Welcome to the SFNS Team!

I have an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Leadership and have been in the field of education for a little over 11 years. I am passionate about education, advocacy, and human rights. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family or singing karaoke.

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support to former residential school students and those affected. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

For adults:

The IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivors Society) Emergency Crisis Line is currently available 24/7 for those that may need counselling support from the recent announcement.

1-800-721-0066

For youth:

The Kids Help Phone has trained crisis responders and counselors are available by text and phone, 24/7, and a texter can request to speak to an Indigenous crisis responder. Call 1-800-668-6868 and text 686868

We Matter is an Indigenous youth-led and nationally registered organization dedicated to Indigenous youth support, hope and life promotion that has free downloadable resources on their website as well as links to other amazing resources. www.wemattercampaign.org

And locally, there are programs and supports through numerous community organizations including SOAHAC (Anishnaabe Ayaadziwin), Atlosha (Biigajiiskaan), CMHA Middlesex Mental Health & Addictions Centre and so many others that can be accessed by contacting them directly and requesting support. Please reach out if you need to.

COVID-19 Updates

Chiefs of Ontario

This website provides information on emergency planning and preparedness, as well as on the unique programs and services that are available to First Nations in Ontario during times of emergency.

Click here to view website

Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians

COVID-19 Ontario updates on childcare and education (closures, camps, teachers, post-secondary)

Click here to view website

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and resources please check out the Government of Canada website by clicking on this link.

Workshop Summaries

Social Media 101 – January 27, 2023

 Basic Emergency Management Course – February 1 & 2, 2023

Leadership Media Training – February 23, 2023

If you are interested in registering your business, click the button below!

If you are ready to get started, click the button below to register for the skills bank.

To get started, register as an employer by clicking the button and completing the online registration form.

To view the Job Bank, click the button below:

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES CURRENTLY OPEN:

• Interim applications for time-limited funding under Sections 8 and 9 of the Indigenous Languages Act. Click here to learn more

OAC Relaunches Touring Support 

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is fully relaunching its support to touring activity with a new component to support tour capacity. In preparation for this, OAC commissioned a market development report from Nordicity, examining the current and future state for touring artists.

The modified program, Touring and Circulation Projects supports tour building activity with two categories – one for small to mid-scale tours and another for large-scale tours – each with two deadlines a year.

The program funds performing arts tours as well as literary presentations and visual and media arts exhibitions. It is focused on building relationships with presenters and offers opportunities to develop the tour when it is at the “idea” stage. The tours must have a minimum of three engagements planned and at least one confirmed.

Market development, artist-presenter networking, and audience-building activities are eligible as long as they are connected to a confirmed presentation or exhibition outside the applicant’s home base. This same principle applies to an artistic residency, eligible only if at least one public presentation is part of the residency. Consideration will be given to environmentally sustainable tours.

Deadline dates

April 5 and October 19, 2023 1 p.m. ET

For Earth Month 2023, Meridian will be assisting a selection of Ontario-based businesses with their actionable ideas designed to save resources and shrink their carbon footprint.

It's called the Meridian Eco-Upgrade Project and will include more than $30,000 in total funding for initiatives such as:

• Switching to eco-friendly packaging
• Installing energy-efficient appliances
• Sourcing greener shipping and delivery
• And other kinds of impactful eco-upgrades!

Application Deadline:

Submit an application by 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2023.

For more information, click the button below:

About the service

The navigator can help connect you with programs and services across different Government of Canada departments and agencies.

Whether you are looking to access capital, or looking for help with community economic development planning, the navigator will help you find the information and support that best fits your needs.

Who can use the service

• Indigenous businesses and owners
• Indigenous organizations
• Indigenous communities

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. 

Post-Secondary Funding Application Deadlines

20 Tips From Post-Secondary Students For Managing Anxiety

Applications are open until May 5, 2023!

For more information about this scholarship opportunity, click the button below:

To address the systemic barriers racialized people experience entering legal services professionally, Lerners is proud to present the ‘Learn with Lerners’ Bursary & Mentorship Program.

Diversity in the legal services industry is integral to providing effective legal representation. It is important to our firm’s culture that our lawyers, management and staff represent the vibrant communities we serve. Confidence in the administration of justice depends on a diverse legal profession that equitably serves the interests of all.

This program is offered to recent racialized graduates of publicly funded secondary schools in Ontario who are interested in legal service careers and plan to attend college or university in the 2023-24 academic year.

Continuing the success of previous years’ Program, we will choose two (2) recipients to receive a $5,000.00 CAD bursary and up to twelve months of invaluable mentorship with a Lerners lawyer.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2023 Indigenous Internship Program (IIP). Indigenous students and recent graduates can apply for the program today!  

The program provides Indigenous students and recent graduates with the opportunity to gain knowledge, develop skills, and build relationships that will strengthen their future employment prospects in the labour market, while contributing to Ontario’s diverse and inclusive public service.

Indigenous Internship Program  

The IIP launched the first of two application periods on March 6^th, 2023.  

The IIP is a 12-month paid internship designed to provide recent Indigenous graduates with the opportunity to gain professional level work experience.  It is a pathway to build and develop transferable skills that can be used to gain sustained employment in their field of choice.  

