|
Welcome to the October 2023 edition of the SFNS
bi-monthly eNewsletter!
| |
General Information
The SFNS office will be closed on:
Remembrance Day
Monday, November 13, 2023
Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 8:30am.
| |
Welcome to the SFNS Team! |
Alec Johnson, Mentored Administrative Assistant
My name is Alec Johnson, I am 21 years old and I’m from Moraviantown. I’m happy to share that I accepted the position of Mentored Administrative Assistant with the Southern First Nations Secretariat on August 21, 2023. In my role I will be providing reception duties and assisting the departments with any general clerical duties.
In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, browsing social media, exercising, baking, and keeping up with recent scientific news. I don’t currently own any pets but love dogs and had 3 growing up, who still live with my mother. I plan to attend a post secondary education sometime in the next few years, to major in paleontology and minor in computer science.
| |
Michaela Nahmabin-Hiltz, First Nations Health Policy Implementation Facilitator
Hi, my name is Michaela Nahmabin-Hiltz and I am one of the new Health Policy Implementation Facilitators here at SFNS. I recently received my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from Western University. I was raised on Aamjiwnaang First Nation by my mother, with my brother and sister. I am a dog mom of two, Odin and Rocket, they are my world. I love being outdoors when I have free time and the weather is nice. I am very passionate about health promotion and believe that all people should have equitable access to healthcare.
| | |
Elissa Joseph, First Nations Health Policy Implementation Facilitator
Aanii/Boozhoo. My name is Elissa Joseph. I am excited to start working with the Health Policy Team in the role of Health Policy Implementation Facilitator. I have more than 9 years experience working in Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, and Lambton County as a PSW. I am a proud member of Aamjiwnaang, currently residing in Kettle and Stony Point. I look forward to this very important work we will be doing and going into the communities to meet with the Health Directors, community members, and healthcare service providers. Miigwetch.
| |
Julie MacFarlane, Education Resource Developer
Boozhoo! Bmose Aapto Nookmis Giizis Kwe n’dizhinikaaz, Deshkan Ziibiing n’doonjibaa. I am Julie MacFarlane and I am from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. I am thrilled to join SFNS as the Education Resource Developer working with the FN Health Policy Implementation Team. I am a licensed healthcare professional with a background in public sector and corporate healthcare spanning 20+ years in Canada and the U.S.; and I am currently completing my undergraduate degree in Education through Queen’s University. I am a free thinker and strong advocate for health equity, human rights and favourable outcomes for Indigenous Peoples and our communities. Myself and my three energetic children are very active with sports, travel, laughter and staying young at heart. I spend my free time with Anishinaabemowin language practice, traditional arts, yoga and gardening. Ahaaw!
| | |
|
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:
| |
For more information on the LDCC ISETP Department, please contact Janice Noah, Director at ext. 222.
Click here to learn more about ISETP
| |
|
Reminder
Just a friendly reminder that students must apply for funding each term. The deadline to apply for funding for Winter 2024 (January-April courses) was OCTOBER 1, 2023. Please submit your application as soon as possible.
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.
If you would like assistance to ensure your application is filled out, we can arrange a time to go through it with you. We make visits to campuses, secondary schools, and SFNS Member Nation communities.
| |
|
|
Keep in Touch!
Have you had a chance to connect with your Education Counsellor yet? This is a friendly reminder that students need to maintain regular contact with their Education Counsellor (at least twice per term).
Candice Noah
Education Counsellor
edcounsellor@sfns.on.ca
Jody Noah
Education Counsellor
pscounsellor@sfns.on.ca
| | | | |
|
|
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.
| | | |
|
|
Follow us on Facebook!
Please note that updates from the Post-Secondary department will now be shared via our new Facebook page: SFNS Post-Secondary Student Support Program.
Like/follow our page and stay up to date.
| |
Student Spotlight!
My name is Dawn-Michelle Antone-Mills and I’m from Oneida Nation of the Thames; my grandfather is from Wolf Clan. My traditional name is She Gathers Good Medicine. I’m 50 years old and was diagnosed with cancer in November 2022.
I chose to continue my studies while going through treatment and it was not easy, but I stayed focused! I am grateful for the support from AEI instructors and my classmates, who have become my chosen family over the last five semesters. As long as you have a good relationship with Creator, ancestors, all your relations, and acknowledge those heart connections, in prayer you can accomplish anything. Yaw^ko.
| | | | |
|
We are proud of your success as a student and would love to share your story in our eNewsletter! | | |
TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples | |
Students from the Indigenous community face unique challenges and systemic barriers that can make getting a post-secondary education difficult. So, TD worked closely with AFOA Canada to build a scholarship program that helps meet the unique needs of students from the Indigenous community. | Deadline: November 6th, 2023. | | |
|
|
Indspire Post-Secondary Funding
Deadlines: August 1, November 1st, February 1st at 11:59pm EST.
Click here to apply!
| | |
Chevening-Briggs Scholarship
The UK High Commission in Ottawa and Canada-based British entrepreneur and philanthropist David Briggs have announced that they have joined forces to create the Chevening-Briggs Scholarship, which will offer the opportunity for a Canadian student to study a Master’s degree at any UK university, with strong preference given to high-quality candidates from indigenous communities.
