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Welcome to the October 2024 edition of the SFNS
bi-monthly eNewsletter!
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General Information
Administration
- SFNS Annual General Assembly
- Networking Event
- SFNS Discovery Day
- Summer Student/Mentored Last Day
- Trusted Source Program
- Upcoming SCIS Clinic
Employment & Training
- ISETP
- Success Story
- Free Resources
Post-Secondary Support
- New PS Counsellor
- Updated PS Counsellor List
- Alternative Financial Aid
LDCC First Nation Health Policy
- An Update on the Project
- Join the Healthy Policy Conversation
Economic & Capacity Development
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Continued
- Upcoming Events
- SFNS Economic Toolkit
- Webinars, Training, & Funding
Technical Services
- What We Do
- Outreach Activities
- Upcoming Training
News & Notices
- Meet the DJs (News Article)
- Truth & Reconciliation (News Article)
- Sage Doxtator Update (News Article)
- Seeking National Council for Rec.
- Sophie Morrow Counselling
- Indig. Leadership Aware
- Schulich Mini MBA
- Aamjiwnaang Gwetaadaawe Market
- Save Date: Special Chiefs Assembly
- Feedback on LHSC
- Notice: EMDC Class Action
- Paswe'aatigook Anishinaabemowin
- MDN Language & History Webinar
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General Information
Please be advised that the SFNS office will be closed on the following days:
Thanksgiving - Monday, October 14, 2024
Remembrance Day - Monday, November 11, 2024
Regular office hours will resume the next business day at 8:30 am.
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SFNS Annual General Assembly
Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel & Conference Centre - October 3, 2024
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The Southern First Nations Secretariat recently hosted their Annual General Assembly (AGA) on Thursday, October 3, 2024. The event was held at the Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel & Conference Centre with participation from Chiefs, Council Members, SFNS Board of Directors, and SFNS staff.
Those in attendance reviewed 2022-23 finalized meeting minutes, 2023-24 draft meeting minutes, 2023-2024 consolidated financial statements, and management letter from BDO Canada. Presentations were heard from each of the departments, including highlights from special projects that took place during the last fiscal year. Overall, the meeting was positive with discussions and feedback being shared that our staff will take back with them for consideration, brainstorming, and implementation moving forward.
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Networking Event
Munsee-Delaware Nation - August 21, 2024
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SFNS was successful in hosting our second networking event in Munsee-Delaware Nation on August 21, 2024. The networking event saw a total of 12 First Nation staff that joined us beside the Administration Office where they were greeted by SFNS staff, encouraged to participate in networking bingo, picked up some SFNS swag, and enjoyed a delicious catered lunch.
SFNS would like to thank the community for allowing our event to take place that day. The combination of interactive activities and casual mingling opportunities ensured that everyone left with new connections. We look forward to hosting our next series of networking events in the summer of 2025.
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SFNS Discovery Day with Next Dimension
August 22, 2024
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The Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) was extended an invitation to attend Discovery Day at the Next Dimension (ND) site located in Windsor, ON. The visit was provided at an excellent time as it provided an opportunity for us to include our summer students and mentored employees, which allow everyone to explore careers and services in the IT field, and participate in an interactive activity. The SFNS staff met with ND staff to learn about their roles, and discussed the journeys they took to reach their careers. | |
Summer Student/Mentored Employee Last Day
August 23, 2024
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The team at SFNS was fortunate in having multiple students join us in their summer student and mentored employment opportunities. We would like to take the time to recognize those individuals for their contributions they have provided to the SFNS departments. We wish them the best of luck in their academic studies.
Daveigh Fletcher – Mentored Administrative Assistant
Mya Summers - Administrative Assistant (Summer Student)
Alanis George – Communications Officer Assistant (Summer Student)
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To learn more about the SFNS Trusted Source Program or to book an appointment, please visit our webpage for more information. | |
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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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Success Story
My name is Konrad French; I am a recent graduate of the 5th Wheel Training Institute. I graduated with my Excavating, Backhoe, Bulldozer, Forklift, Dump Truck, and Skid Steer certifications. I would like to thank Employment & Training for the opportunity to acquire these certificates and grow my career potential. I very much enjoyed my experience with the 5th Wheel Training Institute. I made a lot of connections and enjoyed talking with the instructors as well as all the other people in the class. I now feel confident operating many different types of heavy machinery and equipment. Employment & Training was very helpful throughout the whole process. They helped me apply and always made sure I was comfortable and aware of what was expected of me. I am grateful for the opportunities and success Employment & Training has helped me to achieve.