To be eligible to participate in the IIP, individuals must meet the following criteria:   

• Self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit)   
• Have graduated from a college or university with a diploma, degree or post-graduate certificate within the past five years  
• Live in Ontario during their placement term  
• Legally entitled to work in Canada  

Click the "Get Started" button below to start your search!

SL Chamber Hosts Inaugural State Of Business Breakfast

Around 50 local businesses attended Thursday morning’s inaugural Chamber of Commerce State of Sarnia-Lambton Business Breakfast.

Lambton County mayors and leaders gave a brief update on what’s going on in their business sectors, from the good to the bad.

Chamber CEO Carrie McEachran said many businesses are still struggling coming out of the pandemic.

Aamjiwnaang First Nation Anishinaabekwe Recognized As One Of Canada Post’s 2022 Awards For Indigenous Students

SARNIA — Aamjiwnaang First Nation’s Jessica Plain credits her dedication to her studies as a social service worker student for being recognized as one of 25 winners of Canada Post’s 2022 Awards for Indigenous Students. Canada Post has been granting the $2,000 awards since 2004 to up to 25 Indigenous students from across the country who have resumed studies after being away from school for at least 12 months and have completed at least one full year of study.

“I was actually very overwhelmed that I was chosen,” Plain says. “I was extremely happy and proud of myself because I know how far I’ve come and how much work I’ve put in to get to where I’m at today.”

Federal Government Supports Clean Energy Training for Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Oneida Nation Of The Thames

LONDON, ON, March 27, 2023 /CNW/ - The development of a prosperous and low-carbon economy requires strong and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples to continue advancing stewardship of our collective energy and environmental future. Investing in renewable energy and storage initiatives that support Canada's clean energy transition will lead to decarbonized, smart and integrated utilities that will reduce carbon pollution, keep our air clean and support stronger, healthier communities for generations.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced an investment of over $1 million for Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) and Oneida Nation of the Thames (Oneida) to develop community distributed energy resources (DER) solutions that will help address the unique demand increases and the reliability and energy challenges in First Nations communities.

The Court has approved a one-year extension to the claims period. This means Impacted First Nations and Individuals impacted by long-term drinking water advisories that lasted for at least one year between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021 now have until March 7, 2024 to submit their claim for compensation. 

If you haven’t already accepted the settlement, there is more time for the Chief and Council to submit the Band Council Acceptance Resolution (BCAR) to the Administrator. If you’ve already submitted a BCAR but need more time to complete and submit the Band Council Confirmation List, you still have time until March 7, 2024. 

For more information, click the button below:

The IRAP Youth Employment Program (YEP) was designed to assist funding of hiring young Canadian post-secondary graduates. Graduate can be applied to most areas from business development to technical to customer service/administration.

Amount of Funding

The Youth Employment Program (YEP) supports the hiring of young talent by offsetting employment costs. The goal is to young Canadians get career skills, find good jobs, and remain employed. YEP provides up to $30,000 per graduate for a period of 6 to 12 months.

Indigenous History and Heritage Gathering

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres (FNCCEC) are proud to host the Indigenous History and Heritage Gathering (IHHG). This gathering, presented through the gracious support of Know History, is one of the many important events held during Indigenous History Month. It brings together diverse groups who are working to amplify the distinct stories of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.

Who Should Attend

• Community members developing history and heritage projects including commemorative histories, renaming projects, historical claims, and the search for missing children and unmarked burials associated with residential schools.
• Professionals working with Indigenous communities including museum staff, historians, language experts, legal teams, scholars with a residential school focus, and government agencies.

Space is limited, please register in advance.

For more information, please click the button below:

The National Seniors Council has launched an online survey to hear from people about ways to further support those wishing to age in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Including perspectives from Indigenous peoples in this process is an invaluable component.

If you are interested in participating, complete this online survey by April 14, 2023.

Have your voice heard! This consultation is open to all Canadians—older adults, caregivers, those who have experience or expertise in working with older adults, and individuals representing the diverse voices in our communities.

Mentored Administrative Assistant

(Full-time, Contract)

Closing Date:

Friday, April 28, 2023 at 4:00 p.m

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.

ELIGIBILITY:

• 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.

TO APPLY:

Please submit via email a cover letter, resume, and three current written employment and/or character references to:

Lori Fisher, Executive Assistant

Southern First Nations Secretariat

22361 Austin Line

Bothwell, ON N0P 1C0

Fax: (519) 692-5976

Email: exec.assistant@sfns.on.ca

Please clearly mark your subject line: "Confidential – Mentored Administrative Assistant." Please ensure to include your contact information including phone number and email address in your cover letter/resume. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Administrative Assistant (Summer Student)

(Full-time, Contract)

Closing Date:

Friday, April 28, 2023 at 4:00 p.m

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.

ELIGIBILITY:

• 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).

TO APPLY:

Please submit via email a cover letter, resume, and three current written employment and/or character references to:

Lori Fisher, Executive Assistant

Southern First Nations Secretariat

22361 Austin Line

Bothwell, ON N0P 1C0

Fax: (519) 692-5976

Email: exec.assistant@sfns.on.ca

Please clearly mark your subject line: "Confidential – Administrative Assistant (Summer Student)." Please ensure to include your contact information including phone number and email address in your cover letter/resume. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Check out the Career Opportunities Page on our website for more job links and postings!