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Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the SFNS
bi-monthly eNewsletter!
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General Information
Please be advised that the SFNS office will be closed in observance of the following holiday:
Victoria Day - Monday, May 20, 2024
Regular office hours will resume the next business day at 8:30 am.
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1) Harnessing the Power of AI – February 29, 2024 | |
The virtual ‘Harnessing the Power of AI’ webinar was facilitated by digital marketing expert, Sofie Andreou on February 29, 2024. This workshop was well attended with 14 participants.
Sofie outlined the importance of AI and how to use it responsibly. She shared that legislation is now being put in place around the world to ensure that AI is used appropriately. She outlined the AI Use Guidelines that were developed by the Canadian Government. Many applications incorporate AI such as Microsoft Word, Canva, Copilot, and AI companion on Zoom. AI can be used in business with sensitive email responses, elevator pitches, competitive analysis, business planning, grant writing, press releases, social media posts, etc.
Sofie provided a couple of examples of prompts and shared the AI responses. She also provided prompting tips such as be super clear, use as few words as possible, define parameter and limitations, provide examples, etc.
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2) All My Relations – March 4, 6 & 8, 2024 |  | |
SFNS successfully hosted the All My Relations: Regional First Nations Arts, Language, and Culture events during the first week of March 2024. Our member First Nations are diverse and with the support of the Canadian Heritage's Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program we held 3 events in 3 of our member First Nations communities. Each event had dinner, a language bingo, and multiple workshops. We also had fun activities for children such as face painting, balloon twists, cookie decorating, and colouring station. Each event had language speakers who provided MC duties while providing teaching moments and encouraged the use of the language throughout the events.
March 4, 2024 - We hosted our Anishinaabe event at Kettle & Stony Point First Nation with 46 participants who were able to join in copper pot necklace making, medicine teaching & pouch making, painting, and salve making.
March 6, 2024 - We hosted our Onedia event at Oneida Nation of the Thames with 35 participants who were able to join in corn husk doll making, beaded earring making, and enjoy a smoke dance presentation.
March 8, 2024 - We hosted our Lunaape event at Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit (Delaware Nation) with 36 participants who were able to join in painting, medicine pouch making, maple sugar candy teachings and making, and beaded keychain.
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3) SFNS Regional Meeting – Solar Eclipse – March 5, 2024 |  | |
SFNS partnered with Emergency Management Ontario to provide a regional meeting with member First Nations on March 5, 2024, to present the background of the solar eclipse, and to have municipalities that are located in the path of totality share their plans and updates for this once in a lifetime event. The one-hour session was hosted virtually via Zoom with 9 participants, and recorded for those that were unable to attend.
Attendees were presented with a presentation by Holly Robert and Darin Dees, Field Officers with the St. Clair Sector, in which it was explained that on April 8, 2024, parts of Ontario will experience a total solar eclipse. Total solar eclipses are rare and southern Ontario is not expected to see another one until 2099. Included in the presentation the following updates were reviewed: the path of totality, specific timing, anticipated impacts (transportation, local infrastructure, health, and economic), mitigation efforts/considerations, and the provincial coordination that has been taking place to date.
Upon the completion of the presentation, meeting participants heard municipal updates and were provided an opportunity to ask questions and to share any community updates. It was from these discussions that we were made aware of the historical and cultural significance of the solar eclipse holds for some of our member First Nations. Upon closing of the meeting, participants were provided a PDF version of the presentation, an interactive map for the 2024 Eclipse Simulator, contact details to order eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2 standard), and a link to the Elgin County, Solar Eclipse Webpage (which provides 8 suggested viewing spots with free public parking).
Interactive map for the 2024 Eclipse Simulator: Interactive map for the 2024 Eclipse Simulator | Eclipse2024.org
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To view plans or utilize the cost calculator, visit our webpage by clicking the button below: | |
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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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Reminder
1) An important reminder to anyone hoping to attend school in Fall 2024: applications for funding are due on May 1st. Funding is limited and not all applicants may be approved. Late applications may not be considered, depending on budget. Continuing students must also reapply for funding for next school year. To save time, please select all applicable terms for the 2024-25 school year (Fall and Winter if you will be attending Sept-Apr).
