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Welcome to the December 2025 edition of the SFNS
bi-monthly newsletter!
| | Celebrating Francine Noah's 5 Years of Service at SFNS! | |
We are pleased to recognize and celebrate five years of dedicated service from our Technical Services Administrative Assistant, Francine Noah. Throughout her time with us, she has been a steady and reliable presence within the department, keeping our projects organized, supporting day-to-day operations, and helping the Technical Services team work efficiently.
Francine shared the following reflection on her milestone:
“I am proud to celebrate five years with SFNS in the role of Technical Services Administrative Assistant. I am grateful for the opportunity that this position has given me to grow professionally. I am most thankful for being able to work alongside the local First Nations. I look forward to providing many more years of service alongside my Technical Service colleagues.”
We extend our sincere appreciation for her contributions and commitment, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.
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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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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.
| | | A Message from the Post-Secondary Team | |
Hello Students,
As the fall term comes to an end, we want to wish you the best of luck on your upcoming exams and congratulate you on your hard work this term. If things didn’t go as planned, please reach out to your Post-Secondary Counsellor as soon as possible, as we are here to support you.
This is a friendly reminder that your final fall grades are due within 21 days of the term ending. Please upload your unofficial transcript (screenshots are acceptable) to your Outcomes Student Information System file. To do this, visit www.sfns.on.ca, select Log In, and use your email as your username. If you need to request a password, it will be sent to that email.
If you are requesting Post-Secondary funding for the 2026-2027 academic year (summer 2026, fall 2026, winter 2027), please remember that you must apply each year or term you plan to attend, even if you are a continuing student.
Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year!
SFNS Post-Secondary Department
Candace, Ian, Laura, Tanya & Portia
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Application Deadlines
- March 1 for Summer Session
- May 1 for Fall Session
- October 1 for Winter Session
Unfortunately, late applications may not be accepted. Students must apply for funding for each academic year or term they plan to attend, and applications must be submitted by the deadline for the applicable term.
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Student Spotlight: Sarah Potter
Nation: Oneida Nation of the Thames
School: First Nations Technical Institute
Program: Social Service Worker
Sarah Potter chose the Social Service Worker program because of a deep personal connection and graduated in May 2025. Coming from a family of domestic abuse survivors, Sarah wanted a positive way to fight back and give back. The goal was also to return to the place that once helped save a life and be there for others in need.
After graduation, Sarah began working as an Outreach Worker, following a role in crisis intervention. The mission is to help as many people as possible, spread awareness, and provide advocacy. Sarah wants to show those who are struggling that you have a voice, you are seen, you are heard, and you are never alone.
Some of the challenges faced during the program included coping with the loss of many loved ones, ongoing health concerns, and financial struggles. Through it all, Sarah kept moving forward with the belief that Creator or God only gives what one can handle. Family support was also a key source of strength and grounding.
Advice from Sarah:
Never give up on your studies. You’re not too young, not too old, and never alone
The most important thing you can do is succeed
Congratulations Sarah!
| | | We are proud of your success as a student and would love to share your story in our eNewsletter! | | | | | | |
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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Alternative Financial Aid
Post Secondary Student Support Program 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:
Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants, & Awards
Make sure to check with your institution's financial aid for additional opportunities.
| Nutrien Indigenous Youth Financial Management Awards | |
Three Indigenous youth from across Canada will receive a scholarship of up to $5,000 and be invited to attend the next AFOA Canada National Conference in Montreal, Quebec, from February 10-12, 2026.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE:
Indigenous students in Grades 11 or 12 pursuing post-secondary education in finance, management, commerce, accounting or related fields.
RECIPIENTS WILL ENJOY:
- A scholarship valued at up to $5,000
- Complimentary travel and accommodation for the next AFOA Canada National Conference
- A special awards luncheon in their honour
- A tour of the host city
- An AFOA Canada gift package
Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2026
For more information or to submit an application, click the button below:
| Post-Secondary Funding Search Databases |
Post-Secondary Loan Options
You can also apply through a participating and eligible bank for a loan or a student line of credit.
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Job Search Tool
You can also check your institution's job board.
| | | Economic & Capacity Development | | |
Coaching Mediation and Facilitated Conversations
October 22, 2025
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On October 22, 2025, SFNS hosted the second session of the Conflict Resolution and Mediation Training series with Mike Walker of Capstone Coaching. The session took place at the Aamjiwnaang First Nation Community Centre with 10 participants in attendance.
The session focused on skill development, practical application, and peer learning. Below are the key topics and workshop highlights:
- Explored the conflict management styles (competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, accommodating).
- Practiced active listening as a fundamental skill for conflict resolution and enhancing mutual understanding.
- Developed practical tools such as paraphrasing and reframing to clarify communication and reduce misunderstandings during difficult conversations.
