Annual Report 2015-2016

Annual Report 2015-2016 Vision Nipissing First Nation will be a well-balanced, healthy, politically and economically independent, culturally strong and self-governing nation.

Mission Our mission is to continue to protect our Nation’s inherent rights and to empower the membership of Nipissing First Nation to work together in a positive, progressive manner to improve well-being and quality of life, to be socially and economically independent, culturally strong, and self-governing.

Values We will be guided by our seven grandfather/ grandmother teachings.

Respect- Minaadendamowin: “To honour all creation is to have respect.”

Wisdom- Nibwaakaawin: “To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom.”

Love- Zaagi’idiwin “To know love is to know peace.”

Humility- Dabaadendiziwin “Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of creation.”

Bravery- Aakode’ewin “Bravery is to face the foe with integrity.”

Honesty- Gwayakwaadiziwin “Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave.”

Truth- Debwewin “Truth is to know all of these things.” Table of Contents

Message from the Chief...... 5 Report from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)...... 6 Nipissing First Nation Accomplishments & Medicine Wheel of Goals...... 7 Anishinaabe Culture & Heritage...... 8 Kendaaswin (Library)...... 11 Community Liasion Officer...... 13 Economic Development...... 14 Education...... 17 Nbisiing Bus Lines...... 19 Nbisiing Secondary School...... 20 Employment and Training...... 23 Facilities Management...... 25 Public Works...... 25 Waste Diversion...... 27 Roads...... 27 Infrastructure & Maintenance...... 27 Fire & Emergency Services...... 28 Health Services...... 29 Community Health Program...... 29 Maternal Child Health...... 29 Early Child Development...... 31 Diabetes...... 32 Nutrition...... 33 Right Path Counselling & Prevention Services...... 35 Home & Community Care...... 38 Non-Insured Health Benefits...... 39 Traditional Healing...... 40 Recreation...... 40 Student Placements...... 41 Activity Summary...... 42 Housing...... 44 Human Resources...... 45 Lands Management...... 47 Natural Resources...... 51 Commercial Fishery...... 51 Hunting...... 51 Social Services...... 53 Daycare (Couchie Memorial Daycare & Nipissing Ojibway Daycare)...... 53 Ontario Works...... 54 Food Bank...... 57 Native Child Welfare Program...... 58 Ojibway Women’s Lodge (OWL)...... 59 True Self/Debwewendizwin Employment & Training...... 60 Financial Audit...... 62 Program Directory...... 65 Message from the Chief MESSAGE Aaniin Nbisiing Debendaagziwad, Since taking office on August 4th, 2015 our Council has frombeen working the hard on the priorities you identified through the election campaign and through community events and meetings. It is an honour and pleasure to serve alongside my fellow Council members to do the important work you have entrusted us with. CHIEF Each member of Council brings a wealth of experience and education in their fields of expertise that benefits our nation through their involvement in our committees, as well as their advocacy of Nipissing First Nation through external boards and agencies. OurAaniin Council Nbisiing strives Debendaagziwad, to continue empowering our membership, protecting our inherent rights and strengthening our reputation as a progressive and accountable nation. We foster positive relationsAlthough with I wasall levels not ofyet government, your Chief and during always the aim fiscal to act year in the thatbest interests this Annual of our Reportnation covers, andwhich Debendaagziwad. ended March 31, 2015, I would like to take this opportunity to share a few messages Wewith also you benefit about greatly our Council’s from our visionNFN committees,for the future. which help bring the voices of the membership to current issues and priorities. Our committees include: Anishinaabemwin, Community Development, Community Wellness, Culture & Pow Wow,First, Education, I must thank Economic our previousDevelopment, Chief Lands and Council& Bylaw, for Natural the tremendousResources, Health work & theySocial did Services, to Housing Finance & Audit and Policy. This year, we will be adding an Elder, Youth and Women’s Advisory Council to provide valuable feedback move our nation forward. While it would be impossible to list all of their accomplishments and context to our decision-making process. in this short space, some significant areas that are worth highlighting include: This report seeks to highlight some of the successes of the 2015-16 fiscal year and provide a snapshot of the various projectsthe development and priorities andthat implementationour staff are working of on, our including, Chi-Naaknigewin but not limited (Constitution) to: and Financial Administration Law, the • settlementContinuing toof makethe land health claim and and social per services capita distribution,of utmost priority as well – child as somewelfare, major elders, infrastructure community-based developments, initiatives; such as the • constructionUndertaking sustainableof a new Daycare economic Centre development in Garden projects Village for and our caommunities, new Fire Hall including in Duchesnay, expanding the natural installation gas of natural gas servicesinfrastructure in Duchesnay, and developing solar panelssolar projects on four that community generate reve buildingsnues for and our the nation. completion We will continue of the water to pursue and sewer project. opportunities to create revenues, as well as employment and training opportunities for our citizens; • I Investingam confident in education that bywe eliminatinghave a great the teampost-secondary in place tofunding continue waitlist buildingusing some on theof the work interest of ourmonies previous generated Council. We are fortunatefrom the 2013 to have Boundary retained Claim some Trust members fund; of the previous Council - June Commanda, Brian Couchie and Rick Stevens - • whoInvesting will undoubtedly in community beinfrastructure instrumental projects in providing such as expandinvaluable gcontext the Band to Office guide toour house discussions most services and decisions. under one We roof, are also pleasedbuilding toa new welcome outdoor some rink in new Garden faces Village and perspectivesand plans to build to newhelp rinksus movein Duchesnay forward andwith Yellek; bettering our nation in an ever- • changing,Providing anddirect often benefits challenging, to our citizens, political including landscape. enhancing Cathy Christmas Bellefeuille, Distribution Corey and Goulais, the Medical Jason Support Laronde Fund, and as Muriel Sawyer well as extending the Recreation Reimbursement to off-reserve members to help support their child(ren)’s recreational each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in their fields of expertise (Law, Natural Resources, Lands and activities; Education, respectively) and we look forward to benefiting from their insights. • Strengthening our culture, language and heritage through continued programming in Garden Village and Duchesnay, Last,including but certainlylanguage notclasses, least, cultural I would arts like and to events,commend and ourthe cdedicatedontinued success staff for of the archaeologywork they do project to enhance in Beaucage; the programs, • servicesContinuing and to supports build capacity for our within citizens our Natural living Resources both on andDepar offtment, reserve. strengthening As you willour Fisheriessee from Lawthe andreports reviving contained our in the Fish Hatchery; following pages, we have tremendous capacity here at NFN. While Council are often the ones in the limelight as the • Continuing to implement our Chi-Naaknigewin (Constitution) and Financial Administration Law. final decision-makers, it is the staff who undertake the bulk of the work and inform our decisions to ensure that we are There are many other projects and successes worthy of highlighting, as you will see in the following pages. On behalf ofdoing Council, what’s I’d like best to commendfor the community all our staff asfor athe whole. various As ways Chief they and put Council, policies weand couldplans intonot action,do the and important for working work that you diligentlyelected towardsus to see our through shared withoutgoals. having the support and commitment of our most valuable resources - our staff. Our Council looks forward to your continued input as we move forward with developing and implementing plans to continue I look forward to working in a positive, progressive manner with our new Council and staff to continue building a enhancing the quality of life of our members. I am humbled by the support of our citizens and staff, and am honoured to servepolitically, as the Chiefeconomically of Nipissing and Nation. culturally strong self-governing nation that protects our inherent rights and empowers the membership to work together to improve our well-being and quality of life.