2) To all current students: your final grades must be uploaded to the student portal on Outcomes no later than 21 days from the end of the term. Failure to do so may result in ineligibility for further funding.
3) Graduating students are encouraged to submit final grades and/or copies of their credentials to receive a graduation incentive!
4) Keep an eye on your inbox for a Post-Secondary newsletter to be sent out later this spring, including details on mandatory orientation for new students and other important news from the Post-Secondary Department.
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Friendly reminder to students:
We communicate often via email and occasionally via text message, if your contact information changes please let us know as soon as possible so we can ensure you stay up to date with our messages. We also share funding/scholarship opportunities on our Facebook page and Instagram so if you’re not already following us, please do!
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We are proud of your success as a student and would love to share your story in our eNewsletter! | | |
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Book receipts can be mailed to:
Southern First Nations Secretariat
Post-Secondary Department
22361 Austin Line
Bothwell, ON N0P 1C0
Electronic receipts can be forwarded to your Post-Secondary Counsellor.
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Lois Cornelius Education Scholarship | |
For more information, please click the 'Learn More' button below: | |
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TC Energy Scholarships is offering 750+ scholarships available across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, valued at up to $5,000.
Scholarship Categories:
- STEM
- Indigenous Legacy
- Trades
Application Deadline: May 3, 2024.
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The Spirit Bear Award is awarded to groups of young people who demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
This year, three awards of $500 will be given to groups of young people to use as they would like toward their activities or simply to celebrate!
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024.
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Jordan's Principle Scholarship | |
For more information, click the button below: | |
Don McBain Memorial Award | |
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Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services is proud to announce the reopening of the Don McBain Memorial Award for its fourth year, in honour of the late OAHS founder and Executive Director.
This award is comprised of (3) $5,000 scholarships that will be distributed annually to (3) Indigenous students from Ontario pursuing their first year of post-secondary studies.
Application Deadline: April 26th 2024
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To learn more about this program, click the 'learn more' button below: | |
Economic & Capacity Development | | |
Ec Dev Workshop Summaries | | |
1) Mythbuding Federal Government Procurement and Overview of Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security | This session was canceled due to a conflict with another community event. | 2) Doing Business with the Government of Canada | |
The 'Doing Business with the Government of Canada' was facilitated in collaboration with Procurement Assistance Canada-Ontario Region (PAC-OR) on February 22, 2024.
This one-hour webinar provided key information about how to sell to the Government of Canada. Participants learned how to:
- Find out whether the Government of Canada buys your goods or service
- Understand the contracting process
- Register in supplier databases
- Build networks and promote your business
- Search for opportunities
- Take advantage of the procurement information on Buyandsell.gc.ca and Canadabuys
- Understand the security clearance process
| 3) Bidding on Opportunities | |
The 'Bidding on Opportunities' was facilitated in collaboration with Procurement Assistance Canada-Ontario Region (PAC-OR) on March 26, 2024.
This one-hour webinar provided participants with a more detailed overview of the bidding process and provided key information to help with the biding process, including:
- The different types of solicitation documents
- The main elements of a solicitation document and how to respond to them
- How bids are evaluated and suppliers are selected
- How to follow-up after receipt of the bidding process results
- Best practices, tips and suggestions
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To register for any of the upcoming events, click the button below: | |
Environment and Climate Change Youth Council | |
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Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is looking for young people in Canada between the ages of 18 and 29 to become a member of the next Environment and Climate Change Youth Council (ECCYC) by applying to an anticipatory selection process. The Youth Council, will be an excellent opportunity for passionate young people in Canada to help drive change on some of the country’s most important environment and climate issues.