-Konrad French
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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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Meet the newest addition to the Post-Secondary Department team! | |
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Boozhoo
I would like to present myself; my name is Ian Duckworth from Caldwell First Nation, and I am pleased to announce that I have assumed the role of Post-Secondary Counsellor at the Southern First Nations Secretariat. I hold a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto and have experience in counselling, case management, and client advocacy. During my studies I was immersed in Indigenous wholistic healing practices which deepened my understanding and continues to guide my work today. I am enthusiastic about fulfilling this position and assisting students in their educational endeavors. I look forward to meeting and conversing with you in the coming months. If you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact me at pscounsellor@sfns.on.ca or 1-800-668-2609 ext. 241.
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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. | |
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In 1999, Mrs. Diana Fowler LeBlanc created the Diana Fowler LeBlanc Aboriginal Social Work Scholarship through her own fundraising efforts to provide nearly $1.5 million for First Nation, Inuit and Métis students interested in pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in Social Work at recognized universities and colleges across Canada.
Awards Category: Post-Secondary
Deadlines: August 1, November 1, February 1
Program of Study: Social Work
Level of Study: Undergraduate or graduate
Indigenous Affiliation: Any
Other: Mature students are encouraged to apply who are interested in pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degrees in Social Work at recognized universities and colleges across Canada.
To learn more about this scholarship or to apply, click the button below.
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Apply for funding to cover the costs of tuition, books and other direct educational expenses for health human resources programs.
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
To learn more, click the button blow.
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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. | |
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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LDCC First Nations Health Policy | | |
An update from the FNHP Implementation Coordinator | |
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Aanii / Boozhoo Everyone,
The following information is a general update on the work the Health Policy team has completed this past summer. The information will summarize the work that has been completed on the First Nation Health Policy implementation activities over summer 2024 and other proposed activities.
The most recent Technical Team Meeting was completed on August 1st, 2024. The next Technical Team meeting is scheduled for October 15th, 2024.
Completed Final Engagement Sessions for:
1. Munsee-Delaware Nation
- Attended the Spring Feast in July
2. Oneida Nation of the Thames
- Attended the Oneida Health and Wellness Conference in July
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Ongoing Work
1. Recruitment of members to complete interviews
- In progress: Began recruiting members from Caldwell First Nation (CFN), Munsee-Delaware Nation (MDN), and Oneida Nation of the Thames (Oneida) for interviews in mid-July.
- As of October 7th, 2024, 5 interviews have been completed. Interviews completed by First Nation include: 1 from CFN, 1 from MDN, and 3 from Oneida.
- The team would like to complete 10 total interviews from members from CFN, MDN, and Oneida, if possible.
- If you would kindly share the opportunity within your networks, it would be appreciated. Flyers for the individual communities have been sent via email to community communication channels and are attached to this update.
2. Regional Data Analysis
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Began an initial regional data analysis for all communities where surveys were gathered or completed online.
- The team is currently working with 5 out of the 8 communities with membership to the LDCC with a goal to gather community input on the First Nations Health Policy.
- The five First Nations are: Aamjiwnaang First Nation; Caldwell First Nation; Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation; Munsee-Delaware Nation; and Oneida Nation of the Thames.
- The team would like to extend the opportunity to other member First Nations to fully participate. If you would like to initiate this process, please keep in mind we must get this work started immediately.
3. Draft Community-Specific Policy Position Document
- Draft Policy Position Document was sent to the Technical Team on August 9th, 2024.
- Engagement Summary Report complete for AFN.
- Engagement Summary Report in progress for CKSPFN.
- Engagement Summary Report in progress for Munsee-Delaware Nation.
- Engagement Summary Report in progress for Oneida Nation of the Thames.
- The team will be looking to schedule one-on-one meetings with the First Nations representative for the development of the Policy Position document in the coming weeks. Please be aware I, Michaela, will be reaching out via email or phone for a preferred date from the community representative.
4. Proposed 2025-2026 Activities
- A draft of the proposed 2025-2026 implementation activities was sent to the Technical Team on August 9th, 2024.
- The following three activities have been proposed to begin in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, including:
a) Operationalizing the First Nation Care and Coordination Network.
b) Supporting the First Nation Health Policy Positions.
c) Assembling a First Nation Health Discrimination Task Force.
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Training, Education, and Events attended by Michaela
During the month of July, I attended a Harm Reduction Conference with presentations by Heather Benoit, NP and Dr. Ken Lee. This conference was organized by Indivior. In July, I also attended part of the Oneida Health and Wellness conference. During the health and wellness conference, I engaged with community and enjoyed the learning opportunities provided throughout the day. At the end of July, I attended the Indigenous Voices Matter 2.0 Event hosted by LHSC to learn about improvements happening within this organization. The last training I attended during the summer was the Safe TALK training hosted in Oneida Nation of the Thames by the Ontario Health Team within the region.
