Author Archives: Michael Johnston

Every Child Matters Campaign Plans Awareness Lunch

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Orange T-Shirt Day is Wednesday, September 30, celebrating and supporting survivors of residential school.

To mark the day, the Nawash Family Well-Being Program is sponsoring a “Stop and Grab” take-out lunch at the Maadookii Fire Keepers Lodge.

Soup and Scone will be served between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, or until supplies run out.

The organizers are requesting a modest $5.00, but your lunch is free if you are wearing an orange t-shirt!

Please maintain safe physical distance from other patrons and wear a face mask.

Questions can be directed to the Nawash Family Well-Being Program, at 519-534-4445.

Grey County Reaches Settlement Agreement with Saugeen Ojibway Nation

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The Chief and Council are excited to announce that an agreement has been reached with Grey County, in settlement of their portion of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s ongoing land claim. Part of the settlement agreement will see the transfer of approximately 275 acres of forest in Georgian Bluffs, abutting Mountain Lake, from the County to the SON.

Our land claim has asked for the return of Crown lands not taken up by third parties, including unsold municipal lands like road allowances and shoreline allowances. Grey County is one of six municipalities named in our claim that could have been subject to a court-ordered settlement if our claim is successful. With this negotiated settlement, Grey County has settled their portion of our land claim.

You can read the full press release here.

Reminder to Give Notice of External Service Provider Visits

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The number of cases of COVID-19 in Ontario have unfortunately taken a turn for the worse, with increasing case counts in several jurisdictions. While the spike in cases is primarily in urban centres, it serves to caution us against letting our guard down now. The precautions we have been taking against an outbreak of COVID-19 in Neyaashiinigmiing have been successful, to date, and we must remain vigilant.

Access to the community remains restricted during the ongoing community State of Emergency. Non-residents, including guests, employees and essential services, must have a letter of entrance, provided by the Band, or have been pre-registered for entry into the community.

Many service providers are already cleared for entry, but to avoid having your visitor delayed, please remember to notify the Band Office if you are expecting a visit from a service provider for whatever reason. This can include but is not limited to: health care, home maintenance, telecom services, fuel delivery, and deliveries.

The Band Office can be reached by calling 519-534-1689.

Water Treatment Plant Construction Launched With Ceremony

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A ceremony was held Wednesday morning, on September 23, to mark the start of construction of the new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and distribution system. The ceremony was attended by community members, Chief Nadjiwon, Councillors, and Water Treatment staff. Water Treatment Manager Fred Dubeau was instrumental in organizing the ceremony.

Paul Nadjiwon led the prayers, offerings and drumming. The ceremony in portions spoke to the Thunderbird that resides in our area, to the manidoog of the land that will be disturbed to put in the new road and WTP, and to the water spirit in the Bay. Representatives of the firms contracted to assess, design and build the WTP and distribution system also attended the ceremony and were pleased to be part of such an important part of our unique development process.

Construction of the new road to the build site will begin in the next week. Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right. While First Nations across Canada struggle with their water supply, clean, fresh water from the tap is often taken for granted by urban, non-Indigenous Canadians. When our new WTP is completed, it will open a new chapter for Neyaashiinigmiing, in which residents will enjoy piped, potable water without the anxiety, inconvenience, and health concerns associated with chronic boil water advisories.

Employment Opportunity: Health Services Manager

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The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation is seeking a qualified Health Services Manager. The Health Services Manager works with the First Nation Administrator to oversee agreements, plan the annual budgets for the various health programs, and manages monthly and annual budgets. The Health Service Manager oversees Health staff in the provision of health services, identifies community health issues, addresses health issues and provides solutions, develops health programs and looks for outside sources of additional funding.

Visit the Employment Opportunities page for full details of this and other careers with the Chippewas of Nawash.

Ceremony Planned for New Water Treatment Plant

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A ceremony will be held next Wednesday September 23rd, 2020 at 10:00 AM to celebrate and welcome the new water treatment plant and distribution system being developed.

The ceremony will be held at the intersection of Wilmers Road and Pit Road, and performed by Paul Nadjiwon.

All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.