Chippewas of Nawash Offers Food Support to Off-Reserve Members

The Chippewas of Nawash is pleased to announce the launch of a food support program for off-reserve members. The Council understands that the COVID-19 crisis has increased the stress on all households, whether that is caused by a lack of employment, or the health concerns of risking infection by simply shopping for groceries. In response Council has increased the resources of the Nawash Food Bank significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, so that it is better able to serve the community. We know, however, that our members are struggling everywhere during this difficult time. To assist members off-reserve, the Council is working with HelloFresh Canada, a meal subscription service. HelloFresh packages meal ingredients and recipes into one convenient box and delivers them directly to the home.

Under the Nawash HelloFresh Program, which will operate from June 7 to June 18, off-reserve member households in Canada can select 4 recipes from HelloFresh, for delivery to their home. Applicants to the program must be a Chippewas of Nawash Band Member, living off-reserve in Canada.

Applications open today, May 28th. Visit the Nawash HelloFresh Registration page for more information on the program and how to apply.

Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation donates more fish to food banks

For Immediate Release: 2020/05/11

Neyaashiinigmiing, ON: The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation (CNUFN) has taken the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously, putting in place a number of safety measures, including limiting access to the community. Another unique way the First Nation has been responding to the crisis takes advantage of their strong cultural ties to fishing, while helping out food banks at the same time.

Like many industries, the Chippewas of Nawash commercial fishing industry has been devastated by the virus, as most of the fish harvested is normally destined for the many now-closed restaurants and markets. The First Nation is proud to be working with their hardworking fishermen to redirect the flow of fish to food banks inside and outside the First Nation. This has two benefits. First, by providing fish and other foodstuffs within the community, the First Nation has reduced the number of trips community members need to make outside the community, lessening the chance they will be exposed to the virus. Second, fresh fish is a nutritious food, especially important to those facing food insecurity. This is particularly important due to the rise in unemployment as a result of imposed business closures.

The First Nation has provided 200 lbs of fillets to the Wiarton Salvation Army Food Bank, 200 lbs of fillets to the M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre, 500 lbs of fillets to the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, 200 lbs of fillets to the Saugeen First Nation Food Bank and 2500 lbs of fillets to the Chippewas of Nawash Good Food Bank.

Captain Mary Millar of the Wiarton Salvation Army expressed the gratitude of food bank patrons on receiving fresh whitefish or salmon. “The fish from Nawash has been very well received,” she reported. “People have been overjoyed to see fresh fish because we don’t typically have things like that. Our clients have felt so happy and blessed when the option was offered. It’s been a real bright light for people who are in a difficult place.”

Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation is based on beautiful Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) on the Georgian Bay side of the Bruce Peninsula. Chippewas of Nawash is one half of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, whose traditional territory occupies much of southern Ontario, from the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, south to Goderich, from Lake Huron to Collingwood. The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation people are known for their hospitality, protection of the environment within their Traditional Territory, and vigorous defense of their long tradition of Indigenous commercial fishing.

Chippewas of Nawash Supports Local Food Banks

Food banks have always been important to communities, helping residents in times of need. The support of food banks is now more critical than ever, as we try to maintain our social distance and avoid unnecessary trips to the supermarket. The Nawash Food Bank has been blessed with donations from many people and organizations, including other food banks in the area who found extra to share with us from their own supplies. The Chief and Council are pleased to announce that Chippewas of Nawash is paying that generosity forward with donations of fresh-caught whitefish and salmon to area food banks.

Nawash fishing boats are the only ones on the water these days, making local fish a rarity. The Wiarton Salvation Army Food Bank, and Owen Sound M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre Food Bank each gratefully received 200 pounds of fresh whitefish and salmon, caught and packaged by Nawash fishermen and their crews. The Council and all of Chippewas of Nawash are happy to support local food banks, who are doing such good and vital work during the pandemic. We also hope that our members who live these communities, and may be in need, can visit the food banks and enjoy a taste of home. Chi-meegwech!

Food Bank Volunteers Working to Keep the Community Safe

While most of us are sheltering at home and maintaining social distance, the Nawash Food Bank volunteers are working hard all week to keep the food and necessaries stocked and organized. The Food Bank is available to all Neyaashiinigmiing residents, and may be accessed twice monthly by each household.

While the Food Bank is open for public pick-up on Tuesdays, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Thursdays, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the volunteer organization would prefer that you take advantage of their delivery service. Call the Maadookii Seniors Centre, or the Daycare to arrange for safe, convenient delivery, and avoid crowding and outdoor line-ups at the Community Centre. If you do visit the Food Bank in person, please remember to stay safe and keep your distance from other patrons, even if you know them well.

The Maadookii Seniors Centre telephone number is 519-534-4918. The Nawash Nshiime Daycare telephone number is 519-534-3909. Call today to arrange your free food delivery!

Food Bank Serving the Entire Community

Maintaining social distance can be a challenge as your shelves begin to empty. It may seem like a trip to town for groceries is inevitable, but remember that the Food Bank is now serving all residents twice weekly. Using the Food Bank helps us by reducing the risk of the COVID-19 virus being carried in from the outside by an unsuspecting food shopper.

The Food Bank is supplying civic-minded residents with a selection of quality food products, including dairy and meat. The food bank is open twice weekly, Tuesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Thursdays 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and residents may access the service twice monthly.

Food Bank Invites All Residents

The COVID-19 virus is highly contagious. The best way to keep it out of the community and protect the health of our families and neighbours is by limiting contact with people outside Neyaashiinigmiing. To help us keep our distance during the pandemic crisis, the Food Bank program has expanded its operations with more days and more stock. The Food Bank provides a healthy selection of foodstuffs, including meat, dairy, grains, canned goods, fresh produce and even pet food. They can even include some common personal hygiene products.

While it has always been open to all residents, the Chief and Council urge every household to take advantage of the Food Bank at this time and avoid unnecessary trips to the supermarket.

Food Bank distribution will be open to all residents on Tuesdays, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and Thursdays, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, at the Community Centre.