Chi-Miigwech,Miigwech,

ScottChief McLeod Scott –McLeod Gimaa (Chief) 5

5 REPORT from the Report from the CEO CEO

Aanii kina, AaniiIt kinais with weyaa, great pleasure that we present the Nipissing First Nation Annual Report for 2015- 2016. As we have come to expect, it’s been another eventful year. As you can see in the Another busy year has passed and I am pleased to once again provide a short update as the reports contained, our departments have been very busy. Chief Executive Officer of Nipissing First Nation. I want to begin by congratulating our Nipissing First Nation has a vision to be a well-balanced, healthy, politically and economically Gimaa Scott McLeod on his election to the position of Chief at Nipissing First Nation. independent, culturally strong and self-governing community. As Chief Executive Officer Chief(CEO), McLeod one and of myI have functions worked is totogether receive previously and review in departmenta various capacitiesl work plans, and havebudgets, always and goals within the context of the Nipissing First Nation Strategic Plan. This ensures our daily had a positive and effective working relationship and I look forward to continuing todo work is driven by and focused on meeting the strategic vision of Nipissing First Nation. Our thatleadership in this new and role. staff I arealso committed, extend my accountable congratulations and focused to all new people and withreturning a clear missionmembers of Councilin mind: as to they continue begin to their protect new our mandate. Nation’s inherent rights and to empower the membership to work together in a positive progressive manner. I would like to wish our previous Chief Marianna Couchie all the best for the future after nine years of service to NFN One example of this commitment to accountability is the process of testing NFN administration has engaged in as Chief,to become and three certified years by as the Deputy First Chief.Nation I Financialvery much Management enjoyed working Board (FNFMB). with Marianna The FNFMB and wish is Canada’sher all the only best in her retirement.legislated body Marianna that develops exemplified and publishes dedication Financial to Performance her position and and Financial the people Management of NFN System during Standards her time asChief. I alsofor wantFirst Nations. to extend The my FNFMB best wishesis an Aboriginal to Doug institution Chevrier, that Darrell provides McLeod, financial Arnold management May and tools David and Commanda services to and commendFirst Nations them forgovernments their hard seekingwork and to commitment strengthen their to NFN fiscal over ste wardshipthe years. and accountability regime and develop necessary capacity to meet their expanding fiscal and financial management requirements. We will continue with The testingpages ofin Novemberthis year’s 2016,report as reflect we move the closercontinued to receiving hard workcertifi andcation commitment in early 2017. of NFN staff in delivering a high level of serviceNipissing to thehas Debendaagziwaadexcellent capacity toof create,NFN. We maintain see an and increasing develop demand programs for and services services and for supports its Debendaagziwaad, across a range of NFNas programs, is evident particularlyin our day-to-day in thedealings, area programs, of Social services, Services annual and Health. community This events, comes policies, during strategies, a challenging mission, time when governmentvision and resources values. Chief to support McLeod these and essentialCouncil provide services good have govern been anceheld inat ensuringprevious thefunding Debendaagziwaad’s levels. best interests are reflected by NFN. OverWhile the past operations year significant are running progress smoothly, has it beenisn’t tomade say towe implement haven’t been the presented Nipissing withFirst challengesNation Financial throughout Administration the Lawyear. and Funding our Chi- Naaknigewin.levels, changing These government important relationships, governance capacity pieces issues strengthen and even our capacitythe local geography to meet our present vision and missionchallenges. at NFN. However, We look weforward strive to improvebecoming our certified planning and by thecommunity First Nation engagement Financial processes Management consistently Board toin 2016 to ensure we are improving our levels of service to all of NFN communities, and the Debendaagziwaad, both on and off complete this process. reserve. As always,Your comments I invite your on thiscomments report are on welcomethis report and and I invite welcome you tothe discuss opportunity its content to discuss with me its atcontents. your convenience.

Miigwech,Miiwech,

Dwayne“Miskaanakwat” Nashkawa Dwayne Nashkawa ChiefEmyaa’Wsed Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer

6 Accomplishments & Medicine Wheel of Goals

Nipissing First Nation Accomplishments • Development of the Chi-Naaknigewin; • Settlement of the Land Claim; • Establishment of the Board of Trustees and the development of a new Trust Agreement; • Development of the Financial Administration Law; • Language restoration, with on-reserve language classes and programs introduced into off-reserve schools; • New Daycare in Garden Village; • Development of playgrounds; • Housing Loan Program with RBC; • Completion of the water and sewer project; • Recycling program; • Lake Nipissing Stewardship Summit; • Fishing Law Moratorium; • Land Code; • Language infused in the workplace and across the community; • NFN Pow Wow and annual Aboriginal Day celebrations; • Wiidooktaadyang initiative; Our Guiding Principles Vision • More opportunities to Nipissinghelp the First Nationelderly will staybe a well home-balanced, longer healthy, politically (contin anduing economically care model);independent, culturally strong and self-governing nation. • NFN Child Welfare department working to keep our children in our community; Mission • Seniors home improvementOur mission program; is to continue to protect our Nation’s inherent rights and to empower the membership of Nipissing First Nation to work together in a positive, progressive manner to improve well-being and quality of life, to be • Ontario Works is workingsocially as and a economically holistic independent, program; culturally strong, and self-governing. Values • Keeping community involvedWe will be guided and by informed our seven grandfather through teachings: our communications strategy; • Small Business Loan ProgramRespect - Minaadendamowin and; Love - Zaagi’idiwin Bravery - Aakode’ewin Wisdom - Nibwaakaawin Humility - Dabaadendiziwin Honesty - Gwayakwaadiziwin • Natural Gas Installation Duchesnay. Truth - Debwewin

7 Culture and Heritage

Anishnaabe Gaa bi-Naadzwaad Gamig (Nbisiing Anishnabek Culture Centre)

Culture Staff

Evelyn McLeod Bineshii Ndoodam, Enweyang Enkiid/Language Worker

Zhinkaazo, Jashk Ndoodam

Jules Armstrong Naangaanzid enkamgik /Culture Events Coordinator

Zhinkaazo, Waabizheshi ndoodam

Christina Beaucage Kendaaswin enkiid, Library/Literacy Worker

Niin /giizhgaate kwe Mnidoo danoozwin, shagi ndoodam,

Glenna Beaucage, Zhinkaazo, Enaagdawenjiged/Culture and Heritage Manager

Mandate

Our Culture Center has the mandate of restoring Nbisiing dialect and culture back to the people, by recommendation of the people of Nbisiing.

Our culture center works to do this in three different streams:

Nishnaabemwin:

1. Our culture center hosts weekly nishnaabemwin classes in Ktigaaning (Garden Village) and Duchesnay. This was our 4th year of hosting weekly language classes for Nipissing Nation and other interested local people. In Ktigaaning, we had our famous six fluent speakers who attended voluntarily every week to help our students learn our quite complicated language;

2. Twice monthly immersion workshops (no English) that were designed to assist our second language learner teachers, and open to the community members and other first nations who were interested in working on their fluency. These were facilitated utilizing the knowledge of a small group of our fluent speakers who are committed to help our community restore our language. We have a fair amount of audio recordings from these sessions which will soon be uploaded to YouTube and linked to nfnculture.ca website for easy public accessibility;

3. We host monthly anishnaabemwin Giigdong committee meetings who meet to translate band documents and requests. They also work at planning events and activities aimed at language restoration; 4. Language teachings are included in the summer youth program; 5. Monthly nishnaabemwin submissions of language to the newsletter and employee newsletter; 6. We hosted a two day language immersion camp in February that was funded by June Commanda, our language committee chairperson, by donating her residential school education credits for this purpose. Miigwech June. The camp was attended by 40 people, including children. 7. We create an every growing collection of language resources that are now available for sale at cost price (cost of printing and recording) from the culture department.

Language Program Sponsors: Nipissing First Nation, Canadian Heritage.

Community Partners: Community Volunteers.

8 Culture:

We have a community that is thirsty for the old knowledge and some of the old ways. Not necessarily moving back in time, but who know that our traditional values are necessary in these modern days, now more than ever.

At our culture center, we work to restore culture by:

1. Researching the culture of Nbisiing Anishnaabek and reviving these values. This is done by researching Library and Archives Canada, old historical documents of Nipissing, reviewing old reports where our elders were interviewed; and by interviewing elders regularly now. 2. We host consistent monthly ceremonies and gatherings that promote families, spirituality and culture: Full Moon Ceremony, Family Drum Socials, Grandmother Circles with Isabelle Meawaasige, and cultural arts workshops. 3. We also host annual culture events such as the spring Water Ceremony, the Round Dance with the North Bay Regional Hospital, Annual Art Show, Memorial Feast or Feast of the Dead, Clan Gathering, National Aboriginal Day, and our annual pow wow which is now in its 27th year. We also host traditional medicine camps with Joseph Pitawanikwat. All are well attended. 4. We have an active Culture and Pow Wow Committee that works to set guidelines, plan events and volunteer at culture events.

These events, gatherings and ceremonies are very important in reinstalling self-identity and empowering our people, many who struggle with the effects of inter-generational disruption brought on by harsh assimilation tactics by the government and by residential school trauma. We see first hand our young people and people of all ages become stronger and empowered by ceremony and teachings.

Culture Program Sponsors: Nipissing First Nation, Canadian Heritage, Aboriginal Healing and Wellness, and Ontario Arts Council.

Community Partners: Community Volunteers

Nbisiing Heritage:

At our culture center, researching and preserving our heritage is a high priority. We have been working hard to seek old documents and photos that have been within the band files, in the archives, by elder interviews, around the community and bring these together to be available to our community. Knowing our heritage will empower our people. Compared to the history we learn of ourselves in the school systems, ours is a true history, with elders stories backed up by documents from the archives. We are doing this work by:

1. Glenna Beaucage, Culture and Heritage Manager and Katrina Srigley, professor of History at Nipissing University and a researcher and author, are authoring a book entitled, “The history of Lake Nipissing and the People It Was Named After”. This will be a book of six chapters: Introduction, Chapter 1: Since Time Immemorial; Chapter 2: Family & Community; Chapter 3: Governance; Chapter 4: Education; Chapter 5: Recreation & Leisure; Chapter 6: Our Land; Calls to Action (For the Next Seven Generations) and Appendices. It will be a published book and will be available soon. 2. The Nipissing Warriors 1972. We have produced a very good quality Exhibit of the origin of the Nipissing Warriors, including photos, interviews, stories and recordings which is now on display at Nbisiing Secondary School. At this time, we are involved in a Documentary of the Nipissing Warriors at this time.

