Second MRP Info Date Added

The MRP Committee recently sent survey packages about our proposed MRP Law to all members, both on and off reserve. It’s an important issue and we know that you may have questions. We’re here to help.

We’ve added a second date for members to participate virtually in the development of our MRP Law. We’re using Zoom teleconference software to allow you to give feedback and ask questions.

Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021
Times Available: 10:00 AM to Noon, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Please contact Nuala Robinson, MRP Coordinator, at either 519-379-8414 (phone or text), or by email at mrpcoordinator@nawash.ca, to sign up for a session. Nuala will give you a time slot and send you a link to the Zoom meeting.

Additional Note: We’ve learned that some survey packages have been delayed in the mail. The deadline for sending in your surveys has been extended to June 11th as a result. We look forward to hearing from you!

Provincial Stay-at-Home Order Remains in Effect Until June 2

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario have been steadily trending downward from the peak we saw in April. This is encouraging, but case levels are still high and the risk of a dangerous spike in cases that could overwhelm our medical system remains a possibility. In response, the Province has extended the declaration of emergency and the province-wide Stay-at-Home order until June 2, 2021.

With the arrival of the May long weekend and fine weather, we know that residents, friends and family want to travel and relax. We want to remind all members that, in the interest of public safety, access to Neyaashiinigmiing is restricted to residents and essential services only. While we are looking forward to the end of the pandemic, and lifting of restrictions, we cannot welcome guests at this time. Please stay home, in accordance with Provincial health directives.

Please observe all temporary restrictions and public health and workplace safety measures. If you are eligible for and can tolerate a COVID-19 vaccine, please get vaccinated. Encourage people in your social group to receive their vaccinations too. Working together, we will overcome the pandemic and open our doors to all our relations and friends once more.

Chi-miigwech. We are grateful for your understanding and patience during this difficult time.

Free Energy-Efficient Upgrades for your Home

IESO, First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation are partnering to help reduce energy costs in your home with the First Nations Conservation Program. The Program aims to help reduce electricity consumption by making your home more energy efficient, can improve overall comfort in your home, and will answer your questions on energy conservation. Free energy-efficient upgrades for your home, such as light bulbs, appliances and more, are available through the Program. Have your home assessed under the Program to qualify for these free energy-saving opportunities!

To sign up, just complete this application and return it to Caleb Keeshig, Assistant Capital Manager. This is a fillable form that can be completed on your device. Save your completed and email it to Caleb by email. A paper copy of the form may also be picked up at the Band Office. Return completed forms c/o Caleb Keeshig.

We will schedule a date with you for an assessor to visit your home. The assessor will look at some of your appliances and see if they qualify to be replaced under the checklist criteria. Some of your old appliances could be replaced for free with a new refrigerator, freezer, window air conditioner, and/or dehumidifier.

You may feel uncomfortable with having someone visiting your home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured that all pandemic safety guidelines and practices will be followed. Caleb Keeshig will also accompany the assessor.

On the day of the energy assessment, you will receive free LED Light Bulbs, a smart power bar and an outdoor timer.

This program will not assess roofs, windows and doors, but structural components like these will be noted for future initiatives.

This program is completely free. There are no costs to the homeowner of any kind.

This is a great opportunity to start replacing old appliances, save on electricity costs and find ways to make your home more energy efficient.

The deadline to apply is June 4th, 2021.

To sign up, or for more information, please contact Caleb Keeshig, Assistant Capital Manager at 519-378-6092 or capitalassistant@gbtel.ca.

This program is delivered by First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. Save on Energy is powered by the Independent Electricity System Operator.

Winner Announced in Naming Contest

We are excited to announce the winning entries in the naming contest for new infrastructure!

We will be naming:

  • The new Wharf: Zhimaaganishii Aazhgan (In Honour of Our Veterans)
  • The new Road to the Water Treatment Plant being built: Ralph Akiwenzie Miikan (Ralph Akiwenzie Road)
  • The new Water Treatment Plant itself: Enji-biinaagamig (Where the Water is Cleaned)

We asked members to come up with names for our new builds. All entries were anonymized for consideration by the selection committee of Councilor Solomon King, Lila Johnston, Peter Akiwenzie, and Polly Keeshig-Tobias. Amazingly, all three winning entries were submitted by the same person, Ernestine Baldwin! We want to congratulate and thank her for her winning submissions.  Ernestine has won a prize total of $1500!

