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Welcome to the August 2023 edition of the SFNS
bi-monthly eNewsletter!
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General Information
The SFNS office will be closed on:
Civic Holiday
Monday, August 7, 2023
Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 8:30am.
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Welcome to the SFNS Team! |
Daveigh Fletcher, Administrative Assistant - Summer Student
Aanii Boozhoo! Daveigh Fletcher ndizhinikaaz, mikinaak ndodem, Caldwell First Nation ndoonjibaa! (Hello! My name is Daveigh Fletcher, my clan is turtle and I am from Caldwell First Nation!).
As a grade 12 co-op student, I had the chance to experience the inner workings of SFNS and witness firsthand its impact on the communities. Through an interview process, I was fortunate enough to be offered the role of an Administrative Assistant - Summer Student and officially be a part of the SFNS team! Beyond my work life, I find solace in connecting with spirituality. Activities such as meditating, taking nature walks, collecting crystals, and treasure hunting in thrift stores and antique shops. These practices help me ground myself, offering a sense of peace and serenity anywhere I stand. Music is also a passion of mine, as I have dedicated the past decade to learning and teaching myself how to play various instruments, I am drawn to music from the 1950s-1990s, genres that my parents and grandparents love. Looking ahead, my career aspirations are focused on helping and healing people along their journey. While I may not have a specific career path in mind, I strongly believe in being a support guide for Indigenous communities and using my Indigenous voice to help amplify others.
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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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Grade Submissions
This is a friendly reminder to all our students that your grades must be submitted to SFNS within 21 days of completing a term. These should be uploaded to your student portal on Outcomes or emailed directly to your Post-Secondary Education Counsellor. Students who do not have grades submitted for completed terms of study may have funds withheld until appropriate documentation is received by SFNS.
Students who have graduated may be eligible for a monetary incentive if they submit their graduation credentials (either a transcript saying the program is complete, or a copy of your certificate/diploma/degree).
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Graduation Ceremony
The Division of Life Long Learning at Oneida Nation of the Thames hosts a graduation ceremony each summer for students graduating grades 8 and 12, and this year for the first time, they invited Oneida Post-Secondary students to attend.
This event was held on Thursday, July 27th at Stoneridge Inn. Oneida’s graduates were invited for a celebratory dinner and award ceremony. Of the 40 Post-Secondary graduates SFNS sponsored this past academic year, we were able to celebrate the achievements in-person with 9 of these wonderful students and their families. Yaw^ko to Oneida Nation of the Thames for organizing this event and hosting our Post-Secondary team, and congratulations to all the 2023 graduates!
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Orientation
After 3 years of virtual meetings, the Post-Secondary Education team is happy to announce we are hosting an in-person orientation session for new students this year! The session will be held at Western University in the Wampum Learning Lodge (1137 Western Road, Suite 1200, London ON, N6A 3K7) on August 30, 2023, from 9:30am – 2:30pm.
This session is an opportunity for networking, understanding our Student Assistance Policy, offering information about OSAP, finances & budgeting, and details about the Indigenous Student Centres in various Post-Secondary Institutions. All SFNS-sponsored students are invited to attend – please RSVP to Lacey Jackson at psmanager@sfns.on.ca.
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Applications & Document Submission
As a reminder, students must apply for funding for every term they are enrolled/requesting funding. Students must upload verification of enrolment for each term, clearly showing their name, student number, program, and term, as well as grades from the previous term in order to be approved for ongoing funding. When uploading documents to Outcomes please ensure they are in .pdf file format.
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Keeping Up to Date
Occasionally the SFNS Post-Secondary Department sends email reminders and text messages, so it is important that you open and read correspondence received from SFNS because they may contain time-sensitive updates and reminders about due dates, policy information, and conditions for funding approval. If you need to update your contact information with SFNS, please inform your Post-Secondary Counsellor.
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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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Student Highlight!
It has been a lifelong journey to get where I am today. As a survivor of Residential Day School, I have had to overcome the stigma of being from the ‘Rez’ and not measuring up. For most of my life, I had to fight with determination to achieve greatness. I come from a time of harsh prejudice where I felt invisible. I was an invisible minority.
It wasn't until I decided to come back and get my education that I finally felt like I was supported. It took me two tries to obtain my degree. With the help and support of the SFNS funding and their belief in second chances, I succeeded! My counselor Jody Noah took my education as seriously as I did and helped me to get support for my learning disability, which improved my success as a student. I graduated in 2020 with a Bachelors Degree in Indigenous Studies. I want to encourage folks to follow their passion and dreams. Don't give up! Success can be yours, but you have to work hard to achieve it. It really helps when people take an interest in you and want to see you living your dream. You have to make the first move, go on just take that step and watch who gets behind you. It takes a community.