3. The Nipissing Indian Homemakers Club (Original name). We are presently conducting interviews and research to create an Exhibit and story of this historic club. 4. We have recently been approved another successful grant to create educational curriculum of the history of Nbisiing to be used within the school system.

9 5. Each month, we meet with our famous 6 (the women committed to helping us with language and history restoration) to create a Community Photo Gallery. Each month we meet and set up a large screen of old community photos and these wonderful ladies identify the people, places and events that occurred 5. Eachat Nipissing. month, we They meet also with share our theirfamous community 6 (the women photos committed with us to to add helping to our us growing with language collection. and This history is a 5. restoration)funEach project month, withto create we a lot meet ofa Community work,with our but famous a lot Photo of 6 laughter(the Gallery. women and committedEach nostal monthgia. to helpingwe meet us and with set language up a large and historyscreen of old restoration)community toph createotos and a Community these wonderful Photo ladiesGallery. identify Each monththe people, we meet places and setand up events a large that screen occurred of Heritage Programat Nipissing.old Sponsors:community They ph Nipissing alsootos shareand Firstthese their Nation, wonderful community Nipi ladiesssing photos identify University with the us people, Humanitiesto add places to our Department and growing events collection. .that occurred This is a fun atproject Nipissing. with aThey lot ofalso work, share but their a lot community of laughter photos and nostalwith usgia. to add to our growing collection. This is a Community Partner:fun project Nipissing with a First lot of Nation work, but Lands a lot Depof laughterartment and., Community nostalgia. Volunteers Heritage Program Sponsors: Nipissing First Nation, Nipissing University Humanities Department. TheHeritage Famous Program 6: Geraldine Sponsors: McLeod, Nipissing Sylvia First Restoule, Nation, June Nipissing Commanda, University Kathleen Humanities McLeod, Department Marlene. Barnes and Marie CommunityMcLeod attended Partner: all weekly Nipissing classes First Nationand twice Lands monthly Depar immersiontment., Community workshops Volunteers and committee meetings to help us withCommunity our language Partner: retention. Nipissing Without First the Nation dedication Lands Dep of ourartment fluent., Community speakers, Volunteerswe would not have the best opportunity Geraldine McLeod, Sylvia Restoule, June Commanda, Kathleen McLeod, Marlene Barnes and Marie Thefor the TheFamous restoration Famous 6: 6 :of Geraldine our language McLeod, that Sylvia we have Restoule, going June now. C ommanda,These same Kathleen famous McLeod, 6 also attendMarlene all Barne of ours and monthly Marie McLeodheritageMcLeod attended meetings attended all to weekly allcreate weekly classesour classes community and and twice twice photo monthly monthly gallery. immersionimmersion They are workshopsworkshops unmatched and and and committee committee indispensable meetings meetings when to help to it help comesus us to withtheir withour dedication languageour language to retention. sharing retention. their Without Without knowledge the the dedication dedication with us. Gchiof of ourour miigwech fluent speakers,speakers, nishnaabe we we would kwewag.would not not have Your have the work the best best is opportunity immeasurable. opportunity forThese thefor restorationthe6 women restoration are of our fluentof our language languagespeakers that that and we we strong have have going advocatesgoing now.now. forThese nbisiing samesame language famous famous 6 6alsoand also heritageattend attend all restorationallof ourof our monthly monthly and heritageretention.heritage meetings Pictured meetings to here create to create with our their our community communityteacher students photo photo gallery. gallery. Tory Fisher, They are Blair unmatchedunmatched Beaucage and and and indispensable indispensable Patsy Turner, when when along it comes it withcomes to project to theircoordinator theirdedication dedication for 2015,to sharing to sharingJane their Commanda. their knowledge knowledge Missing with with us. us. from Gchi Gchi this miigwechmiigwech picture, nishnaabe nishnaabeis Language kwewag. kwewag. Portfolio Your Your holder work work isand immeasurable. is language immeasurable. ThesecommitteeThese 6 women 6 chair, women are June are fluent Commanda.fluent speakers speakers andJune and strong strongis also advocates advocates official spokesperson for nbisiing language language for our residenand and heritage heritagetial school restoration restoration experience. and and retention.retention. Pictured Pictured here here with with their their teacher teacher students students Tory Tory Fisher,Fisher, BlairBlair Beaucage Beaucage and and Patsy Patsy Turner, Turner, along along with with project project coordinator coordinator for 2015,for 2015, Jane Jane Commanda. Commanda. Missing Missing from from thisthis picture, isis Language Language Portfolio Portfolio holder holder and and language language committeecommittee chair, chair, June June Commanda. Commanda. June June is is also also official official spokespersonspokesperson for for our our residen residentialtial school school experience. experience.

“The Famous 6”. “The Famous 6”.

“The Famous 6”. What our community can do to ensure the restoration of language, culture and heritage: What our community can do to ensure the restoration of language, culture and heritage:

1. Understand the high importance of language restoration. 1. Understand the high importance of language restoration. OurOur values, values, world world view view and and understanding understanding What our communityof theof the land canland is do isembedded embeddedto ensure in inthe the the restoration language.language. MakeofMake language, it it a a priority priority culture for for your andyour family heritage: family. Your. Your children children will be will be gratefulgrateful you you did. did. It Itis is empowering. empowering. 1.2. 2. UnderstandUnderstandUnderstand the the thehigh high high importance importance importance of language of culture restoration. restoration restoration .Our .At At the values, the heart heart ofworld ourof our traditional view traditional and ceremonies understanding ceremonies ofand theand culture land culture isare areembedded our our original original in values. values.the language. These valuesvalues Make create itcreate a priority a astrong strong for foundation foundationyour family and and .empowered Your empowered children self selfwill be gratefulidentityidentity youfor for our did. our families. It families. is empowering. A A strong strong cultureculture hashas lessless dysfunction dysfunction and and social social problems. problems. Our Our people people attest attest to to 2. Understandthisthis everyday. everyday. the high importance of culture restoration. At the heart of our traditional ceremonies 3. 3. andShareShare culture your your are old old our family family original photos photos values. andand These documents values of ofcreate people, people, a strong places places foundation and and community community and empowered even events withts selfwith our our identitylibrarylibrary forso soourthat that families. we we can can someday Asomeday strong haveculturehave a fullhas picturepicture less dysfunction of of Nbisiing. Nbisiing. andWhat What social we we have problems. have now now is a isOurcollection a collectionpeople of attest of to thisphotosphotos everyday. and and stories stories of of those those who who havehave chosen to to share. share. 3.4. ShareBecome your a volunteerold family atphotos our annual and documentspow wow where of people, we host places a couple and of community thousand people events annu withally. our libraryThis is soNbisiings that we largest can someday community have event. a full picture Become of Nbisiing.a part of it What with yourwe have family. now The is a bestcollection way to of see photosyour vision and storiesin the restoration of those who of culturehave chosen and language to share. is to become actively involved. 5. Donate fabric, ribbon, thread, beads, trimmings, etc to the Culture Centre. These materials go to help volunteers make basic regalia for children.

Library

Library Services and Collections • Wireless internet (WiFi) • Top selling novels • DVDs • Cuzwel • iPads • Teen Health and Wellness • DVD cleaner • Ancestry • Play-a-ways • Auto Repair Manual • Toy library • Early Literacy Computer

The Library is always looking for ways to upgrade and offer the most for our community. We will be updating our Library with Apple Technology. We were able to get 7 New IPads last year and will be work towards Mac Computers; this will be able to help our students with homework, research and faster service. Mac Technology will provide less break downs and the children will be able to learn the newest technology. We are now pleased to offer new cards that not only allow access to our Library, but also the Nipissing University Library. Our new JASI system allows users to access our collection online and through a smart phone app. Come in and get your new Library card and come see the wide collection of books, resources and DVDs we have available for loan.

Library Programs Homework Assistance Centre for Kids (HACK): The HACK program takes place from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. Monday to Wednesday beginning in September and ending in June. The education department helps us host this program throughout the year. After School Kids Social: The preschool kid’s social is a weekly event on Thursdays from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. which also begins in September and ends in June. The Child Welfare department helps us host this program throughout the year. Teen Night: Teenagers of our community aged 12 to 18 join us once a month on a Friday to socialize, use the computers, and play games (board games and Wii).

Computer Access We provide our community with computer access to help resume development, job search, basic computer training and literacy testing. Having this available for our community is important for personal development and growth. We have drop in times, scheduled appointments, private lessons and workshops. Literacy Literacy skills can be defined in many different ways. It could be as easy as talking, reading books, writing a shopping list, following instructions or surfing the Internet. Some of the literacy resources at the Library include: • Basic computer training • Daisy Reader • Contact North • Common Assessment of Basic Skills (CABs) • Book clubs Program for Literacy

Literacy Programs Summer Program: Once a week we go to the summer program to conduct literacy activities with the children. We incorporate our Ojibway language along with our English language. Women’s Night: This program is provided monthly and is a time for women to relax, watch movies, scrapbook, and socialize. The literacy program also takes part on this night where we set up a book club. The women decide on a series of books and read them on their spare time. When we meet up on the next women’s night, we talk about the events that occur in the books.

