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Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the
SFNS bi-monthly eNewsletter!
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General Information
Please be advised that the SFNS office will be closed:
Thanksgiving Day - Monday, October 13, 2025
Remembrance Day - Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Regular office hours will resume the next business day at 8:30 am.
| | | Welcome to the SFNS team! |
Daveigh Fletcher, Mentored Administrative Assistant & Trusted Source Assistant
Aanii-Boozhoo! My name is Daveigh Fletcher, and I am from Caldwell First Nation. I am a recent graduate of Fanshawe College's one-year Court Support Services program, where I achieved the President’s Honour Roll and received the Indigenous Community Impact Award.
I am excited to join the Trusted Source Team and return to the Administration Team at the SFNS. As the Trusted Source Assistant, I will support the Trusted Source Coordinator by helping clients register for status cards and by providing information about the Trusted Source process at our SCIS Clinics. In my Mentored Administration role, I will be the friendly face you see at reception, assisting SFNS with administrative duties such as answering phone calls, greeting clients, and ensuring inquiries are directed to the right departments.
I look forward to continuing my journey with SFNS as the Mentored Admin Assistant and as a new member of the Trusted Source Team. I am eager to be a helping hand to SFNS, to our member First Nations, and to connect with all of you. Chi-Miigwech!
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Chetan Ghimire, Finance Officer
Hello everyone, my name is Chetan Ghimire, and I am truly honored to join the Southern First Nations Secretariat as a Finance Officer. I hold a degree from Lambton College and bring experience in financial planning, budgeting, accounting, analysis, and reporting.
I am deeply committed to supporting First Nation communities and contributing to sound financial practices that foster sustainable community development. It is a privilege to serve in a role that aligns with my values, and I am always happy to assist in initiatives that strengthen and uplift our communities.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, reading investment literature, expanding my professional network, and discovering new cuisines.
Thank you to SFNS for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to connecting with each of you and working together toward meaningful progress.
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Networking Events
Caldwell First Nation – August 27, 2025
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On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) hosted our second networking pop-up event for the Chief & Council, staff, and committee members of Caldwell First Nation. The event brought together 21 participants for an afternoon of connection, learning, and fun.
Event Highlights:
- Program and Service Showcase: Participants learned about our programs and services, gaining insight into how we support our member First Nations, and discovered new opportunities and resources available to them.
- Networking Bingo: A fun and interactive way to break the ice and spark new conversations.
- Meet the Managers: Department managers were on hand to share their expertise, answer questions, and build relationships with attendees.
- Catered Lunch: Guests enjoyed a delicious meal while mingling in a welcoming atmosphere.
The event fostered new connections, strengthened community ties, and showcased the dynamic work happening across our organization. We’re thrilled with the turnout and look forward to hosting more engaging events in the coming months.
| Oneida Nation of the Thames – September 11, 2025 | | | |
The Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) proudly hosted its third networking event for the leadership and staff of the Oneida Nation of the Thames on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather for the outdoor pop-up event, which was located beside the political office. The event had an amazing turnout of 80 participants who dropped by to take part in interactive activities designed to spark curiosity and conversation around SFNS programs and services. These fun and educational moments encouraged attendees to learn more about the resources available to their community, and provided an opportunity to meet SFNS program managers. Attendees were then provided with a delicious catered lunch of Indian tacos and a strawberry drink.
The event fostered open dialogue about current initiatives, suggestions for future workshops, and invaluable feedback from participants that will help shape services that reflect the evolving needs of our member First Nations.
SFNS would like to extend its gratitude to the communities that hosted our events this past summer. We look forward to future gatherings next summer!
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The London District Chiefs Council’s 6th Annual Golf Tournament: Benefiting Regional Youth Initiatives teed off on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Sawmill Creek Golf Resort & Spa in Camlachie, Ontario. With 91 golfers across 10 men’s teams, 5 women’s teams, and 11 mixed teams, the day was filled with great swings, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs. We were proud to have BMO Financial as the exclusive Title Sponsor for the event.
This 4-person scramble featured men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions, with golfers enjoying an 18-hole game, cart rental, and a well-earned steak dinner. The tournament also featured plenty of extras to make the day memorable. Each participant received a swag bag filled with useful items, including a golf towel, tees, snacks, and a unique spice donation from Three Fires Food Company. Every team also went home with a printed photo to commemorate their day on the course.