Ernestine is a teacher of Anishnaabemowin and an Elder with the Barrie Native Friendship Centre, among her many achievements. She is also the aunt of former Chief Ralph Akiwenzie (bun). We are grateful for her wisdom and gift of language, and look forward to announcing an official naming ceremony for the places at a later date.

The Coldwater Trust Wants to Hear From You

All members of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation are beneficiaries of the Edkaagmik Nbiizh Neyaashiinigamiingninwag Edbendaagzijig Trust  (Coldwater Trust). As a beneficiary, we want to hear your thoughts on the Trust and the impact it has had on you and the community.

The Trustees have hired Innovation 7, a wholly owned Indigenous organization, to undertake this evaluation.

Please click on this link to access an online survey about the Trust: ENNET (Coldwater Trust) Survey (surveymonkey.com).

A paper copy of the survey can also be picked up from the Band Office or downloaded for printing. Choose a survey version based on your experience with the Trust:

Please return all completed paper surveys to the Band Office, c/o Coldwater Trust.

The information collected from this survey will help to inform the evaluation of the Trust which has been commissioned by the Trustees.  Please be assured that all the information collected through the survey will be held in strictest confidence and retained by the Trust –  only to be used to inform the evaluation.

Once you complete the survey you will have an opportunity to enter your name in a draw to win one of 9 cash prizes – 5 each for $20.00; 3 each for $100  and one for $200.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this important survey.

Should you have any questions, please contact Erika Booth at: ebooth@innovation7.ca. Innovation 7 is a wholly owned Indigenous firm that has been hired to conduct this evaluation.

Our MRP Law – Be Included in the Discussion

The MRP Committee recently sent survey packages to all members, both on and off reserve. An address information card was included that can be filled out and returned by any member who wishes to receive a thank you gift.

Information from the 4-part survey is vital in creating a law that truly reflects values of the Chippewas of Nawash. Your responses will help determine the principles upon which the law will be based. We ask that the survey be filled out by any member who is 18 years or older.

Paper versions of the survey may be returned in the enclosed envelope or scanned and emailed to mrpcoordinator@nawash.ca. If you don’t have access to a scanner, you can take clear pictures of each page with a cell phone and text to 519-379-8414.

To fill out the survey online, visit the MRP website at www.nawash.ca/mrp and use the MRP Survey link on the right. Please complete only the paper copy OR only the online version.

We are also holding Zoom meetings on May 18th, 2021, to answer any questions you may have about the MRP Law, or the process we’re using to develop it.

You can participate by phone or computer (your computer should have at least a working microphone and sound). Available time slots are:

  • 10:00 AM to noon
  • 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
  • 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Call Nuala Robinson, MRP Coordinator, to select a time-slot and receive an invitation link by email.

Nuala can be reached at the Band Office at 519-534-1689, or at 519-379-8414.

If you prefer a one-on-one conversation about our MRP Law, please call one of the numbers above, or email Nuala at mrpcoordinator@nawash.ca.

Please drop the paper surveys in the mail or complete the online survey by May 31, 2021.

Thank you! We can’t do it without you!

Solidarity Day T-Shirt Contest

In the spirit of Solidarity Day, June 21, 2021, we are sponsoring a competition to produce a T-shirt slogan that best represents the resilience of our people.  The slogan will be featured on T-shirts that will be available at the Solidarity Day Event.

All members are encouraged to submit their designs. Submissions can be delivered to the Health Centre, to the attention of Norma Tobey, Home and Community Care Supervisor, or emailed to hccsupervisor@gbtel.ca.

All members making submissions will receive a small token of appreciation for participating.  Submissions must be received by May 21, 2021, 4:30 p.m.

The Chippewas of Nawash Health Centre address is:
247 Prairie Rd.
Neyaashiinigmiing, Ont.
N0H 2T0