11 Toddler Play Group: We provide this program for parents to bring their children to the Library during the day for story readings and activities. This event happens monthly and is a great opportunity for parents to get involved in playtime and for children to interact with each other. The Ojibway Daycare Centre is also invited to visit the Library to join the program.

Family Literacy Day: This annual event happens on January 28th where families come in for dinner with their children and play board games, read books, drum and sing, and learn about and try new children literacy technology. We have a Wii Station, Leap Pad Spot, and Play-a- ways. Children and parents learn new technology and collectively with family, learn to play together.

Family Craft Night: This monthly provides families the opportunity to enjoy a quality craft. Working together, spending time with each other and creating something is great involvement in children’s development and understanding. Crafts are chosen by the season and Holiday surrounding that month.

Bedtime Stories: This event occurs once a month and encourages reading to children and for story telling ideas for parents. Children take part in story telling in a creative way, using props, puppets and story boards to encourage children to be active in the story. Children come with their pajamas on, their favourite teddy or stuffed animal, and enjoy a healthy bedtime snack. We read three short stories that stick to the theme of the season and holidays. Reading aloud to children helps them learn listening skills, vocabulary, and language skills, as well as developing imagination and creativity.

Establishing a culture of learning encourages an exchange of ideas, enriches family relationships, and boosts confidence and independent thinking.

12 Community Liason

Community LiaisonLiaison OfficerOfficer

Service HighlightsHighlights 20152015 Stats Stats

Bylaw Infraction Warnings/FinesWarnings/Fines 2828

Calls for Service 112112

Animals Delivered toto HumaneHumane SocietySociety 1010

Rabies Shots givengiven outout duringduring annualannual clinic clinic 6666-Total-Total (June 9th 2016)2016) 3232-Duchesnay-Duchesnay 3434-Garden -Garden VillageVillage

20162016 Rabies Rabies Clinic Clinic ThisThis yearyear we we had had another another great great turn turn out out for for the the animal animal rabies rabies clinic clinic inin DuchesnayDuchesnay and and Garden Garden Village. Village. ThisThis yearyear along along with with the the Rabies Rabies C Cliniclinic we we also also introduced introduced a adraw draw forfor aa freefree spay spay and and neuter neuter from from the the North North Bay Bay and and District District Humane Humane SocietySociety for for the the animals animals who who received received their their rabies rabies shot. shot. 12 12 animals animals werewere chosenchosen based based on on the the criteria criteria from from the the Humane Humane Society. Society.

GardenGarden Village Village-34-34 Vaccines Vaccines were were given given to to the the animals animals

DuchesnayDuchesnay–– 32 32 Vaccines Vaccines were were given given to to the the animals animals BigBig thankthank you you goes goes ou out tto to Ashley Ashley Couchie Couchie and and Dr. Dr. Frits Frits VerzijlenbergVerzijlenberg of of the the Verzijlenberg Verzijlenberg Veterinary Veterinary Hospital. Hospital. The Blitz and the spay and neuter program is to help members register their animals with The Blitz and the spay and neuter program is to help members register their animals with Nipissing First Nation at a discounted price, while also helping the to control the pet population Nipissing First Nation at a discounted price, while also helping the to control the pet population here on NFN. here on NFN. A big thanks goes out to the Verzijlenberg Veterinary Hospital that helps with the annual rabies A big thanks goes out to the Verzijlenberg Veterinary Hospital that helps with the annual rabies clinic. Anishinabek Police Service and the North Bay and District Humane Society that help out clinic. Anishinabek Police Service and the North Bay and District Humane Society that help out with day to day operations here in Nipissing First Nation. with day to day operations here in Nipissing First Nation.

13 Economic Development

Mission Statement “Our Mission is to empower the membership to work together with common goals holding social, economic, environmental and cultural considerations, in building of a stronger local economy for Nipissing First Nation and its members. This Office is committed to the betterment of Nipissing First Nation communities.”

Economic Development Strategic Plan Goals 1. Raise the standard of living for NFN families to match or exceed the Canadian median family income of $76,000 per year; 2. Create own source revenue streams such that NFN becomes financially self-sufficient by 2020; 3. Reduce the unemployment rate to be equal or less than the national average of 7%. Tactics (how do we achieve these goals?) 1. Create well-paying jobs such that the median individual income for NFN residents is equal to or greater than the national median individual income of $27,600; 2. Provide support to on reserve businesses (member and non-member owned) to help stimulate growth, create employment, build capacity, increase sales and improve profits; 3. Attract new business to NFN by providing certainty on land management and Nipissing Nation governance; 4. Develop the skills of the NFN work force so they are qualified to fill existing employment opportunities as well as the ones created by future economic development projects; 5. Develop partnerships to develop new businesses within the region that provide a revenue stream for NFN with adequate financial returns and social benefits for NFN citizens (employment and training opportunities, contract opportunities, dividends for band members…etc); 6. Develop renewable energy / alternative energy projects designed to lower the operating costs of NFN facilities, as well as, reduce the energy costs/hydro bills of individual band member households. Business Licenses The Business License law requires all businesses operating on Nipissing First Nation to have a business license. The business licensing process benefits Nipissing First Nation in the following ways: 1. It ensures that public health and safety regulations are addressed by businesses when the public has access; 2. It provides a fair environment for all businesses operating on Nipissing First Nation; 3. It provides a registration system where NFN can track its economic development and businesses can use the registry as a resource for business planning; 4. When combined with commercial land use requests, it ensures that a commercial land lease is implemented, building codes have been adhered to and zoning and other restrictions have been enforced. Small Business Loan Program designed to financially assist NFN Band Members in creating new small businesses and expanding existing businesses. This program will provide a source of financing which has greater flexibility in regards to repayment schedules and security as compared to lending institutions. A few highlights of the NFN Small Business Program include: • Loans up to $15,000 at Prime plus 2% interest; • Maximum 5 year term; • Formal application process. Projects Bineshii Light Commercial Industrial Park The Bineshii Light Commercial Industrial Park is located north of highway 17 between Young Forestry and the Union of Ontario Indians at Yellek. Work is ongoing to determine the cost of developing infrastructure services including roads, electricity, and natural gas. To date 3 phase hydro services was installed and we are working towards natural gas services for the area in 2017.

14 Natural Gas Service for the Remaining Nipissing First Nation Communities Community information sessions for Natural Gas service for the residence of Yellek, Lower Beaucage, Jocko Point, VLA and Garden Village.. The start dates for the installation of services in 2017 are for Art’s Lane, Yellek, Bineshii Light Commercial Industrial Park, Lower Beaucage Sub and Jocko Point. The potential dates for installation of services for VLA and Garden Village to be determined. More research will be conducted to determine the feasibility for the services. NFN Solar Projects The 4 rooftop solar projects, with a total capacity of 166 kW, are under contract with the Independent Electricity Systems Operator (ieso) to generate electricity at a rate of $0.548 /kWh, which translates to approximately $100,000 annually. Jun 2015 to May 2016 production and yield are shown below.

Natural Gas Service for the Remaining Nipissing First Nation Communities

Community information sessions for Natural Gas service for the residence of Yellek, Lower Beaucage, Jocko Point, VLA and Garden Village.. The start dates for the installation of services in 2017 are for Art’s Lane, Yellek, Bineshii Light Commercial Industrial Park, Lower Beaucage Sub and Jocko Point. The potential dates for installation of services for VLA and Garden Village to be determined. More research will be conducted to determine the feasibility for the services. NFN Solar Projects The 4 rooftop solar projects, with a total capacity of 166 kW, are under contract with the Independent Electricity Systems Operator (ieso) to generate electricity at a rate of $0.548 /kWh, which translates to approximately $100,000 annually. Jun 2015 to May 2016 production and yield are shown below.

NFN - Solar Power Network (SPN) Partnership Nipissing First Nation and Solar Power Network (SPN) have partnered to develop and operate a portfolio of roof mounted solar PV systems located throughout central and southern Ontario. The project portfolio consists of 50 FIT contracts totaling 14.2 MW AC With an equity share of 15% and a FIT rate of $0.316 per kWhr, NFN is expected to receive an annual cash flow of approximately $231,450 (before loan payment). These projects are currently in development with construction planned for the summer of 2016. Employment opportunities for NFN members available (in southern Ontario mostly)

Gidaabik Wind Project (NFN / Innergex Partnership)

The Gidaabik Wind Project was not awarded a contract (power purchase agreement) in the recent Large Renewable Procurement process due to constrained transmission lines in the North. The ieso is planning LRP II in the spring of 2017, but the Gidaabik Wind Project will not be participating unless the constrained transmission line issue can be resolved.

