This week brings a strong mix of opportunity and celebration to Deshkan Ziibiing. Our Employment & Training team is hosting a series of workshops to support your job search and funding applications, Council meets on Tuesday, and Friday we come together to honour our Paswe'aatigook language graduates. Be sure to also mark your calendar for the upcoming "Your Voice, Our Community" engagement session — a vital chance to help shape how Community Development Funds are invested for 2027–2028. Take a look at what's ahead and find your moment to take part.

SAVE THE DATE:

"Your Voice, Our Community" Engagement Session

All COTTFN members are invited to save the date for an upcoming community engagement session, where you can share the ideas, priorities, and visions that will help guide how the 2027–2028 Community Development Funds are invested. The session takes place Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Chippewa Community Centre, 328 Chippewa Rd., Muncey ON. Hosted by Big Bear Creek Trust — light breakfast and lunch, childcare, and gas cards (for off-reserve members) are available, but you must sign up for services by June 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM. To register for any of these services, contact the Trust Administration Manager at bigbearcreek@cottfn.com or 519-289-5555 ext. 222. Come out, share your voice, and help shape our future.

Ntam-giizhigad (Monday) - June 8

Put Your Best Foot Forward — Free Resume Workshop

Community members looking to create or update their resume and cover letter are welcome to drop in for a free Resume Workshop on Monday, June 8 from 1:30–2:30 PM at Portable-2 beside the Chippewa Community Centre. Hosted by Deshkan Ziibiing Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Employment and Training — no appointment necessary, just show up. For questions, contact etadmin@cottfn.com or 519-962-8688.

Speak, Share, and Connect — Community Family Language Nights

All community members and families are welcome to join! Sessions run every Monday from 5:30–7:30 PM at Enji Maajtaawaad Early Years, 330 Chippewa Rd. Hosted by the Anishinaabe'aadziwin Department and Enji Maajtaawaad Early Years — a meal is provided and all are welcome. A great opportunity to reconnect with our language and with each other.

Niizho-giizhgad (Tuesday) - June 9

Stay Connected to Your Council — Regular Council Meeting 

COTTFN community members are welcome to attend the upcoming Regular Council Meeting and hear what Council is working on for the community. The meeting takes place Tuesday, June 9 at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers at the COTTFN Administration Office. Hosted by Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Council. Your presence matters — come out and stay informed.

Navigate the Funding Process — E&T Applications Workshop

Community members interested in applying for Employment & Training funding but unsure where to start are welcome to drop in and learn the ins and outs of the application process. This month's session focuses on the Skills Training Application and takes place Tuesday, June 9 from 2:00–4:00 PM at Portable-2 beside the Chippewa Community Centre. Hosted by Deshkan Ziibiing Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Employment and Training — no appointment necessary. For questions, contact etadmin@cottfn.com or 519-962-8688.

Math Tutoring Available for High School Students — Every Tuesday

High school students taking Math this semester are invited to take advantage of free after-school tutoring every Tuesday from 5:00–7:00 PM at Antler River Elementary School, with a hot meal served at 4:30 PM. Hosted by Chippewas of the Thames First Nation — transportation is available for community members, and a registration form is required before attending. Contact Tyanna Soucy, Secondary Student Lead, at 519-289-0621 ext. 201 to get signed up.

Nso-giizhgad (Wednesday) - June 10

The Fairway is Calling — Get Out and Play With Us This Wednesday

Golfers in the COTTFN community are welcome to join another evening of friendly competition at the Chippewa Golf League this Wednesday at 5:00 PM. The league runs weekly at Wardsville Golf Club, 1948 Longwoods Rd., Wardsville, ON through September 9, 2026. Hosted by Chippewas of the Thames First Nation — no registration needed, just show up and play a discounted round.

Naano-giizhgad (Friday) - June 12

Honouring Our Language Graduates — Paswe'aatigook 2026

The community is invited to celebrate the 2025–2026 graduating class of the Paswe'aatigook Anishinaabemowin Language Immersion Program this Friday, June 12 at the Chippewa Community Centre. The graduation ceremony begins at 6:00PM, followed by karaoke with Russ and a food sale by Enaagdawenjigejig "Caring Hearts" from 7PM-10PM, featuring Indian Taco Combos, Hot Dog Combos, and Corn Soup 

Come out and honour the dedication it takes to walk this path for our language.

A Warm Space to Connect and Find Support — Coffee Hour at the Recovery Support Group

If you or someone you know is on a recovery journey, this Friday's Coffee Hour is a space built for you — warm, safe, and free of judgment. The group meets every Friday from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Employment & Training Portable, facilitated by Westover Treatment staff Mike McGilvery. Showing up is the hardest part — for more information or to take that first step, reach out to Cynthia Tribe at 519-878-0165.

See you next week!

Know someone who'd love to stay in the loop? Share the link below with a COTTFN friend or family member and invite them to subscribe to the Deshkan Ziibiing Weekly Update:

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The more of us connected, the stronger our community.