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We are proud of your success as a student and would love to share your story in our eNewsletter! | | |
Local First Nations Scholarship Program
Western University’s Local First Nations Scholarship Program is awarded to local First Nations students based on their outstanding academic excellence, meaningful and impactful contributions toward First Nations communities. The scholarships are awarded annually to current Western students who are First Nation from the local Territory and enrolled at Western’s main campus at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional levels on a full-time or part-time basis.
Deadline: September 30th, 2023
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Indspire Post-Secondary Funding
Deadlines: August 1, November 1st, February 1st at 11:59pm EST.
Click here to apply!
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ATCO INDIGENOUS EDUCATION AWARDS PROGRAM
Our Indigenous Education Awards Program supports students from First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities who demonstrate a balanced lifestyle and commitment in their quest for education. The Merit, Bursary, Scholarship and Bridging Awards are available to select students who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their school and community.
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Skilled Trade Programs
Programs Start September 5, 2023 and are TUITION FREE!
Uniform and supplies are provided, 8-week paid placements, and small class sizes! Limited spots available.
Programs:
- Pre-Apprenticeship Welder
- Pre-Apprenticeship Machinist
- We are Welders (Women in Welding)
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Indigenous Student STEM Access Program
A one-time $5,000 entrance scholarship is available for eligible students entering the program to help offset the cost of tuition.
The deadline to apply for admission to the 2023/2024 academic year has been extended to August 31, 2023.
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Economic & Capacity Development | | |
If you are interested in joining us at the Get SET Employers event, please register by clicking the link below: | | |
About the service
The navigator can help connect you with programs and services across different Government of Canada departments and agencies.
Whether you are looking to access capital, or looking for help with community economic development planning, the navigator will help you find the information and support that best fits your needs.
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Ready to fuel your business growth?
The application is open to revenue generating Canadian businesses with 1-100 employees.
Applicants must be either the owner of a company or business or an employee of an eligible business who has obtained written permission to participate in this application from the owner, president or chief executive of the business.
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Request for Proposals
They are seeking bold and transformative projects that are led by First Nations, Métis, or Inuit female, Two Spirit, queer, trans, non-binary, or gender-diverse persons in Canada that align with one (1) of four (4) investment priority areas:
Land story (environmental sustainability) – solutions that directly address or mitigate climate change
Food sovereignty (agriculture) – solutions that help address food security, including supply chains, food production and food access
Tech (digital access and data sovereignty) – tech innovations that increase digital access or data sovereignty for Indigenous communities
Wellness – solutions that address the mental health and well-being of people using an Indigenous approach. We are particularly inviting projects that focus on youth mental health.
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Grant Opportunity
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible you must be an Indigenous Entrepreneur or Business in Canada and be of Aboriginal Heritage.
Submission Dates
Submissions open on July 1st, 2023 and close on September 1st, 2023.
Application Process
Applications will be vetted by individuals from the Indigenous community. After initial review, a shortlist of finalists will be contacted for an interview with the selection committee by September 8th, 2023.
Recipient Winner
The winning recipient will be selected based on their impact on the community, potential for business growth, and alignment with the values and goals of the grant and will be officially announced on September 22nd! They will receive $10,000 in funding that will go towards their business growth, marketing efforts, materials, and startup costs.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
AFOA Canada is pleased to offer the CIHRP Virtual and In-Person Program (hybrid) as an option for current and future Human Resources professionals working in Indigenous communities and organizations, on-reserve, off-reserve and in urban, rural, and isolated settings across Canada.
Developed under the guidance of an Indigenous Human Resources Professional Committee, this is the only national program in Canada that addresses the competency needs of those working in
Indigenous environments. Session facilitators and guest speakers are "specialists" in their fields and
proficient in Indigenous matters.
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Preventing Auto Thefts Grant
The Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant program supports police services and boards in combatting and preventing vehicle thefts and associated violent crimes across the province through a holistic and sustainable approach.
This program provides support in implementing prevention, detection and enforcement responses to auto theft crimes at a local level. Police services and boards will be able use this funding to combat auto thefts in their communities by undertaking local policing initiatives unique to their needs.
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The new Skills Development Fund Capital Stream offers funding to eligible organizations to build new training centres, upgrade existing training centres or convert an existing building into a training centre. These centres will train people for emerging and in-demand jobs in critical sectors of Ontario’s economy, such as the skilled trades, healthcare, information technology and other sectors experiencing labour market challenges.
Recipients can use funding for:
- facility renovations
- retrofits
- expansions
- repairs
- building conversion
- new building construction
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First Nations' Marketplace
Tecumseh Development Corporation invites you to visit www.firstnationsmarketplace.com to browse the unique items that local indigenous artisans and communities are showcasing on this site. TCDC is pleased to have funded this online market to assist indigenous vendors located within southwestern Ontario, including up into the Bruce Peninsula.