NFN Owned Business NFN - Solar Power Network (SPN) Partnership Nipissing First Nation and Solar Power Network (SPN) have partnered to develop and operate a portfolio of roof mounted solar Beaucage Park TPV hesystems archeological located throughout central and southern Ontario assessment will resume in 2015 and. toThe projec be completedt portfolio consists of 50 in 2016. During FIT contracts totaling 14 this time research will.2 continueMW AC With an equity share of 15% and a FIT rate of $0.316 per kWhr, to determine the future of the park land. NFN is expected to receive an annual cash flow of approximately $231,450 (before loan payment). These projects are currently in development with construction planned for the During the summer months the park remains open on week-ends for day use by Band Members and their families. summer of 2016. Employment opportunities for NFN members available (in southern Ontario mostly)

Gidaabik Wind Project (NFN / Innergex Partnership)

NFN Owned Business Beaucage Park The archeological assessment will resume in 2015 and to be completed in 2016. During this time research will continue to determine the future of the park land. During the summer months the park remains open on week-ends for day use by Band Members and their families.

NFN Bingo NFN Bingo operates for the benefit of recognized Nipissing First Nation charities and Service Groups. Bingo funds available for distribution each year consist of 100% of the annual net profit of

the Bingo and Canteen. This year (2015-2016) no

distributions were made due to the bingo running a NFN Bingo slight deficit due to poor attendance. Adjustments NFNwere Bingo made operates to the bingo for the program benefit to of compensate recognized Nipissing First Nation charities and Service Groups. Bingo funds availablefor the declining for distribution attendance. each Disbursementsyear consist of for100% of the annual net profit of the Bingo and Canteen. This year (20152016-2017-2016) fiscalno distributions year are wereexpected. made due to the bingo running a slight deficit due to poor attendance. Adjustments were made to the bingo program to compensate for the declining attendance. Disbursements for 2016-2017 fiscal yearNFN are Bingo expected. operatesNFN 3 Bingo evenings per week on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and employs 1 full time and 6 part time staff. NFN Bingo operates for the benefit of recognized Nipissing First Nation charities and Service Groups. Bingo funds available for distribution each year consist of 100% of the annual net profit of the Bingo and Canteen. This year NFN Bingo operates 3 evenings per week on Sunday, (2015-2016) no distributions were made due to the bingo running a slight deficit due to poor attendance. Adjustments Tuesday and Thursday and employs 1 full time and 6 part were made to the bingo program to compensate for the declining attendance. Disbursements for 2016-2017 fiscal time staff. year are expected.

NFN Bingo operates 3 evenings per week on Sunday,

Tuesday and Thursday and employs 1 full time and 6 part time staff.

Contact Information

NFN Economic Development Office 36 Semo Road, Garden Village ON P2B 3K2 Tel: 753-2050 Contact Information Thomas Lambert 705-753-2050 ext. 6985 [email protected] NFN Economic Development Office Michael Harney 705-753-2050 ext. 1264 [email protected] 36 Semo Road, Garden Village ON P2B 3K2 Tel: 753-2050

Thomas Lambert 705-753-2050 ext. 6985 [email protected] Michael Harney 705-753-2050 ext. 1264 [email protected]

16 Education

Education Department Annual Report 2015-2016

The Education Department has one of the largest NFN budgets and is responsible for a variety of Education matters related to our approximately 380 full and part time students at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels. Table 1 provides a brief look at our student populations over the past three school years: 2013, 2014 and 2015.

The majority of our funding goes to covering the costs of tuition fees to the provincial School Boards and post- secondary institutions, in other words, paying for direct education services for our students. The administrative responsibilities are many and varied, from providing safe and efficient school bus services on a daily basis, establishing adequate education service agreements with the School Boards, addressing student special learning needs, meeting the reporting requirements of various funding agencies: INAC, Ministry of Education, Kenjgewin Teg and Ministry of Children and Youth Services, to the work done at the request of, or on behalf of individual students and/or parents. Establishing and maintaining partnerships that contribute to positive educational experiences for our students is also very important.

Besides the day to day work it is also important that we are mindful of the bigger picture of First Nations Education, especially for us at this time, as preparations begin for the ratification vote on the Anishinabek Education System.

Table 1

We have students enrolled in 4 local provincial School Boards as listed below. Nipissing First Nation pays ‘tuition fees’ to the Boards for each of our students who are enrolled in those Boards. The figures below indicates the tuition fee per child that we pay to the Boards for on-reserve students. We receive ‘reverse tuition fees’ for each student who lives off reserve that attends Nbisiing Secondary School. The Ministry of Education pays us the same amount of tuition per student as we pay to the Boards for our on-reserve students who attend local provincial high schools.

Student Enrolment

Elementary Secondary Nbisiing Oﬀ Res

Full Time Post Secondary Part Time Post Secondary 136 123 128 98 96 93 67 71 66 64 55 65 34 32 31

2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

School Board Year 2013-14 2014-15

Near North District School Board Elementary $11,546.50 $11,770.24 Secondary $12,517.84 $12,615.23 Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic Elementary $12,685.34 $12,617.91 District School Board Secondary $13,260.57 $13,301.54 Conseil Scolaire Publique du Nord- Elementary $15,744.00 * Est de l’Ontario Secondary * * Conseil Scolaire Catholique Franco Elementary $14,258.06 $14,229.16 Nord Secondary $15,663.88 $16,735.27 University $8,489.95 $9,397.21

17 1

Table 2 *No students enrolled

Nipissing First Nation can be proud of our student graduation rates! Although we hear about many First Nations falling below the provincial average with their high school graduation rates, we are easily at the provincial level. That does not mean to say there’s not room for improvement but overall we can certainly celebrate the academic success of our students. The chart below (Table 3) compares the numbers of on reserve students at key transition times in their educational journeys. Unfortunately at this time we do not have the ability to track our off reserve student numbers. Our post-secondary applications for September 2016 include twenty priority 2 students (those just graduating from Grade 12) so almost twice the number of Grade 12 students indicated below.

Table 3 Graduates SK Grade 8 Grade 12 Post Secondary 2013-2014 12 14 14 34 2014-15 16 7 8 22 2015-16 11 13 12 19

Post-Secondary Program

Over the past year Nipissing First Nation students were enrolled in 19 Colleges and 20 Universities, mainly in Ontario but also in Nova Scotia, British Columbia and a few in the USA. Students are choosing broad ranges of topics such as Art & Design, Digital Cinematography, Massage Therapy, Forestry and Wildlife Management, Commerce and Marketing, Music, Education and various Health Sciences. We have students working at all levels of academic qualifications: one year Certificate programs, 2-3 year College Diploma programs, 3-4 year University Degree programs, to Master’s and Ph.D. level work.

We were fortunate to receive additional funds from Chief and Council in December this year as a result of interest earned on the Land Claim Settlement Investment Funds. These ‘new dollars’ were directed towards book costs and our Priority 3 & 4 students specifically. Of the 15 students contacted who were on a waiting list from spring 2015 eight (8) were able to begin – or continue programs in January 2016 with the help of these new funds. Table 4 provides a sample of the funding a single student would be eligible to receive through our Post-Secondary Education Assistance Program. This assistance is not intended to cover all costs but it does provide significant support for students pursuing post-secondary education.

Table 4 Full Time Single Average Tuition Allowance Books Application TOTAL Post-Secondary Fees Student College 2014-15 $4,853.87 $10,000.00 $1,000.00 $95 $15,948.87 College 2015-16 $5,087.00 $10,000.00 $1,000.00 $95.00 $16,182.00 University $9,397.21 $10,000.00 $1,000.00 $140 $20,537.21 2014-15 University $8,673.00 $10,000.00 $1,000.00 $140.00 $19,813.00 2015-16

NFN Education Department Partners

In 2015, the Education Portfolio became the responsibility of Deputy Chief Muriel Sawyer and she was appointed Chair of the Education Committee. Members include Jan Couchie, Jackie Folz, Judy Manitowabi, Jules Armstrong, Jane Commanda and Marianna Couchie. Much discussion at Education Committee meetings this year has been focused on the up-coming Ratification Vote for the Anishinabek Education System, with several presentations made by UOI Education Restoration of Jurisdiction staff. In addition Nancy Allaire attended one of our meetings to discuss and seek input on strategic planning work she was doing with the Principal and Staff at Nbisiing Secondary School.

