Seeking a Caring Family

The Nawash Band Representative Program, in conjunction with the Native Child Welfare Program, is seeking a caring, supportive, permanent family for a young boy with roots in our community.  You do not have to be a currently approved foster home, just a home with room for an 11-year-old boy, with a desire to help him grow in a loving and encouraging environment.   Program and financial supports will be available to help with the adjustment to a new community and environment.

Tom (not his real name) has extended family in the community.   He has strong attachments to his siblings who have already found permanent loving homes.   Facilitating regular contact with his siblings would be one of the conditions of caring for Tom.

Tom has been in the foster care system for approximately 6 years in a variety of placements. Prior to that, he and his siblings experienced an unstable childhood.  He has been struggling to find the family he needs and will require some patience and understanding.

If you think you are the family for Tom, please call the Native Child Welfare program at 519-534-3818, or the Band Rep Program at 5195341689 x232.

Thank you for considering this undertaking. We look forward to hearing from potential families. Please also share this request with off-reserve family members who may have a place in their lives for this special boy.

Contact: 

Native Child Welfare: 519-534-3818

Band Rep Program: 519-534-1689

Neyaashiinigmiing Stay-At-Home Guidelines Extended Until May 29th

We are cautiously hopeful that the spread of COVID-19 has reached a plateau in Ontario, but there is not yet a statistical decline in cases. The province wants to see a consistent two-to-four week decline in new cases before it begins re-opening the economy. The Council has voted to align with the provincial plans and extend the stay-at-home guidelines in the community until May 29th. Community safety is the top priority of the Council, so the situation will be reassessed during the week of May 19/20 to determine if the community can be safely opened on May 29th, or if the stay-at-home guidelines will be extended yet further.

The extension of the stay-at-home guidelines means that we will maintain the policies that have kept our community free of COVID-19 infection thus far. Non-essential Band programs will remain closed and non-essential Band staff will remain home until May 29th. Designated essential staff will continue to work remotely or on reduced hours, according to their program requirements. The elementary school will also remain closed during this period.

The Chief and Council are grateful for the community’s continued support and patience during this incredibly difficult period. We understand that this is immensely frustrating and challenging, for all of us, but we cannot afford to let our guard down now, out of impatience at the weeks and months spent at home. As the province tentatively seems to have reached a peak in the pandemic, and a decline in cases is forecast, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong and we will get through this, together.

Band Office Temporarily Closed

To all community members:

An employee in the band office has developed flu-like symptoms and is resting at home. The employee has consulted a doctor and the symptoms do NOT indicate a COVID-19 test is necessary. The employee is taking medical advice to self-quarantine for 14 days, in case the illness should worsen or develop symptoms of COVID-19.

Out of a similar abundance of caution, the Band Office will be closed to employees and the public until Monday, April 27th. The Council is being extremely vigilant for signs of illness in the community. During the closure, the Band Office will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, to ensure the environment is safe for the return of essential employees. Payroll for all Band staff will still be processed despite the closure.

Again, this is NOT considered a possible case of COVID-19. The Community Health Nurse is diligent in investigating any reports of flu-like illness or symptoms in the community, and to date there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Neyaashiinigmiing.  If a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified in the community that information will be shared with the community by Health Services and the Chief and Council.

We urge all residents to continue to follow all the safety protocols that have been recently issued. Observe social distancing; hand wash frequently; do not gather; stay home except for essential trips out.

If you are personally experiencing flu-like symptoms, please call the Community Health Nurse, Springdawn Keeshig, at 519-378-6028 for assessment and advice on what to do next.

We understand that social distancing and staying home is difficult, but be assured that it is working. So far we have been able to avoid a single positive case of COVID-19 in the community. Please be strong in your resolve and help keep our community safe!

Miigwech,
Chief Greg Nadjiwon and Council

Band Office Closed for Easter Monday Holiday

Those making an application under the Small Business/Entrepreneur Support program should note that the Band Office will be closed on Monday for the Easter Holiday and applications cannot be submitted on that day. The application deadline for the period March 29 – April 11 has been correspondingly extended by one day. Applications must be submitted to the Band Office by Tuesday, April 14th at 4:00 PM. Applications received after the deadline will be processed the following week.

Stay home – Stay healthy – Stay safe!