- Engaged in interactive role play exercises, enabling participants to apply new techniques and observe diverse perspectives in real-time scenarios.
- Reflected on how these tools empower individuals to approach conflict more confidently and proactively.
The session fostered a supportive environment for open dialogue, self-reflection, and skill building. We encourage all participants to continue applying these strategies, and trust that your newly acquired skills will serve you well in navigating future challenging conversations.
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Conflict of Interest Training for Chief & Council
October 27, 2025
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SFNS recently partnered with the Law Office of Suzanne Desrosiers Professional Corporation to offer a full-day session of “Conflict of Interest Training for Chief and Council.” The well attended session was hosted on October 27, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton London with 25 participants.
The session offered an in-depth look at essential governance topics to ensure ethical leadership and transparent decision-making with the community.
Workshop highlights:
- Examined what constitutes a conflict of interest, including the different types of conflict of interest (pecuniary, non-pecuniary, and interest in common) and the impacts they could have.
- Fiduciary duty and the legal, ethical and responsibilities to act with loyalty and in the best interest of the Nation as a whole.
- When a conflict of interest is identified, how best to respond.
- Review of real-life scenarios and case studies.
The training reinforced the continued commitment of our member First Nations in their pursuit to build a transparent and accountable community. By participating in workshops like this, every member helps strengthen the Nation’s governance and ensures that decisions are made with integrity, for the benefit of all.
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The First Nations Principles of OCAP Presentation (Virtual)
November 12, 2025
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The First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) and SFNS partnered to offer the Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP) training series. We kicked off the series with a one-hour virtual information session on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The session was facilitated by Erin Dokis of FNIGC and saw 23 participants join us online.
The presentation introduced the First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP) as a framework for respecting First Nations data sovereignty that is in alignment with their distinct worldview. Data sovereignty is an inherent right and can look different for each First Nation. Participants learned about the role of the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) in developing and upholding these principles as a pathway to First Nations-led data governance.
Core areas of work the FNIGC conducts:
- Education & Training – offers a variety of education and training options to support both First Nations and others in asserting, respecting, and promoting OCAP.
- Research and Information – in collaboration with regional partners, can develop and administer national surveys and share relevant information with communities.
- First Nations Data Centre – provides access to published, unpublished, and record-level data from their national survey work (by request and then reviewed by a committee).
- Knowledge Translation – referenced as placing knowledge into action (ie. reports, videos, infographics).
- First Nations Data Governance Strategy – the building of a national network of fully functional, First Nations-led Regional Information Governance Centres (RIGCs).
Please consider registering for the in-person workshop, as participants will delve deeper into the principles of OCAP, data sovereignty, research and data management issues, and how OCAP can be respected within your respective work.
Details:
Date & Time: January 20, 2026 from 9:30am – 2:30pm (lunch provided)
Location: Aamjiwnaang Community Centre, 1972 Virgil Ave., Sarnia ON
To register, please contact Lori Fisher, Executive Assistant by email exec.assistant@sfns.on.ca or phone 519-692-5868 ext. 234.
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Regional Cybersecurity Awareness Training – A Webinar Series with Tom Bigos
November 28, 2025
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SFNS hosted the fourth and final session of the Regional Cybersecurity Awareness Training – A Webinar series with Tom Bigos on November 28, 2025. The session had 11 participants join online as we reviewed these topics:
Click-Fix Attacks: Attackers use deceptive messages to exploit our familiarity with common technology prompts and error messages and see the user perform actions that compromise security. It’s important to recognize suspicious requests, such as unusual verification steps or conflicting brand logos.
Phishing Techniques: Phishing remains one of the most common cyber threats, which could arise as an email, text message, or phone call that is designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. Attackers now often use legitimate company emails to send phishing links, making it harder to detect than ever before.
Typo Squatting: Attackers create websites with slightly misspelled domain names to deceive users into visiting fake sites. Pay close attention to URLs, as hackers can add letters or hyphens to make a site look legitimate.
Cybersecurity Measures: Tools such as antivirus software, browser extensions, and firewalls can protect against malicious websites. A basic cybersecurity measure everyone can take part in is the use of strong passwords and never using the same password across multiple sites. It is recommended that we don’t store passwords in browsers, and a password manager can be a great alternative. Multi-factor authentication should be turned on where possible, and consider the use of passkeys, which offer enhanced security compared to traditional passwords.
Thank you to all the participants who joined us during this series. While attackers become increasingly sophisticated, our awareness and vigilance remain our most powerful tools. We hope you’ve gained practical knowledge to protect yourself, your family, and your organization in our increasingly digital world.
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The Trusted Source Program at SFNS, delivered in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), provides support for completing Secured Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) and Registration under the Indian Act applications. As a designated Trusted Source, SFNS can verify documents, take approved photos, and submit applications directly to ISC. Important: SFNS does not determine eligibility; all decisions are made by ISC.