The Education Department has continued to work with NFN Ontario Works, Employment and Training and the Library around our Adult Education Partnership with the Near North District School Board. We have had a teacher on site in Garden Village at the Library and at Nbisiing Secondary School once a week to support individuals seeking to

18 complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma in a timely manner. Because adult students can be awarded “maturity” and PLAR (prior learning assessment and recognition) credits, considerable time can be saved and achieving an Ontario Secondary School Diploma can be a much more attainable goal. We have had one participant graduate to date through this program – and that individual is off to Post Secondary studies in the fall of 2016. We wish her every success!! We encourage the other students whose studies are ‘in progress’ to continue to pursue this goal. complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma in a timely manner. Because adult students can be awarded The Education Office and Nbisiing Bus Lines collaborated once again in the summer of 2015 with the Lands “maturity” and PLAR (prior learning assessment and recognition) credits, considerable time can be saved and achievingDepartment an and Ontario Employment Secondary and School Training Diploma on the can Second be a Archeologicalmuch more attainable Field Project goal. atWe Beaucage have had Park one. participOnce againant thanks to Enhancement Funds, we were able to provide a very worthwhile learning experience for a number of our graduate to date through this program – and that individual is off to Post Secondary studies in the fall of 2016. We wishsecondary her every and success!!post-secondary We encourage students thein July other and students August whose2015. Studentsstudies are learned ‘in progress’ a great todeal continue about tothe pursue earlier this goal.days of the Beaucage settlement and the use of archeological field study practices. This in turn led to some short term employment with consultant firms doing other archeological work in this area and a little further afield. Besides Theaccumulating Education artifacts Office and and Nbisiing confirming Bus historical Lines colla databorat weed hope once this again project in the will summer result in of Nipissing 2015 with First the Nation Lands’s rich Departmenthistory being and incorporate Employmentd into and other Training potential on developments,the Second Archeological school curricula Field andProject even at some Beaucage career Park choices. Once for again our thanksyoung peopleto Enhancement in the field Funds, of archeology we were and/or able tocultural provide resource a very worthwhilemanagement learning! experience for a number of our secondary and post-secondary students in July and August 2015. Students learned a great deal about the earlier The Education Office participates with the First Nations Advisory Committees of the Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic days of the Beaucage settlement and the use of archeological field study practices. This in turn led to some short termDistrict emp Schoolloyment Board with and consultant the Near firms North doing District other School archeological Board as work well inas this Nipissing area and University a little further’s Aboriginal afield. CouncilBesides on Education and Canadore College’s Indigenous Council on Education. The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives at Nipissing accumulating artifacts and confirming historical data we hope this project will result in Nipissing First Nation’s rich historyUniversity being and incorporate First People’sd into House other atpotential Canadore developments, College maintain school regular curricula contact and even with oursome Office career regarding choices various for our youngeducational people matters in the fieldand opportunities.of archeology Judyand/or Manitowabi, cultural resource First Nation management Trustee! to the Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School, continues to keep us informed about various Ministry of Education and Board initiatives. The TheEducation Education Committee Office participatesis making an with effort the to First increase Nations communications Advisory Committees with the of First the NationsNipissing Trustee Parry Soundfrom the Catholic Near DistrictNorth District School School Board Board,and the Carol Near Stevens. North District In the School meantime Board we as do well have as very Nipissing good workingUniversity relationship’s Aboriginals with Council both on Educationthe Board Directorsand Canadore and Superintendents College’s Indigenous with the Council Aboriginal on Education. portfolios The and OfficeSpecial of EducationAboriginal. Initiatives at Nipissing University and First People’s House at Canadore College maintain regular contact with our Office regarding various educationalNbisiing Bus matters Lines and opportunities. Judy Manitowabi, First Nation Trustee to the Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School, continues to keep us informed about various Ministry of Education and Board initiatives. The Nbisiing Bus LinesLines continuescontinues to to be be as as busy busy as as ever. ever. We We operate as part of the Education Department, with our main Education Committee is making an effort to increase communications with the First Nations Trustee from the Near operateresponsibility as part being of the to provideEducation regular Department, and safe withstudent our transportation. Our fleet consists of eight vehicles ranging in North District School Board, Carol Stevens. In the meantime we do have very good working relationships with both mainsize from responsibility our two 7 -beingpassenger to provide vans toregular our 72 and passenger safe buses. This year we purchased a new, larger para-bus (48 the Board Directors and Superintendents with the Aboriginal portfolios and Special Education. studentpassengers transportation. + wheelchair Our accommodation). fleet consists ofThese eight vehiclesvehicles are required to transport our students to 17 different rangingschools in Sturgeonsize from Fallsour two and 7-passenger North Bay. Nbisiing vans to Busour 72Lines also provide charters for various programs and functions Nbisiing Bus Lines passengerin and around buses. Nipiss Thising yearFirst weNation. purchased This program a new, couldlarger not operate without the committed crew of regular (and para-busNbisiingrelief) drivers Bus (48 Linesandpassengers our continues Bussing + wheelchair to Coordinator. be as busy accommodation). asThere ever. are We a surprisingoperate as number part of theof variables Education that Department go into operating, with our our main TheseresponsibilityNbisiing vehicles Bus Lines!being are torequired provide to regular transport and our safe students student totransportation. 17 Our fleet consists of eight vehicles ranging in differentsize from schools our two in7- passengerSturgeon Falls vans and to our North 72 passengerBay. Nbisiing buses. This year we purchased a new, larger para-bus (48 BuspassengersAnishinabek Lines also + Educationwheelchair provide charters Systemaccommodation). for (AES) various – Education These programs vehicles Self Determination:are required to transport Time to ourmove students forward to …17 different andschools functions in Sturgeon in and Falls around and Nipissing North Bay. First Nbisiing Nation. Bus This Lines also provide charters for various programs and functions Nipissing First Nation continues to participate in the discussions and planning with the ROJ-Education team from the programin and around could Nipiss not operateing First without Nation. the This committed program crewcould ofnot operate without the committed crew of regular (and Union of Ontario Indians and other First Nation communities throughout Anishinabek Territory, in preparation for the regularrelief) drivers (and relief)and our drivers Bussing and Coordinator. our Bussing T Coordinator.here are a surprising number of variables that go into operating our ThereAnishinabek are a surprising Education number System of ratificationvariables that vote go ininto November operating 2016our Nbisiing. Because Bus the Lines! majority of our students attend Nbisiing Bus Lines! provincial schools, plans are being made that will enable both the Anishinabek Education System and the Ontario education system to work collaboratively. This will ensure that our students benefit, regardless of where they attend Anishinabek Education System (AES) – Education Self Determination: Time to move forward… school. The Master Education Framework Agreement with Ontario can only be implemented if First Nations choose to Nipissingmove into First education Nation se continueslf-government. to participate We have in thethe potentialdiscussions to significantly and planning impact with theeducation ROJ-Education in this province, team from for ourthe FirstUnion Nation of Ontario students Indians on andand offother reserve, First Nationand in communitiesfact, for all Ontario throughout students. Anishina Mostbek importantly Territory,, wine preparation will have the for the potentialAnishinabek to implement Education education System self ratification-determination vote inas Novemberenvisioned 2016in the. Because1972 paper, the “Indianmajority Control of our studentsof Indian attend Education”.provincial schools It’s been, plans a long are time being coming made. Anishinabethat will enable Pane! both the Anishinabek Education System and the Ontario education system to work collaboratively. This will ensure that our students benefit, regardless of where they attend school. The Master Education Framework Agreement with Ontario can only be implemented if First Nations choose to move into education self-government. We have the potential to significantly impact education in this province, for our First Nation students on and off reserve, and in fact, for all Ontario students. Most importantly, we will have the potential to implement education self-determination as envisioned in the 1972 paper, “Indian Control of Indian Education”. It’s been a long time coming. Anishinabe Pane! 3

NBISIING SECONDARY SCHOOL www.nbisiing.ca

About our school: Nbisiing Secondary School operates under the jurisdiction of Nipissing First Nation. Our goal is to provide a solid educational foundation for the 21st century that is grounded in traditional values held by Nipissing Anishinabek. Our students come from Nipissing First Nation Territory and from the surrounding area. Because we grant secondary school credits and Ontario Graduation Diplomas, the Ministry of Education “inspects” Nbisiing every two years. We must maintain “approved” standards related to courses offered, student evaluation procedures, hours of instruction and other administrative expectations required by the Ministry. We have always had very successful inspections, a good indication of the commitment and dedication of our Staff!

Class of 2015

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2015 GRADUATES! Sara Gagnon Brittnay Meunier-Gauthier Dakota Heon McKenzie Ottereyes-Eagle Monti Jansen Tyler Ottereyes-Eagle Samuel Potts Tashina Maiangowi Meaghan Rancier Sheldon Manitowabi Steven Rickard Brayden Quachegan Lyn Quiring Samantha Therrien Desiree Sands Aaron Wabano Shannon McLaren

Congratulations to Congratulations to Tyler Brittnay Meunier- Ottereyes-Eagle who received two Gauthier who received $1,000.00 Canadore College the FIRST Robotics Tuition bursaries. Scholarship for Nipissing University.!

Nbisiing Secondary School staff and administration are proud of all our Graduates and we wish you success in your future endeavours!

20 This year at our school: As usual, we had an event filled year. As part of our community involvement initiative, we invited parents and community members to visit on a regular basis. Each month the school hosted information nights in regards to curriculum, literacy and numeracy. Community members of all ages were invited to attend our Literacy and Numeracy game nights. It was fun for all ages and a good way to introduce fun learning activities for use at home. We look forward to hosting more in the 2015-2016 school year.

Nbisiing has completed its third year partnership with Kenjgewin Teg Education Institute (from Manitoulin Island) as part of the First Nations Student Success Program. We are establishing baseline data for literacy and numeracy using a variety of education materials. Our goal is to use this data to determine the areas of need and to guide teacher instruction.

Culture at our School Throughout the year local Elders came and shared their knowledge with staff and students on a variety of topics including Midwinter Ceremony, Maple Sugar Ceremony and acknowledging those who were in Spring and Fall Fasting.

