 2024
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Digital marketing expert, Sofie Andreou facilitated the Getting Ranked on Google with Google Listings on October 30, 2024, online via Zoom. Sofie shared how small businesses can boost their online presence using Google Listings.
She highlights the importance of:
- claiming your listing to get noticed;
- posting updates regularly to stay active; and
- gathering positive reviews to build trust and improve rankings.
She also suggests using the Q&A section to answer common questions, optimizing your website with relevant keywords, and blogging to make your site more search-engine friendly. Plus, analyzing insights from Google Listings can help you understand customer interactions and improve engagement. Claiming your listing is key for local search visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Finally, insights from Google Listings can guide your strategies for better engagement and visibility.
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Succession Planning
November 13, 2024
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The Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) partnered with the Ontario Aboriginal Lands Association (OALA) to offer a Succession Planning workshop for First Nation leadership, management, and Human Resource personnel. The full-day session was hosted at the Munsee-Delaware Nation Community Centre with 14 participants in attendance on November 13, 2024. Facilitator Monica Bolland from the Performance Management Consultants provided an interactive format throughout the day, which reviewed the following items:
- Understanding the importance and best practices of succession planning
- Create a succession planning framework
- Develop future leaders from within the organization
- Implement an organizationally specific approach, and identify key competencies required for specific positions
In addition, upon completion of the workshop participants were provided with the following items and templates discussed during the training.
- Key Positions Database sample
- Learning Development Strategies
- Key Position & Employee Succession Interest templates
- Challenges Identified and Suggested Ideas to Resolve or Explore
- Succession Planning – Training Manual (updated)
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Design With Canva
November 20, 2024
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Sofie Andreou facilitated the Design with Canva webinar on November 20, 2024, which saw 15 participants. The workshop covered a range of topics, including various plans and pricing options that cater to different needs, from free to nonprofit plans. Participants learned about Canva’s user-friendly graphic design platform, which features drag-and-drop functionality, brand kits, background removal, and AI tools.
Practical demonstrations were provided to enhance understanding of these functionalities. The workshop also emphasized the importance of collaboration tools for teamwork and consistent branding. Q&A sessions encouraged knowledge sharing among participants. Overall, the workshop highlighted how Canva’s affordable plans make professional design accessible for small businesses, promoting creativity and efficiency through powerful features and AI integration.
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The Trusted Source Coordinator has been very hard at work organizing and delivering Secure Certificates of Indian Status (SCIS) clinics and conducting in-person appointments. The team has successfully completed 3 clinics with many more planned through the New Year.
The following are events that the Trusted Source was available to complete SCIS:
- LDCC Golf Tournament – August 16, 2024
- CMO Job Fair – September 18, 2024
- TCDC Indigenous Business Showcase – October 10-11, 2024
- ISC Joint Gathering – November 4-7, 2024
- Can-Am Friendship Centre – November 25, 2024
- Fanshawe College – November 29, 2024
In total, 242 SCIS applications have been submitted to date!
| To learn more about the SFNS Trusted Source Program, book an appointment, or schedule a clinic at your location, please visit our webpage. | | |
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The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program is designed to help Indigenous people improve their skills and find employment.
ISETP offers seven programs to assist clients:
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For more information on the LDCC ISETP Department, please contact Janice Noah, Director at ext. 222.
Click here to learn more about ISETP
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"My name is Colin Smith. I am in my early thirties, from Chippewa of the Thames First Nation. Growing up I have always had a hard time learning in school, it was difficult, and I struggled. I did not graduate high school when I should have. After becoming a young father, I went straight to work. I've held a variety of jobs from short order cooks, kitchen management, landscaping, stage technician and factory work, but I've always wanted to complete my education. With the support of our Employment & Training Department, my family and girlfriend, I was able to complete my OSSD as full-time online student with a successful outcome. It took me one year to complete seventeen credits. I attended Lakehead Adult Education. The teachers and staff at Lakehead are incredibly supportive and understanding. I was able to connect with other students facing similar experiences. The extra support is there if you need it. Which is extremely accommodating and beneficial. I am very thrilled and proud to share that I have successfully graduated high school! I am very thankful and delighted that I was able to be successful in school, especially going back in my thirties, it was difficult at first but every day it got better and easier knowing the support was there when needed."