Application Deadline: April 26, 2024
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Sustainable Jobs Training Fund | |
This funding opportunity aims to support a series of training projects that will help workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in the low-carbon economy. The fund will focus on low-carbon energy and carbon management, green buildings and retrofits, as well as electric vehicle maintenance and charging infrastructure. To learn more, click the button below: | |
Indigenous Leadership Fund | |
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The Indigenous Leadership Fund is a new program under the Low Carbon Economy Fund. It provides up to $180 million by 2029 to support climate action by Indigenous peoples. The program will fund Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects. These projects will help meet Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target and net-zero emissions by 2050.
The call for proposals for the First Nations funding stream will be open from October 30, 2023 to March 31, 2027. There is no deadline to apply. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until available funding is allocated. 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.
- 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). | |
Canadian Parks Canada Signs Agreement With Caldwell First Nation To Explore 'Shared Governance' of Windsor, Ont.'s Proposed National Urban Park | |
Parks Canada has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Caldwell First Nation to explore "shared governance" of Windsor's proposed national urban park.
Caldwell called the signing of the MOU a "significant achievement" which gives members an opportunity to "have a voice in the protection and management of the cultural and natural heritage" of the urban park.
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Indigenous Artists Working With Companies Like Instagram, Purolator Say Representation Is Important | |
Corporations are commissioning Indigenous art, and that's not only good for the artists, but good for business as well, according to one business scholar.
Emily Kewageshig, an Anishinaabe artist from Saugeen First Nation in Ontario, recently teamed up with courier Purolator to design a limited-edition holiday box.
"A lot of people are so happy to be seeing my work more mainstream," said Kewageshig.
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'It's Amazing To See': Construction Coming Together On 28 Caldwell First Nation Homes | |
Progress is being made at Caldwell First Nation near Leamington, Ont., where 28 net-zero homes are under construction between Seacliff Drive and Bevel Line Road.
Officials indicate that 14 of the housing units should be move in ready by June 1, 2024, while the other 14 should be ready by Sept. 1, 2024.
“Oh, I'm very impressed,” said Caldwell Housing manager Ramsey Kicknosway. “I really enjoy seeing the construction.”
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The Peter Henderson Bryce Award is named in honour of Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce, a courageous advocate for First Nations, Métis and Inuit children's health and wellbeing.
Do you know a health professional who courageously stands up for the safety, health or well-being of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit children? This award honours the work of health professionals who have overcome personal and professional challenges and risks to stand up for the rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children.
The application deadline is Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 11:45 PM ET.
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To read the report, click the button below: | |
For more information, click the button below: | |
For more information, click the button below: | |
Communications Officer Assistant
Summer Student
- Eligible participants are aged 15 to 30 inclusively.
- Youth that ordinarily reside on reserve (may be temporarily off reserve for the primary purpose of seeking education).
POSITION SUMMARY
The Communications Assistant will work closely with the Communications Officer to support the development and implementation of external and internal communication strategies for the Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS). This role will involve assisting in planning, executing, and measuring various communication initiatives, ensuring alignment with SFNS' vision, mission, and guiding principles.
CLOSING DATE: Friday, April 19, 2024 at 4:00 p.m
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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, April 19, 2024 at 4:00 p.m
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Administrative Assistant
Summer Student
- Eligible participants are aged 15 to 30 inclusively.
- Youth that ordinarily reside on reserve (may be temporarily off reserve for the primary purpose of seeking education).
POSITION SUMMARY
Under direct supervision of the Executive Assistant, the Administrative Assistant (Summer Student) will be responsible for assisting with daily administrative duties of the Administration department.
CLOSING DATE: Friday, April 19, 2024 at 4:00 p.m
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Mentored Administrative Assistant
Mentored Work
- Eligible participants are aged 15 to 30 inclusively.
- Mentored work placements are for youth who reside on reserve, are not in school, are unemployed or underemployed.
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, April 19, 2024 at 4:00 p.m
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Mentored Administrative Assistant (IA)
Mentored Work
- 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, April 19, 2024 at 4:00 p.m
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Southern First Nations Secretariat
1-800-668-2609
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