Congratulations to all of our winners!
- Men’s Division: BMO with 58 points
- Women’s Division: Fab Fore with 63 points
- Mixed Division: Team Jamie with 57 points
- Men’s Longest Drive: Tom Dawson
- Women’s Longest Drive: Gloria Brown-Doxtator
- Men’s Closest to the Pin: Marc Kennedy
- Women’s Closest to the Pin: Faye Antone
- 50/50 Winner: Randy Douez
This year’s tournament was a record breaker, raising $8,843 in support of regional youth initiatives. A big part of this success came from strong community support, including 11 returning sponsors and 7 new sponsors.
Together, the hard work of staff, the generosity of sponsors, and the energy of our golfers created another unforgettable tournament. Stay tuned to find out where we will tee off next year.
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The Trusted Source Program is a new initiative offered by Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Officially launched in July 2024, the program’s primary purpose is to assist First Nations individuals with applications for both the Secured Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) and Registration under the Indian Act.
As a designated Trusted Source, SFNS has been recognized by ISC’s Individual Affairs Branch as a reliable partner in assisting applicants with the documentation and submission process.
Important Note: SFNS does not determine or approve eligibility. All applications are reviewed and approved solely by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
As part of this program, SFNS supports clients by:
- Assisting with the completion of SCIS and Registration applications
- Copying and verifying documents (eliminating the need for a guarantor)
- Taking approved photos on-site
- Submitting completed applications directly to ISC on behalf of the applicant
In the past two months, the Trusted Source team has set up 8 Trusted Source clinics and booths at existing events:
- Atlohsa Family Healing Services, London – August 8, 2025
- LDCC Annual Golf Tournament, Camlachie – August 15, 2025
- Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Annual Pow Wow – August 16 & 17, 2025
- Kettle and Stony Point First Nation – August 21, 2025
- Fanshawe College, London – September 5, 2025
- Munsee-Delaware Nation – September 8, 2025
- SOAHAC, Windsor – September 16, 2025
- SOAHAC, Cambridge – September 25, 2025
If you would like assistance with your application, check out our upcoming clinics/booths in October 2025 (see flyer below) or reach out to us for an in-office appointment https://calendly.com/trustedsource-sfns/registration-scis-appointments?month=2025-10.
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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, please contact Janice Noah, LDCC ISETP Director at ext. 222.
Click here to learn more about ISETP
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Student Spotlight: Semya Doxtator
Nation: Oneida Nation of the Thames
School: Fanshawe College
Program: Doula Studies
Semya Doxtator chose the Doula Studies program to support community members through birth and help them navigate the transition into a new chapter of life. After graduating in April 2025, Semya plans to offer workshops and classes in the community to share knowledge about the birth world.
Some of the challenges during the program included learning how to handle death, developing self-care practices, and finding effective ways to support the community. Currently, Semya is taking a class through Blackbird Medicine to deepen their understanding of Indigenous approaches to death and grief.
Advice from Semya:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It can be overwhelming to remember everything at first, but it’s only because it’s all new.
| | | We are proud of your success as a student and would love to share your story in our eNewsletter! | | | | |
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.
| Post-Secondary Funding Search Databases | Post-Secondary Loan Options | 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. |
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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.
| | | Economic & Capacity Development | | | |
Conflict Resolution and Mediation Training
Workshop #1 – Introduction to Conflict Management and Mediation
Delaware Nation Community Centre - September 22, 2025 (9:00am – 3:30pm)
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SFNS has partnered with Capstone Coaching to provide a two session series in conflict resolution and mediation training. The first workshop kicked off on September 22, 2025 with 15 participants connecting at the Eelünaapéewiit Lahkéewiit – Delaware Nation Community Centre to explore the foundations of effective conflict resolution.
What We Covered:
- Defining Conflict & Mediation: Participants gained clarity on key concepts and the role of mediation in resolving disputes.
- Conflict Management Styles Assessment: Everyone had the opportunity to reflect on their personal approach to conflict through a guided self-assessment.
- Styles & Approaches to Resolution: We examined the five major styles of conflict management techniques and how they influence outcomes.
- The Power of Active Listening: A deep dive into why listening is cornerstone of mediation.
