Chief Greg Nadjiwon has produced a video statement to the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation membership. In this video, the Chief discusses the welcome start of COVID-19 vaccinations in the community, and other measures being taken to keep the community safe during the pandemic. He also touches on economic development and his wish that the membership become involved.
Watch the Chief’s address on YouTube.
We are pleased to inform the membership that the Nawash Health Centre held our first COVID-19 vaccination clinic today at the Maadookii Centre. We received 30 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which were allocated to residents of the Seniors Apartment Complex. Today, residents received the first dose of the two-part vaccination process. The recipients will return for the second, booster shot of the vaccine after 28 days.
Berdina Johnston, Elder and former Community Health Nurse, receives the COVID-19 vaccination.
Nobody is considered immune after receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or even after their second dose. It takes another 10 to 14 days after the booster shot to develop full immunity to COVID-19. Even vaccinated persons should continue to observe all pandemic health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and staying at least 2 meters away from people you don’t live with.
We will be advised by Grey Bruce Public Health when more vaccine is available. Currently, demand for COVID-19 vaccines is far greater than the available supply and we cannot reliably predict when we will receive more vaccine doses. Provincial and federal health authorities are manage the distribution of vaccines around the country. We expect that notice of a vaccine delivery will likely be short, so we will remain ready to hold future clinics as soon as possible.
Paul Lavalley receives his shot from Community Health Nurse, SpringDawn Cook-Akiwenzie.
We know that most people are eager to receive a vaccination. We are doing all we can to vaccinate as many residents and staff as quickly as we can, but our Health staff and administration do not control how much vaccine we receive, or how the vaccine is to be allocated. The Health staff, in collaboration with the Grey Bruce Public Health unit, implement the vaccine priorities set by the Federal and Provincial health ministries.
The Federal and Provincial health ministries have planned a phased roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines that addresses the most vulnerable populations first, as well as those situations where the virus is most likely to spread.
Phase One: January – March
During Phase One, vaccines will be prioritized to long-term care and retirement home residents, essential caregivers and staff; Indigenous communities and populations; healthcare workers; and chronic home care recipients.
Phase Two: April – July
During Phase Two, vaccines will be prioritized to older adults, beginning with those 80 and older, and decreasing in 5-year increments as the groups are vaccinated; people who live and work in high-use settings with other people; frontline essential workers, including first responders, teachers and other education staff and the food processing industry; individuals with high-risk chronic conditions and their caregivers; and other populations who are at greater COVID-19 risk.
Phase Three: August and beyond
During the final Phase, remaining Ontarians in the general population who wish to be vaccinated will receive the vaccine.
We recommend that every resident get a COVID-19 vaccination when it is offered to your category.
Chippewas of Nawash members and Neyaashiinigmiing residents are reminded that we will be holding an online public meeting tonight to discuss the creation of a Land Use Plan and Capital Infrastructure Plan. This important initiative will inform the future of our home community and we encourage everyone to attend. Attendees will be able to ask questions and give their feedback on the project.
To attend the online meeting, pre-registration is required. The meeting will be streamed on our YouTube channel and the recording will be also available on our channel after the event. Pre-register here.
Date: Thursday, January 28, 2021
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YgmUqJ40STyJC21ZHsGL8A
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation is seeking a qualified Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor. This important role works within a multidisciplinary team to provide prevention, assessment, referral, clinical counselling and follow-up services to Neyaashiinigmiing residents and family members affected by mental health and substance abuse.
Learn more about this opportunity and others on the Employment page.
Watch our launch video for the Land Use and Capital Infrastructure plans, featuring Chief Greg Nadjiwon and Lands Manager Larissa Johnston.
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation are currently in the process of developing a Land Use Plan and Capital Infrastructure Plan for Neyaashiinigmiing surveyed reserve lands. These plans will build on the Comprehensive Community Plan completed in 2014.
It’s important that our plans reflect the goals of our entire First Nation. We’re committed to engaging the whole community, on and off the reserve, throughout the project. You can hear from some of the project planners at the Community Virtual Meeting being held on Thursday January 28th. This online event will introduce the project, and explain the process of land use planning and capital infrastructure planning. Join us to ask questions about the project, and find out how you can get involved in shaping our future. All members are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Date: Thursday, January 28th, 2021
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Registration: Register online!
We have also created a feedback form so you can share your knowledge of Neyaashiinigmiing, and your ideas for future land use and infrastructure investment. This survey will inform the Land Use Plan and Capital Infrastructure Plan. We are inviting all members to complete the short survey, which will only take 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
In order to remain in sync with the provincial pandemic restrictions, and to keep the community as safe as possible, the Council has decided to extend the administrative shutdown in Neyaashiinigmiing until February 11, 2021. Non-essential Administrative programs and offices will remain closed until that time.
The Council is doing everything it can to keep the Neyaashiinigmiing community safe and healthy until a vaccine is widely available to residents. We will continue to work tirelessly for the good of the membership, residents and staff during this challenging time.
The Administrative shutdown will be reassessed weekly. We are grateful for the patience, support and strength of the entire Neyaashiinigmiing community while we wait out the pandemic. We will come back strong in the year ahead.