Colin Smith
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Free Resources
We have created some resources for you. The resources include:
- Resume Template
- Cover Letter Template
- Job Interview Prep Questions
- & More
Get your own copy from our Google Drive.
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Alternative Financial Aid
PSSSP funding is not intended to be an exhaustive source of income. Students may benefit from seeking other sources of money such as scholarships, bursaries, grants, student loans, or part-time employment.
Below are some options:
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Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants, & Awards | | |
Make sure to check with your institution's financial aid for additional opportunities. | |
You can also apply through a participating and eligible bank for a loan or student line of credit. | |
You can also check your institution's job board. | |
James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Awards
The James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award commemorates the legacy of Ontario’s 27th Lieutenant Governor by recognizing up to six Indigenous students for their creative writing talent. Each recipient receives a $2,500 award.
There are three geographic categories:
- fly-in community
- on reserve
- off reserve (do not live in a fly-in community or on a reserve)
A junior student (12 years old and younger) and a senior student (13 to 18 years old) is chosen from each geographic category.
Eligibility
As an applicant, you must:
- be 18 years of age or under
- have consent from your parent/legal guardian (if you’re under 18)
- self-identify as an Indigenous person
- be a student enrolled in a school in Ontario
- be a resident of Ontario
For more information, click the button below:
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We are proud of your success as a student and would love to share your story in our eNewsletter! | |
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Book receipts can be mailed to:
Southern First Nations Secretariat
Post-Secondary Department
22361 Austin Line
Bothwell, ON N0P 1C0
Electronic receipts can be forwarded to your Post-Secondary Counsellor.
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Economic & Capacity Development | | |
For more information or to download the NVCIT application form, click the button below. | |
Webinars, Training, & Funding Opportunities | | |
StrikeUP 2025
StrikeUP 2025 is Canada’s leading digital conference designed to inspire, connect, and support women entrepreneurs.
- StrikeUP is a free event for all registrants and is accessible from anywhere online.
- The event features expert keynotes, engaging panels, resource-rich exhibitor booths and virtual networking.
- Registered attendees will have on-demand access to all conference presentations, even if they are unable to join the live event.
For more information, please click the button below:
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Indigenous Buying Group
Every dollar spent by your community has the power to make a difference. At Indigenous Buying Group, we help you maximize that power by centralizing and optimizing your procurement process. Instead of your community’s spending benefiting external corporations, our platform ensures that more of your community’s financial resources stay within the community, driving local economic growth and creating jobs. By joining our collective, you’re not just purchasing products—you’re investing in the future of your community.
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Peter Gilgan Foundation
The Peter Gilgan Foundation has dedicated funds to reducing barriers and uplifting opportunities and wellbeing for Indigenous young people. The foundation seeks to support Indigenous-led organizations that are meeting the holistic needs of Indigenous youth in the areas of:
- Housing & safe spaces
- Health & healing
- Education & knowledge
- Economic opportunity & building capacity
- Food security & sovereignty
For more information, click the button below:
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Chiefs of Ontario Business Directory
For more information, click the link below:
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CCIB Coffee Connection
CCIB CEO Tabatha Bull will provide a recap of CCIB’s department milestones and all the positive initiatives that contributed to the Indigenous business ecosystem and the advancement of Indigenous prosperity in 2025.
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Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund
The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) direct delivery stream provides funding to invest in drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste infrastructure that are needed to provide reliable essential services and support increased housing supply. At least 10% of funding under the direct delivery stream will be set aside for projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Eligible Indigenous applicants will have until May 19, 2025, to submit their projects.
To learn more, click the button below:
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Strategic Partnerships Initiative
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) provides a way for federal partners to coordinate their efforts, reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities. SPI initiatives can span multiple years, have regional economic impacts and serve multiple communities. Those eligible to participate in SPI initiatives include:
- Indigenous businesses, organizations, partnerships and joint ventures
- Indigenous communities and local governments
- academic institutions
- provinces and territories
To learn more, click the button below:
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Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program provides funding for renewable energy and capacity building projects to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. In support of the clean energy transition, the program’s objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and related energy efficiency measures. This creates environmental, social and economic benefits to support healthier and more sustainable communities. For more information, click the button below:
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Seniors Community Grant Program
The Seniors Community Grant Program helps local not-for-profit community groups and organizations deliver projects, supports and resources that help older adults (aged 55+):
- live independently
- live with safety and security
- stay connected to their community
- avoid isolation
- achieve greater financial security and social connections
Grants range from $1,000 to up to $25,000. To learn more, click the link below:
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Indigenous Business Development Toolkit
If you’re an Indigenous person thinking about starting or expanding a business, this toolkit has been developed with you in mind. Whether you live on-reserve, in a small town, or in a large city, this toolkit provides business development supports, tools and information to help you start and operate a successful business. For more information, click the button below:
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Technical Services Department provides assistance in the following areas:
- Housing Inspection - CMHC certified inspections through all phases of construction.