If you are an indigenous artisan living within this area and would like to be listed on this marketplace, please feel free to contact TCDC at 1-888-433-1533.
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Ontario Indigenous Business Information Session
On August 29, 2023, Procurement Assistance Canada-Ontario Region will be hosting an in-person Indigenous Business Information Session in Chatham, Ontario. The information session will highlight the Government of Canada’s efforts to meet and exceed the target of awarding 5% of the value of all federal contracts, including subcontracts to Indigenous businesses.
The session will include:
- Federal procurement resources and key tools for Indigenous businesses
- Fireside chat with a former Indigenous business owner on their federal procurement journey and tips to succeed
- Networking opportunity for Indigenous businesses to connect with government officials
Location: John D. Bradley Convention Centre (565 Richmond St. Chatham, Ontario)
Time: 12:30-5pm
To register for the information session, 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.
- Reporting - assistance provided with annual reporting related to housing and infrastructure.
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If you have any questions, please get in touch with Tim Maness, Technical Services Manager (tmaness@sfns.on.ca). | |
Walpole Island Closing In On $46M Land Claim Settlement | |
The end may be in sight to a Southwestern Ontario First Nation’s land claim against the federal government that dates back nearly 200 years.
The Walpole Island First Nation, located along Lake St. Clair between Chatham-Kent and Sarnia, isn’t commenting on the proposed $46-million settlement, saying it’s still early in the process.
Details of the negotiations are confidential, but progress is being made and the federal government and the First Nation are continuing to work toward a resolution of the claim, Matthew Gutsch, a spokesperson for Indigenous Services Canada, said in an email exchange.
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Local Students Win Big At Indigenous Games | |
A few young athletes have returned home with some hardware after competing at the North American Indigenous Games, recently held in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The games were held from July 15 until July 22.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation congratulated 14-year-old Julius Sinopole after he and Team Ontario won gold in Box Lacrosse, in the U16 men's division.
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Fanshawe Launching Anishinaabemowin Immersion Program |
Two-year immersive language program to start in September.
When Monty McGahey II was ten, his dad gave him a cassette tape and learning booklet filled with Anishinaabemowin words, hoping his son might invest time in the language neither of them spoke.
"I was motivated to learn but had nobody to speak the language with," said McGahey, who grew up on Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, southwest of London, Ont. It set him on the path to reclaim his language. Now, thirty years later, he's a faculty member for Fanshawe College's first-ever Anishinaabemowin language program, launching this fall.
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Indian Residential School (IRS) Commemoration Monument
In 2013, the Anishinabek Nation unveiled the Indian Residential School monument to pay tribute to Anishinabek Nation First Nations citizens (living or deceased) who attended Indian Residential Schools.
If you wish to have an individual’s name honoured on this monument, this consent form is to be completed by the individual themselves or by an authorized family member on their behalf.
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For more information about how to register or sponsor the event, please click the button below: | | |
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Education Resource Developer
Full-Time, Contract
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Education Resource Developer will be responsible for supporting the implementation activities of the LDCC First Nation Health Policy Project including the development of resources through a comprehensive toolkit. The LDCC developed a First Nation Health Declaration and Health Policy in response to “The People’s Health Care Act” in 2019. The Policy was created to aid health care leaders and providers in building positive and equitable working relationships with First Nations. The Policy was created with input and guidance from LDCC member First Nations regarding their intended role in the design, delivery, and evaluation of the health system transformation.
CLOSING DATE: Friday, August 25, 2023 at 4:00 pm
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First Nation Health Policy Implementation Facilitator
Full-Time or Part-Time; Contract; Recruiting up to 5 Remote Positions
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Implementation Facilitator will be responsible for developing community-specific health policy positions. The position documents will be incorporated into the First Nation Health Policy to ensure local voices/positions resonate throughout the policy document. Facilitators will engage community leaders, health staff, community members, Elders, and Traditional Knowledge keepers within the eight LDCC member First Nations.
CLOSING DATE: Friday, August 11, 2023 at 4:00 pm
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ISETP Administrative Assistant
Full-Time, Permanent
POSITION SUMMARY:
The ISETP Administrative Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support and performing a wide range of financial duties for the ISETP department. This is an administrative position requiring a high degree of organization, multitasking, and priority setting in a confidential environment.
CLOSING DATE: Friday, August 25, 2023 at 4:00 pm
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Mentored Administrative Assistant
Full-Time, Contract
- Eligible participants are aged 18 to 30 inclusively, and
- Recipient of Ontario Works financial assistance (supporting documentation and/or Case Manager contact details will be required).
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under direct supervision of the Executive Assistant, the Mentored Administrative Assistant will be responsible for assisting with daily administrative duties of the Administration department.
CLOSING DATE: Friday, August 11, 2023 at 4:00 pm
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Southern First Nations Secretariat
1-800-668-2609
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