We spent time visiting a variety of local areas to develop a community-based connection with Nipissing Territory. Some examples included the Yelleck sugar bush, local sweat lodges (i.e . Beaucage and Jocko Point), Garden Village Remembrance Day, Garden Village Spring Spawning Ceremony, Garden Village National Aboriginal Day, Garden Village Fundraising.

21 Our affiliation with post-secondary education included visits to the Union of Ontario Indians (Anishinabek Education Institute), the Nipissing University/Canadore College campus. We had visitors to our school including the President of Nipissing University, Dr. M. DeGagne, and Judy Manitowabi and Gerard Peltier from Canadore College to name a few. We worked with the Robotics Team 1305 from the Near North Board, attended the Nipissing University/Canadore College Pow Wow, and the Union of Ontario Indians Chiefs’ Assembly held here at Nipissing First Nation. Our Drum was invited to open for that important political event!

Staff members and students had the opportunity to attend ceremonies including Sweats, Pipe Ceremonies, Feast of the Drum and the Spring Water Ceremony. We have been given Teachings about the Grandfather Drum, the Creation Story, the Thirteen Grandmothers, the Seven Fires Prophecy, the Pow Wow - Dancing to Connect with Mother Earth, Sacred Medicines, and the Anishinaabek calendar year.

2015 Robotics TEAM 5035 “E-Nimkii” Nbisiing Secondary School was proud to participate for a second time in the Regional FIRST Canada Robotics competition, held at Nipissing University.

Music Business Program Students hosted a concert in early June 2015 entitled “Nipissing Beats.”

The students of the Music Business course had the opportunity record their songs in Coalition Music’s professional studio in Toronto, and had a blast doing it!

Student SuccessAs part of recruitment and student success programming, Nbisiing offered summer school programming from July 6 – 29 , 2015.

22 Employment & Training

Nipissing First Nation Employment & Training

Local Delivery Mechanism (LDM) NFN Employment & Training Unit was established in April 1998, and since has served many members receiving EI benefits, CPP. We complete client assessments, wage subsidies and provide and suggest training. Funding to NFN Employment & Training from Service Canada enables the membership to access programs to meet their needs, to provide valuable skills and support through training and/or job placements while working towards becoming self sufficient. We also work with the Union of Ontario Indians to provide services.

As the Employment & Training Unit moves forward, these valuable services will continue to be provided to the membership; in addition we will continue to work alongside with NFN Programs, the local community colleges, local businesses to develop programs that will provide the training and skills to meet the employment demands of today’s and future labor market. Through support from different amalgamation and teamwork, the opportunities will arise, enabling the membership to be competitive in securing full time employment.

Employment & Training Statistics 2015 Employment & Training Unit assesses many requests that are being submitted by the members. This past fiscal year the figures below highlights the support that was provided by the program such as training, employment supports, wage subsidies:

10 Females 30+ Years of Age 18 Female Youth 1 Male Affiliates 11 Males 30 + Years of Age 21 Females On Reserve 7 Females Off Reserve 19 Males On Reserve 12 Males Off Reserve 21 Male Youth

78 Employment Referrals 35 Assisted with Resumes and Cover Letters 100 Employment Counseling Sessions 150 Attended our Workshops / Career Fair

The programs being delivered are similar to the third party deliverers, Service Canada/Human Resource Development Canada.

Employment Readiness and Self Development Workshops The workshops are coordinated in partnership with True-Self Women’s Employment, Ontario Works, and Employment & Training Departments.

OW Employment Assistance Program - Workshop Changing Direction NFN Resource Session

Workshop Provided by: True Self Thursday November 19th, 2015 (Donna & Mark) 2016 Dates: 10:00AM-2:00PM Wednesdays; Time: Location 12:00pm - 3:00pm Church Basement, Garden Village February 24th

March 2nd **Note: Attendance at Workshops / Trainings is mandatory Location for all employable clients** Church Basement, March 9th Garden Village March 23rd Bus Arrangements : March 30th 9:00am @ Duchesnay (Nbisiing S.S.)

Transportation Provided 9:05am @ HWY17W (Necessities) 9:10am @ Yellek (How Convenient)

9:20am @ Jocko Point (Ojibway Snacks) Call Karen to Register at Lunch & Refreshments (705)753-2058 Communitywill be provided. Beau tification 2015or [email protected] Lunch & Refreshments will be provided.

Employment & Training in parnership with NFN AdministrationContact Kandaren a t PublicOntario Wo rkWorkss to Confirm, ahiredttendanc ea a nteamd to make ofnec e11ssar ymembers for a 32 weeks project. ChildThe care work assistance consisted is available of to providing those eligible. assistance in maintaining travel / child ca Eldersre arrangem eproperties,nts if required. (705 )public753-2058 o r areaskarenm@n fnand.ca for the members who requiredPlease contact assistance Karen at 705 with-753-2058 outdoor or [email protected] clean up for detailsthroughout the Community. This program provided the members with hands on work experience, team work, leadership skills, operations of certain machinery and other valuable skills that can be transferable when seeking and securing other employment. 23

In the interim the Beautification Crew learned of the importance of keeping our community beautiful and taking pride in their work. The team provided valuable services throughout in maintaining our Elders properties, the public place, parks and making our community beautiful for everyone to see and to enjoy.

Nipissing First Nation Employment & Training

10 Females 30+ Years of Age 18 Female Youth 1 Male Affiliates 11 Males 30 + Years of Age 21 Females On Reserve 7 Females Off Reserve 19 Males On Reserve 12 Males Off Reserve 21 Male Youth

78 Employment Referrals 35 Assisted with Resumes and Cover Letters 100 Employment Counseling Sessions 150 Attended our Workshops / Career Fair

The programs being delivered are similar to the third party deliverers, Service Canada/Human Resource Development Canada.

Employment Readiness and Self Development Workshops The workshops are coordinated in partnership with True-Self Women’s Employment, Ontario Works, and Employment & Training Departments.

Community Beautification 2015 Employment & Training in parnership with NFN Administration and Public Works, hired a team of 11 members for a 32 weeks project. The work consisted of providing assistance in maintaining Elders properties, public areas and for the members who required assistance with outdoor clean up throughout the Community. This program provided the members with hands on work experience, team work, leadership skills, operations of certain machinery and other valuable skills that can be transferable when seeking and securing other employment.

Beaucage Park Archaeological Study

The student Archaeology program is in partnership with the Lands, Education, and Employment & Training Unit. This three year study of Beaucage Park allows the students to experience and work alongside their peers in selected areas for the digs. As they unearth, screen the sandy, granular materials the students are amazed of the artifacts that are being found. Not only are they learning of the process, they are learning about their ancestry’s history and their way of living.

Ken Swayze is the team lead on this study. Ken having many years of experience in this field is able to share his skills and experiences with the students. Throughout his experiences he has unearthed many artifacts, through his continuous research he is able to determine what the artifact item/tool is, what it was used for and provide a little history when the item/tool was developed and utilized. The steps that the students must take once the test pits have been completely excavated, the proper closing documentation of carefully, detailed labeling, photography, and written recording was demonstrated, which is part of good archaeological practice. This is an exciting experience for the team wondering what would be found next. This experience may spark an interest for one of these students to further their studies in archeology and a career in this field of work.

Stewardship Youth Rangers/Junior Rangers- The Junior Rangers program is in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Employment & Training. The Rangers are a team of 4 high school students and a team leader. The youth that participate in this program acquire valuable skills and knowledge about the environment, wild life, fish and about the natural resources. The youth gain a valuable experience in protecting and sustaining the precious natural resources we have for future generation to come.

The Steward Lead, Briana Chevrier and 4 Rangers; Angel Armstrong, Erick Beaucage, William Michaud and Hanna Penasse experienced 8 weeks, of working outdoors on natural resource management projects in and around our community. They also took part in training: Bear Awareness, Boat Smart, Wilderness First Aid, Young Worker`s Health & Safety and Canoe Safety (ORCA), to make sure they would be well prepared for their Adventures.

24 Facilities Management Facilities Management HEADER

E-Niigaanzid / Gimaagamgoon

Facilities Management

Our department includes: Public Works, Infrastructure, Maintenance and Information Technology (IT)

Gwajiing Nokiiwin – Public Works

The Public Works consists of a staff of 10. We are fortunate to have on staff a licensed mechanic to preform Safety Checks and repairs on all NFN Fleet vehicles. NFN holds a license from the Ministry of Transportation and is a Qualified Motor Vehicle Inspection Station. This provides time and cost savings for NFN as well as Nbisiing Bus lines, as all inspections can be done in house. Public Works takes direction from Chief and Council and implements the strategic plan and goals via the Chief Executive Officer. Each year, we develop an Annual Work Plan which includes bringing the roads to MTO Standard Grade and building, upgrading and maintaining infrastructure. There is an ongoing process of creating policies in regards to Waste Management (Garbage Collection, Recycling, Waste Collection Rules and Regulations), Salt Management and Storage, Roads and Winter Maintenance, Culvert Installation, Municipal Drainage, and Site Work. Public Works also maintains street lights, 911 signs, permits, tree brushing and removal and in-road allowance.