Over October and November, our team supported 12 clinics and outreach booths across community organizations, SOAHAC sites, and post-secondary institutions. In addition to these outreach events, we continue to assist clients through in-office appointments, with 117 SCIS appointments and 12 Registration under the Indian Act appointments completed to date this year. Overall, the Trusted Source Program has processed 1,128 SCIS applications and 81 Registration under the Indian Act applications.
Our Trusted Source team looks forward to supporting you with your SCIS or Registration under the Indian Act application.
| To learn more about the SFNS Trusted Source Program, book an appointment, or schedule a clinic at your location, please visit our webpage. | | | Click here to download the NVCIT application form: | | Click the button below to visit the SFNS Economic Toolkit (SET) to explore local First Nation businesses. | | Webinars, Training, & Funding Opportunities | | | To participate in the survey, click the button below. | | |
Marketing Smarter, Not Harder
Join the WE-CAN community of women entrepreneurs for a 90-minute workshop on how to think more strategically about your marketing and avoid “random acts of marketing.”
Cheyanne O'Driscoll of CO’Marketing will introduce a simple, scalable Small Business Content Marketing System that grows with your business. At its core is a reusable content bundle that clearly communicates who you are, what you offer, and why people should trust you—helping you show up consistently where your audience is already looking.
You’ll walk away with:
- Clarity on moving beyond one-off tactics
- A practical marketing system you can rely on
- A roadmap that aligns your marketing with your business today and into the future
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Webinar: Filling in the Blanks - Understanding Missing Data
Statistics Canada’s webinar series offers insightful, hour-long sessions designed to help participants discover, interpret, and apply our data with greater confidence and efficiency.
This webinar will provide a unified view of data missingness, emphasizing the commonalities among the processes that produce them rather than treating them separately.
To register for this webinar, click the button below.
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Webinar: Turning Statistics into Stories
Stories resonate with audiences while numbers alone may overwhelm. Join us for an introductory workshop that will help you to communicate the messages emerging from your data in a more effective manner.
During this workshop, you will focus on your target audience, use statistics to present your story and put numbers into a context to help your audience understand your messages.
To register for this webinar, click the button below.
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Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
Eligibility
Small businesses or start-ups operating in Canada, with gross annual revenues of $10 million or less.
Available financing
The maximum loan amount for a borrower is $1.15 million.
- Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for term loans for any one borrower, of which no more than $500,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements and purchasing or improving new or used equipment and of that amount, a maximum of $150,000 could be used for intangible assets and working capital costs.
- Up to a maximum of $150,000 for lines of credit.
To learn more, click the button below.
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Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy
Who can apply:
Employers from not-for-profit organizations and the public sector, as well as private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees
What this program offers:
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to support employers to create quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years
Funding amount:
Not-for-profit employers can receive funding for up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage and public and private sector employers are eligible to receive funding for up to 50%
What employers are eligible
To be eligible for funding, your organization must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and have a valid business number.
Application period:
December 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm (Pacific Standard Time)
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Systems Innovations Grant
The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) supports collaborative systems change work that strengthens how sectors such as education, justice, child welfare and social services meet the needs of Indigenous and Black youth. This grant stream focuses on improving policies, practices and pathways so youth can access services more equitably and meaningfully.
In the System Innovations grant stream, YOF invests in initiatives that:
- Improve how young people navigate and experience services
- Reimagine more unique and equitable access to supports, resources and programs
- Involve youth in creating new processes and approaches that better meet their needs
- Reduce the impact of systemic barriers and oppression affecting Indigenous (First Nation, Métis and Inuit) and Black youth
Deadline: February 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
To learn more about this grant opportunity, click the button below.
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Funding and support for Indigenous businesses and organizations
FedDev Ontario supports Indigenous-owned businesses, organizations and not-for-profits in achieving their goals and increasing the participation of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Peoples in the southern Ontario economy.
FedDev Ontario advances economic development in the region by providing funding contributions for eligible projects.
To learn more, click the button below.
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DCC Retail Modernization Project Grant
The DCC Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is part of a broader Digitalization Competence Center (DCC) initiative. RMPG is designed to support retail businesses (Retail) to advance their digital transformation and optimize their technological investments. Specifically, RMPG helps retail businesses with the purchase of effective digital equipment and software to help them transform and grow. As such, eligible retailers can receive a reimbursement of up to $5,000 for the approved acquisition of technology. The grant contributes to the cost of hardware, software the direct external cost to implement and operate said technology. All clients selected for RMP
Grant will need to supply formal proof of payment and respond to follow-up survey requests.
To learn more, click the button below.
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Experience Ontario 2025
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG) supports destination and product development and investment in Ontario’s tourism industry. Experience Ontario 2025 provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact to motivate visitors to discover Ontario, connect people with local experiences, and increase tourism spending.