During September, I attended an IHPC In-Person Gathering and took advantage of various learning opportunities, including the Ontario Health Spotlight Event on Digital and Virtual Care Innovations, facilitated by First Nations Digital Health Ontario. I also attended multiple National Truth and Reconciliation Webinars from September 23th-27th. These webinars will be available on the National Truth and Reconciliation YouTube page. The webinars covered multiple topics, and the conversations were facilitated by different moderators and panelists throughout National Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024.
Finally, in September I also had the opportunity to participate in a Cultural event within my home community. During this event, I learned about pipe ceremony; the creation story; the spirit journey; different life stages, and gifts that accompany them; different uses for cedar baths; and I participated in a ceremony to try a new way of healing.
Chi-Miigwech,
Michaela Nahmabin-Hiltz
FNHP Implementation Coordinator
mnahmabin-hiltz@sfns.on.ca
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Join the LDCC First Nation Health Policy Conversation | |
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We’re looking for 10 members from Caldwell First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, and Oneida Nation of the Thames to participate in the LDCC First Nations Health Policy Conversation. We invite you to share your experiences and insights on enhancing healthcare services for First Nations communities.
If you are interested in joining the conversation, please get in touch with Michaela Nahmabin-Hiltz, Implementation Coordinator to schedule a virtual or in-person interview by emailing mnahmabin-hiltz@sfns.on.ca.
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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 | | |
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Webinar: Breaking Barriers for Access to Capital
The webinar will address the pervasive challenges faced by small business owners, particularly those from under-represented groups. Access to capital is a formidable hurdle, hindering growth and perpetuating disparities. In this session, we delve into the intricate issues surrounding funding and explore the profound impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
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Webinar: Grow Your Business Online With Digital Marketing Skills for Training For Your Team
Jelly Academy is offering a 9 week course that qualifies you for Canada’s most in demand job: Growth Marketing.
To learn more, click the button below.
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Business Model Canvas Workshop
This 3-hour interactive workshop will provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills to develop their business ideas using the Business Model Canvas. Using the Business Model Canvas as a guide, participants will learn about important topics, such as key business partnerships, key activities, resources, value propositions, customer relationships, channels, cost structure, revenue streams, and more.
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Chiefs of Ontario Business Directory
For more information, click the link below:
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First Nation Women Entrepreneurs Program
Aiming to support women entrepreneurs, FNWE provides start-up and expansion micro loans and grants of up to $20,000 to eligible First Nations women entrepreneurs. In addition to micro-loans and grants, the FNWE program offers workshops and learning opportunities, as well as business planning guidance and coaching.
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Small Business Big Impact Awards
Help Meridian recognize and reward small businesses that are making a big impact. Nominate an Ontario business that you believe is making the world a better place – and yes, you can even nominate your own business!
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The Pitch
EBRC’s highly anticipated business plan competition, The Pitch, is now accepting applications! This is YOUR chance to showcase your Elgin County or St. Thomas business or business idea for a chance to win our grand prize package of over $40,000 in cash and in-kind prizes!
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Capital Elle Business Impact Award
Welcome to The Elleiance Network, where visionary women entrepreneurs come together to create, innovate, and succeed. The Capital Elle Business Impact Award is an exclusive opportunity designed to support and fund Canadian women in business through community and capital.
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WEOC National Loan Program
Supporting the big dreams of Canada’s women entrepreneurs with loans of up to $50,000.
An inclusive approach and robust wrap-around services ensure that you and your business are set up for continued growth and success.
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Local Food Infrastructure Fund
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) supports projects that strengthen community food security and increase the availability and accessibility of local, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food through food production-focused activities for equity-deserving groups, particularly Indigenous and Black communities.
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Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) is a grant program (2024-25) that will provide access to business development training, culturally responsive and tailored business coaching, networking opportunities, and a one-time grant of $10,000 to support Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be an Indigenous, Black, or other racialized individual who owns a small business in Ontario and the business must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
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Indigenous Economic Development Fund—Economic Diversification Grant (EDG)
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The Economic Diversification Grant (EDG) supports strategic economic planning to assist Indigenous communities in Ontario to expand their economic base and explore opportunities for job creation. Projects are approved through a competitive process.
Deadline
Applications must be received by Thursday November 14, 2024, by 5 p.m EST
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Indigenous Economic Development Fund—The Regional Partnership Grant (RPG) | |
The Regional Partnership Grant (RPG) improves access for Indigenous people to the skills training required to gain sustainable employment and support Indigenous business development and economic growth in Ontario. Projects are approved through a competitive process.