- Techniques for Active Listening: Practical tools were shared that would invite information from the other person.
- Effective Questioning: Participants practiced different ways of asking questions to uncover deeper insights and foster dialogue.
- Role Playing: The session wrapped up with interactive role plays, allowing participants to apply their learning in a realistic scenario.
There is still time to register for the second session of Coaching Mediation and Facilitated Conversations on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Please register with Lori Fisher, Executive Assistant, by email exec.assistant@sfns.on.ca or phone 519-692-5868 ext. 234.
| | | To register for the Cybersecurity Awareness Training, click the button below: | | | For more information or to download the NVCIT application form, click the button below. | | | Webinars, Training, & Funding Opportunities | | |
Access to Business Opportunities
This funding offers non-repayable contributions, similar to grants, and funds national or regional projects that:
- Promote a culture of entrepreneurship
- Improve access to business opportunities
- Strengthen the capacity of other Indigenous businesses
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
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First Nations, Inuit and Métis Child and Family Services Capacity-Building Funding
Capacity-building funding to support Indigenous communities and groups to establish their own child and family laws and services.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
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Indigenous Heritage — Museums Assistance Program
The Indigenous Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) provides funding for projects related to the preservation, management and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada.
Application Deadline: November 3, 2025
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Chiefs of Ontario Business Directory
For more information, click the link below:
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2025 Capital Elle Business Impact Award
This national initiative will award $50,000 in cash and services to 10 Canadian women entrepreneurs building powerful businesses in the country’s most underfunded industries.
Applications Close: October 28, 2025
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Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program
The ICCGP supports infrastructure projects that contribute to economic development, create jobs and provide social benefit to the community or organization.
Application Deadline: Thursday, November 13, 2025
| | | Indigenous Engagement and Facilitation Training | |
David Plamondon of Pe Metawe Consulting will be diving into a discussion and training session focused on improving community engagement through an authentic Indigenous lens. This training will focus on different techniques and tools that can be used to drive engagement in addition to exploring how to motivate and engage community members, and how to ensure self-care to avoid burnout and frustration of both the community engagement facilitators and the community.
Learn more by clicking 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.
| If you have any questions, please get in touch with Tim Maness, Technical Services Manager (tmaness@sfns.on.ca). | | | 3DRBI Announces 3D Remote Building Inspection Project With Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) | |
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, September 30, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- First Nation communities may struggle to find qualified home inspectors, and this challenge is exacerbated in remote areas where inspectors must travel long distances to complete mandatory inspections for new housing or office space. In some cases, inspections may never occur, increasing the risk of future construction quality issues.
3D Remote Building Inspections (3DRBI) has developed an innovative solution to address the challenge.
Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS), which provides housing inspection services to seven member First Nations, will be working with 3DRBI to perform building inspections using 3D cameras.
| | | Western Honours Truth And Reconciliation Day With Flag-raising Ceremony | |
Under clear skies on September 29, Western University marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a flag-raising ceremony on Concrete Beach.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Paula Cornelius-Hedgepeth, Western’s director of Indigenous Engagement and the Wampum Learning Lodge, who introduced the first speaker, Elder-in-residence Mary Lou Smoke.
“We’re gathered here to remember the children who never made it back home,” said Smoke.
Smoke, whose Anishinaabe name is Shooting Star Woman from the Bear Clan, reflected on healing, remembrance and responsibility. She spoke of her late husband, broadcaster and educator Dan Smoke, who passed away 10 months ago, and the teachings they shared with the community.
| | | Dignitaries Break Ground On New St. Clair Transmission Line | |
After years of planning, shovels have officially gone into the ground to start building the new St. Clair Transmission Line.
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Tuesday morning at the former Lambton Generating Station in Courtright.
Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce said the $471.9 million infrastructure project -- part of the Energy for Generation long-term plan -- is a major step forward in building a stronger, self-reliant energy system.
"There is hope, there is opportunity, there is growth on the horizon, there are jobs and investments, and Canadian solutions to the great challenges we face," Lecce said.
The new 64 kilometre, double-circuit, 230 kilovolt transmission line will connect Lambton County and Chatham-Kent, while expanding the existing Chatham Switching Station and Lambton Transformer Station. The project will also convert the existing Wallaceburg Transformer Station to 230 kilovolt.
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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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