Experience Ontario is a competitive program. Applications will be measured against program criteria and, as such, there is no guarantee of funding, including to past recipients. The ministry will only consider one application per organization and one application per event.
To learn more, 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). | | | Chippewas Of The Thames First Nation Leading Development Of A First Nations Sovereign Wealth Fund To Advance Economic Sovereignty And Self-Determination | |
CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION (November 5, 2025) – Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is leading the development of a First Nations Sovereign Wealth Fund, a rights-holder governed investment platform designed to enable meaningful First Nations participation in Canada’s economy.
As demonstrated by the Government of Canada’s Building Canada Strong: Budget 2025 and recent legislation from both Canada and Ontario, governments are accelerating the development of major infrastructure and resource projects. The need for First Nations to be early and equitable partners in this process has never been greater. The proposed First Nations Sovereign Wealth Fund provides a practical mechanism for collective investment and ownership, ensuring that First Nations can participate as investors and decision-makers in projects within their traditional territories, contributing to economic sovereignty and self-determination. The Fund will provide a pathway to generate own-source revenue and make Nation-directed investments in community priorities.
| | | This Ontario Teen Inspired Tactile Makeup For Blind Beauty Enthusiasts | |
Like most teenage girls, Scarlette French is figuring out how to express herself. She likes punk rock music, is into dark clothing, and likes to experiment with her makeup.
But the difference for this 13-year-old is that she can’t see herself in the process. The teen, who is from Oneida Nation of the Thames near London, Ont., was born with an eye disorder that's led to severe vision loss, and is only able to see a limited amount of light.
“I do makeup as best I can, to the best of my abilities, which sometimes doesn’t look the best. But I still try really hard,” French said.
She explained that she put braille lables on her makeup containers to help her identify colours and products so she knew what she was putting on her face. But the experience was less than ideal.
| | | Thunderbird Eggs Returned To Their 'Nest' At Kettle And Stony Point First Nation | |
Two ancient stone spheres were returned to their home at Kettle and Stony Point First Nation on the shores of Lake Huron last Tuesday.
The boulders are called kettles because their shape and size is similar to a cooking pot and are found in the community about 220 kilometres southwest of Toronto.
They have cultural significance to the Anishinaabek. Knowledge keepers describe Kettle Point beach as the nesting place of the Thunderbird: powerful spirits that offer protection and bring healing rains to communities in exchange for safekeeping of their sacred places. The kettles are the eggs.
The point is believed to be the source of power that fades from the stones if they are removed.
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2026 Census is Coming!
Once every five years, the Census of Population provides a detailed and comprehensive statistical portrait of Canada that is vital to our country. The census is the only data source that provides consistent statistics for small areas such as a neighbourhood or a First Nation Community. The Census collects information that cannot be obtained effectively from other sources.
Census data are used to provide socioeconomic information on First Nations people, Métis and Inuit across Canada. Among other things, these results can assist Indigenous people, their communities, organizations and governments plan for:
- the development of Indigenous language and education programs
- the development and/or expansion of community health and social services
- decisions regarding business and economic opportunities
- the evaluation of existing programs and new service needs
The Census is an essential tool for understanding how Canada is changing over time. Census information has many other important uses in the day-to-day lives of Canadians. Local governments and community administrations can use the census data to develop programs and services, such as planning for schools and health services. Businesses analyze census data to make critical investment decisions, and social services agencies depend on the census to understand the evolving needs of their communities.
Census data are also a key component of emergency preparedness and crisis management. For example, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, crucial information on vulnerable populations was provided to public health authorities and emergency services officials.
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Collaborative Process on the Second-Generation Cut-Off and Section 10 Voting Thresholds
Canada acknowledges the Indian Act’s colonial history and its long-standing impacts on First Nations, particularly on women and their descendants.
Indigenous Services Canada is consulting with First Nations on two issues:
- Second-Generation Cut-Off: Eligibility for registration can end after two generations of parenting with someone not entitled to registration. Communities can review related demographic impacts online or by contacting the Registration Reform team.
- Section 10 Voting Thresholds: To assume control of their own membership, First Nations must meet a double-majority vote. Any increase in registered individuals from proposed reforms could make this threshold harder to reach.
These two issues are closely connected and are being examined together through the current collaborative process.
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Finance Officer
Full-Time, Permanent
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Finance Administrator, the Finance Officer is responsible for the day-to-day bookkeeping, accounting, filing and financial administration for the Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) and associated organizations as required, as well as supporting Member Nations from a financial advisory capacity as directed by the Finance Administrator.
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
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Mentored Administrative Assistant - IA
(Mentored Work)
- Eligible participants must be aged 18 to 30 inclusively, and in receipt 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: Open Until Filled
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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: Open Until Filled
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Southern First Nations Secretariat
1-800-668-2609
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