- Computer-Aided Design - offer GIS and AutoCAD conceptual design services.
- Capital Project Assistance - assistance for projects that enhance critical infrastructure.
- Training - opportunities to increase capacity among First Nation staff.
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Reporting - assistance provided with annual reporting related to housing and infrastructure.
| If you have any questions, please get in touch with Tim Maness, Technical Services Manager (tmaness@sfns.on.ca). | |
First Nation Infrastructure Investment
Plan (FNIIP) Update
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The First Nation Infrastructure Investment Plan (FNIIP) is due September 30th each year. The annual FNIIP report provides information to Indigenous Services Canada on the community’s infrastructure plans, while also providing opportunity for the community to identify and prioritize infrastructure needs for up to 5 years.
SFNS Technical Services led an FNIIP information session that was held on November 21, 2024, on Microsoft Teams. The session was facilitated by a ISC Capital Management Officer and included 21 attendees from SFNS member Nations. Assistance on completing the FNIIP, or questions on the FNIIP, may be directed to fniipgeneralenquiries.on@sac-isc.gc.ca or tmaness@sfns.on.ca.
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'Social Media Blew Up' When These Women Planned 1st Indigenous Women's Deer Hunt | |
Dozens of Indigenous women with a desire to learn how to hunt and to use traditional methods to prepare the animal will meet this weekend for the first-ever all-female deer hunt on Oneida Nation of the Thames territory.
Up to 50 women have signed up for that hunt organized by 13 Moons Land-Based Learning, a community group from the First Nation that helps people reconnect with the land.
"Social media just blew up," organizer Dayna McDougall said. "Women are messaging and calling, and they're like, 'You know, it's good to feel included!'"
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Open House To Discuss New Community Facility In Kettle And Stony Point | |
The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation are holding an open house to discuss the design and development of a community wellness prevention facility on Wednesday.
Chief Kimberly Bressette said the capital project would be funded through the First Nations Child and Family Services Jordan's Principle sector. "When we found out about this opportunity, we realized most of our buildings in Kettle Point that service families and children need upgrades and just more space," said Bressette. "We don't have a community centre. We don't have meeting spaces for funerals and such, what we do is we utilize the Hillside School gym a lot for funerals and community events."
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Artist From Aamjiwnaang First Nation Awarded Sobey Art Prize, $100K | An Indigenous artist from Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Ontario has been awarded Canada’s biggest prize for contemporary visual arts, the $100,000 Sobey Art Prize. | | |
To learn more click the button below. | |
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Sophie Morrow, from Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, is a Master’s level intern (MACP, Yorkville) and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). She is currently accepting new clients who are youth and adults ages 16+. Sophie offers services online and in person.
Click the button below to get started.
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Hawk Communications App
Hawk Solutions provides a customizable web and mobile platform that supports Nation rebuilding by supporting clear communications, engagement, and capacity building. Developed in collaboration with Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council - by Indigenous communities, for Indigenous communities. To learn more, click the button below:
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The Report of the Second National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People February 7 to 8, 2024
The second National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial (IFPT) Roundtable took place in hybrid format on February 7 and 8, 2024 bringing together over 100 participants in-person in Ottawa and 130 in a virtual capacity. The purpose of this roundtable was to discuss the priorities and next steps to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Plus (2SLGBTQI+) people with Indigenous leaders, and federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers. Indigenous participants included National Indigenous Organizations, regional Indigenous organizations, youth representatives, 2SLGBTQI+ representatives, and women and Two-Spirit organizations, representing First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous community members. For more information and to register, click the button below:
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The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation wants your help to honour the children lost to residential schools by sharing your thoughts on the Student Memorial Register and the development of the Student Burial Register. By completing the surveys (links below) you can help inform this crucial work of identifying missing children and unmarked burials. | |
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Southern First Nations Secretariat
1-800-668-2609
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