Deadline
Applications must be received by Thursday November 14, 2024, by 5 p.m EST
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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). | |
Aamjiwnaang Home & Maintenance show | |
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On September 24th, 2024, the SFNS Technical Services team was invited to attend the Aamjiwnaang Home & Maintenance show. This event is put on by the Aamjiwnaang housing department. At this event, we piloted a children’s outreach activity program hosted by the Technical Services team. At the pilot event, there were 6 participating youths out of the approximately 10 children, within the age range for the activity, that were present at the event. Copies of the activity sheets were also handed out to 10 adults to take home and try with their children.
This outreach program was designed to spark interest in construction and maintenance careers among local youth. During the quarterly meeting in July 2024, housing managers highlighted that these positions will soon be in high demand due to a current shortage of young workers entering these fields. If you would like SFNS to set up a similar type of activity at your event, please contact Julie Armstrong, Asset Management Specialist at jarmstrong@sfns.on.ca.
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Contaminated Sites Training 101
Learn the skills and knowledge required to complete Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), and develop/implement Remedial Action Plans and/or Risk Assessment/Risk Management Programs within your community.
Open to Tribal Council and First Nations community representatives only. Participants will be reimbursed for travel, accommodations, and meals not provided during training, in accordance with OFNTSC's travel policies. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided on October 22 - 24th.
Limited to 30 Participants
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Meet The DJs At Chippewas Of The Thames First Nation's New Radio Station | |
A group of young people gather around a studio table, brand new microphones in front of their mouths, and soundproofing on the walls that make their words boom.
They're mulling over what to call their new radio station that will soon go live from the freshly painted building on Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, just west of London, Ont.
Eshkiniigijig Radio, translated to Youth Leaders Radio, in Anishnaabemowin or Ojibwe, is the top contender. And it fits.
The station will be a hub for young people to tell their own stories.
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Truth And Reconciliation: Out Of The Archive: A Collection Of Stories About Mount Elgin Indian Residential School |  | |
Brown Tom’s Schooldays is a semi-autobiographical collection of stories about growing up in a residential school in Ontario in the early 1900s.
The author is the late Enos Montour, a Delaware writer from Six Nations of the Grand River. As the title suggests, it is an ironic play on Tom Brown’s Schooldays (1857), Thomas Hughes’s popular novel about his boyhood in an English school.
In Brown Tom’s Schooldays, instead of the main character being an English boy at an elite private boarding school, he is Tom Hemlock, a First Nations boy attending Mount Elgin Indian Residential School between 1910 and 1915. Montour’s narrative is the only known substantive writing by a Mount Elgin student. His stories unfold school life, illuminating the physical and social world of Mount Elgin in powerful ways. Editors note: The school was located at Muncey, 15 miles west of St Thomas on the Thames River. The area now is the Munsee-Delaware First Nation.
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Argos Rookie Doxtater Happy To Be Playing Football Closer To Home | |
TORONTO — The CFL is the latest stop on Sage Doxtater's football odyssey.
The hulking offensive lineman practised with the Toronto Argonauts on Monday after joining the club's practice roster last weekend. The move comes almost four years after the franchise selected Doxtater in the second round, 12th overall, in the 2021 CFL draft.
Since 2016, football has taken Doxtater to the University of New Mexico, the NFL's New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals, the XFL's Houston Roughnecks and most recently the UFL's St. Louis Battlehawks (2024). However, Doxtater suffered a hand injury in St. Louis's training camp that required season-ending surgery.
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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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Recognizing Leadership and Achievement in Indigenous Management, Finance, and Governance
Do you know an Indigenous Professional who has made a significant contribution to your community or organization? Do you want to recognize and acknowledge the level of commitment that this outstanding individual has shown? Nominate them for the AFOA Canada Indigenous Leadership Award sponsored by TD Bank.
Deadline to Nominate: November 25, 2024
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For more information and to register, click the button below: | |
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will host the Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program from October 16-18, 2024, on Treaty No. 7 Territory, in Calgary, Alberta. (Hybrid option available). | |
Register by clicking the button below. | |
Manager, Post-Secondary Department
Full-Time, Permanent
POSITION SUMMARY:
In accordance with the established policies, procedures, and directives of the Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS), the Manager is responsible for the administration and management of the Post-Secondary program. The Manager will ensure that SFNS maintains compliance with our Funding Agreement with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). The Manager also takes on some Post-Secondary Education Counsellor tasks when needed.
CLOSING DATE: Friday, October 25, 2024 at 4:00pm
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Southern First Nations Secretariat
1-800-668-2609
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