Deadline: November 7th, 2023.
| |
Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship | |
|
The Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship Fund was set up in honour of Jenn’s grandmother, Emily Paul, who was a Canadian residential school survivor. The fund offers Indigenous students scholarships to attend a Canadian or U.S post-secondary institution in any area of study.
The Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship will be awarded to at least five students and is applicable to all areas of study for both Canadian and U.S. post-secondary Indigenous students.
To apply, all you need to do is fill out the form on our website, attach reference letters, and tell us why you're the most deserving candidate!
Deadline: November 30th, 2023.
| |
Economic & Capacity Development | | |
For more information or to register for this workshop, click the button below: | |
For more information or to register for this workshop, click the button below: | |
For more information or to be added to the waitlist, click the button below: | |
Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant
This grant provides up to $10,000 to help prevent and/or respond to hate-motivated incidents and to ensure community spaces remain safe and secure.
The funds can be used to protect facilities from graffiti, vandalism, and other damages such as by enhancing locks, installing cameras, hiring security, making repairs, adding cybersecurity measures, and building upgrades. Work must occur from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
Applications are due Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
| |  |
FNWE GRANT AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
In order to support the success of First Nations women entrepreneurs, the Grant and Mentorship Program matches experienced First Nations women entrepreneurs with potential/new business owners to create the foundation for launching a viable business. It also provides FNWE resources, learning opportunities and micro-grants to explore a new business idea.
Each mentee will receive up to $3000 for eligible start-up expenses. Funds will be advanced to participants as approved by the FNWE Business Coach.
| | |
Substance Use and Addictions Program
Budget 2023 announced an investment of $144M for the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) to fund community-based initiatives.
Please be advised that Health Canada has launched a national Call for Proposals (CFP) under the Substance Use and Addictions Program.
Priorities for the CFP are:
- Supporting and enhancing the role of People with Lived and Living Experience (PWLLE) within organizations that address substance use across the comprehensive continuum of care - prevention, harm reduction, and treatment;
- Services and programs that target post treatment aftercare and transition back into the community;
- Addressing alcohol use disorder;
- Addressing adult tobacco cessation.
The deadline for applications is November 22, 2023.
| | |
Skills Development Fund Training Stream
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream offers funding to organizations for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retaining workers, including apprentices, to drive Ontario's economic growth.
The SDF Training Stream supports:
- projects that address the labour shortage and stimulate growth in key sectors of Ontario’s economy
- projects that will increase Ontario's long-term economic competitive advantage by creating a sustainable and resilient workforce
- projects helping people with prior involvement in the criminal justice system, at-risk youth, those with disabilities, Ukrainian newcomers, and others facing barriers to employment.
The deadline for applications is November 17, 2023.
| |
First Nations' Marketplace
Tecumseh Community 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.
| |
|
Applications are now open for The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch!
What could your business achieve with $𝟵𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽? Share your business vision in a 1-minute video with The Forum and find out!
When you apply, you’ll also gain access to a nationwide community of entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors who will actively work to open doors for you.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Tim Maness, Technical Services Manager (tmaness@sfns.on.ca). | |
Police Vehicles At Kettle And Stony Point To Get New Look | |
A graphics designer from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation has helped develop a new design for police vehicles within the Anishinabek Police Service.
The police agency unveiled the new design late last week, which will replace the 15-year-old existing decal.
The winning design was selected after several submissions were received in the spring.
| | | |
The Imagine Build Will House Four Oneida Families With Accessible Homes | |
A grassroots program to build accessible homes for families in need on the Oneida Nation of the Thames is more than halfway to achieving its goal.
So far, two of four homes by The
Imagine Build campaign are nearly complete.
"It started with a goal of tackling the community’s housing crisis," said Oneida Chief, Todd Cornelius.
| | | |
Bluewater Health Reveals New Indigenous Artwork Honouring Truth And Reconciliation | |
Bluewater Health unveiled a large-scale commissioned piece of Indigenous artwork Monday.
The artwork, depicting Indigenous culture, reconciliation, and healing, will be centrally-located in the Sarnia hospital’s main floor atrium.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation artist, John Williams, told Sarnia News Today the thunderbird, prominently displayed, embodies power, protection, and strength in Indigenous culture.
| | | |
To read more about what we have been up to, check out the 2022-23 Annual Review on our website by clicking the button below. | | |
|
Kids Help Phone is deeply committed to sharing continued supports for First Nations youth who are leaving care and young adults who have already left care. Our free, online portal provides mental health resources and dedicated Indigenous programming to First Nations youth and young adults.
Learn more by clicking the button below:
| |
Brought to you by Indspire and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), join us as we illuminate the journey of Indigenous youth in post-secondary education. Dive into their unique experiences, challenges, and the triumphs they celebrate in academic settings. | |
|
The AFN is inviting First Nations Health Centre staff, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Navigators, Jordan’s Principle Coordinators, and individuals with disabilities, to take part in one of four brief 10–15-minute polls.
For more information, click the button below:
| |
|
The Chiefs of Ontario Research and Data Management Sector will host a Powering Up Data Sovereignty Conference on October 24-26, 2023.
Participants will have the opportunity to hear from First Nation data experts and practitioners about the frameworks and principles central to First Nations data sovereignty and governance. Speakers include, Gord Peters, Dr. Maggie Walter and Dr. Jennifer Walker.
To register, please click the button below:
| |
|
Southern First Nations Secretariat
1-800-668-2609
| | | | |