Public Works and Maintenance continue to install new LED Energy Savings street lights in all communities. The Yellek community boat launch and floating dock installed each spring and removed each fall. New cemetery fencing has been added around layout plots in the Garden Village Cemetery. Aanji-Aapichitooyang Community Signage Recycling Program/Waste Diversion All the signs for administration buildings which include the Anishnaabemwin language NFN’s Recycling Program continues to be a success since its and incorporate the four colours have been installed. All stop signs read “Nook inception in 2012. We currently have agreements with two Shkaan” throughout our 9 NFN communities. Materials Recycling Facilities (MRF’s) that receive our recycling and continue the supply chain by creating new products and materials. NFN residents participate in a 2-stream recycling system (Fibers and Plastics) with a bi-weekly pick up. Since the Recycling Programs inception in September 2012: Capital Management Study • Approximately 3,000 tires have been diverted from our In June 2015,landfill; we completed and analyzed 230 completed surveys for NFN’s Capital Planning Study with First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. • We have diverted 526,560 lbs of metal from our landfill; We created a Community Needs Ranking from Questionnaire, Population • More than 600, 660 lbs of electronics have been projections, biophysical Terrain Analysis, and a Water Servicing Analysis. diverted from the landfill. NFN Had a previous study conducted in 1995, and this update reflects the current conditions and needs of the community.

Infrastructure

Road Maintenance and Upgrades

Sweetgrass Miikan Gravel Lift

Nova Beaucage Bypass road around contaminated site Jocko Point Gravel Lift Mooze Miikan Gate installation, Brushing, Ditching Duchesnay Hard Topping

Water Treatment

Our water Treatment Operators are continually upgrading their licensing to enhance operations and installations. We monitor all NFN water daily and Health Canada performs tests weekly. Reservoirs are cleaned out in the main plant. 25 Sewage Treatment

All processes at the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) have been working very well. We have implemented the use of the Maintenance Management System schedule used to monitor certain pumps and valves to keep them running smoothly and extend their life span.

Aanji-Aapichitooyang

Recycling Program/Waste Diversion

NFN’s Recycling Program continues to be a success since its inception in 2012. We currently have agreements with two Materials Recycling Facilities (MRF’s) that receive our recycling and continue the supply chain by creating new products and materials. NFN residents participate in a 2-stream recycling system (Fibers and Plastics) with a bi-weekly pick up. Since the Recycling Programs inception in September 2012:

• Approximately 3,000 tires have been diverted from our landfill; • We have diverted 526,560 lbs of metal from our landfill; • More than 600, 660 lbs of electronics have been diverted from the landfill.

Infrastructure

Road Maintenance and Upgrades

Sweetgrass Miikan Gravel Lift

Nova Beaucage Bypass road around contaminated site Jocko Point Gravel Lift Mooze Miikan Gate installation, Brushing, Ditching Duchesnay Hard Topping

Water Treatment

Sewage Treatment

Community�Needs

�� 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Data compiled from Section 3: Rate the following community needs based on a scale of 1 to 4 (1 for the lowest need; and 4 for the highest need). In the chart, red=highest need=4, red-orange=3, yellow-orange=2, yellow=lowest need=1.

August, 2015

Legend Date: 10/21/2015 Title: Revision: 1 DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITY Reserve Boundary No Development Capability Drawn By: NG Figure: 3.11 Client: NIPISSING FIRST NATION Study Area Boundary Low Development Capability Checked By: CB

Moderate Development Capability Project: CAPITAL PLANNING ± STUDY UPDATE High Development Capability

Aanji-Aapichitooyang

Recycling Program/Waste Diversion

MaintenanceThe Maintenance and department Community consists Buildings of Supervisor, Brian Stevens and Infrastructure four fulltime staff: Joe Beaucage, Dave Beaucage, Erick Beaucage, and The Maintenance department consists of Supervisor, Brian Stevens and StaceyThe Maintenance Fisher. The department team provide consists janitorial of Supervisor, maintenance Brian and Stevens complete and four fulltime staff: Joe Beaucage, Dave Beaucage, Erick Beaucage, and Road Maintenance and Upgrades landscapfour fulltimeing, staff: minor Joe repairs, Beaucage, painting, Dave drainage, Beaucage, dry wallingErick Beaucage,, carpentry and, Stacey Fisher. The team provide janitorial maintenance and complete smallStacey engines Fisher. repair The team, snow provide removal, janitorial plumbing, maintenance heating and and cooling complete Sweetgrass Miikan Gravel Lift landscaping, minor repairs, painting, drainage, dry walling, carpentry, troubleshootinglandscaping, minor, event repairs, set up painting,, cleaning drainage, and other dry duties walling as, carpentryrequired , small engines repair, snow removal, plumbing, heating and cooling aroundsmall engines our Community repair, snow Buildings. removal, plumbing, heating and cooling Nova Beaucage Bypass road aroundtroubleshooting contaminated ,site event set up, cleaning and other duties as required Jocko Point Gravel Lift around our Community Buildings. Mooze Miikan Gate installation, Brushing, Ditching BeautificationDuchesnay Crew Hard Topping

BeautificationEach year a staff Crew of 10 -11 contract workers are hired to work on multiple projects for the Maintenance and Beautification Program. They conduct repair work on public spaces and with maintenance assistance for Elders, and Each year a staff of 10-11 contract workers are hired to work on multiple projects for the Maintenance and workEachWater withyear Treatment Maintenance a staff of 10- 11and contract Public Woworkersrks as are needed. hired toThe work Beach on multiple in Garden projects Village for was the clearedMaintenance of rocks and and weeded. Beautification Program. They conduct repair work on public spaces and with maintenance assistance for Elders, and Beautification workedProgram. on They cleaning, conduct repairing repair andwork improving: on public spacestraditional and grounds, with maintenance cemetery, beaches,assistance brushing, for Elders, and work with Maintenance and Public Works as needed. The Beach in Garden Village was cleared of rocks and weeded. playgrounds,workOur water with MaintenanceTreatment recreational Operators and areas. Public are Wo continuallyrks as needed. upgrading The Beachtheir licensing in Garden to enhanceVillage was operations cleared ofand rocks installations. and weeded. We Beautificationmonitor all NFN worked water ondaily cleaning, and Health repairing Canada and performsimproving: test traditionals weekly. grounds, Reservoirs cemetery, are cleaned beaches, out in brushing, the main plant. Informationplaygrounds, Technologyrecreational areas.(IT) Sewage Treatment InformationA staff of 2 Information Technology Technologists (IT) , Steven Commanda and Charles Goulais, manage technical issues for NFN. TheyAll processes set up work at the stations, Waste internet Water Treatment connections, Plant telephone (WWTP) connections, have been workingand manage very well.information We have databases implemented and the A staff of 2 Information Technologists, Steven Commanda and Charles Goulais, manage technical issues for NFN. Aservers.use staff of theof They 2 Maintenance Information update security Technologists Management policies, , System Stevenprocedures Commandaschedule and handle used and to computerCharles monitor Goulais, certainrelated pumpsmanagequestions and technical and valves issues. issuesto keep IT isfor themalso NFN. They set up work stations, internet connections, telephone connections, and manage information databases and Theycalledrunning set upon smoothly up towork assist stations,and in extend workshop internet their set lifeconnections, ups, span website. telephone updates, connections, and to live stream and manage events. information databases and servers. They update security policies, procedures and handle computer related questions and issues. IT is also calledCommunity upon to Building assist in Projects workshop and set Planningups, website updates, and to live stream events.

CommunityAs usual we hadBuilding a vari Projectsety of projects and Planningsuch as: Cemetery Planning, Asset Condition Reporting System (ACRS), rebuilding structures, and seasonal work such as seniors lawn cutting, and during the winter seniors driveway As usual we had a variety of projects such as: Cemetery Planning, Asset Condition Reporting System (ACRS), Asplo wusualing. we had a variety of projects such as: Cemetery Planning, Asset Condition Reporting System (ACRS), rebuilding structures, and seasonal work such as seniors lawn cutting, and during the winter seniors driveway plowing.

27 Nipissing First Nation Emergency Services Department Fire & Emergency Services Nipissing First Nation Emergency Services Department

The Emergency Services Department is responsible for the Emergency Preparedness, Fire Protection and Health & Safety areas for Nipissing First Nation. With regards to the Emergency Preparedness role: Update the Emergency

Preparedness Plan annually, test certain functions of the Plan The Emergency Services Department scope covers the Emergency Preparedness,for responses, Fire Protection update and Health the &contact Safety areas information for for identified Nipissing First Nation. With regards to Emergency Preparedness role, is to update the Emergency Preparedness Plan annually, test certain functions of the Plan for responses, update the contact informationmembers for identified of members the Emergency of the Emergency Response Response Team Team as as well as obtain well as obtain training that may be required for members of the Communitytraining Control that Group may and Emergency be required Response for Team. members of the Community Responsibilities for Fire Protection include the recruitment and retention of firefighters for all fire halls within Nipissing First Nation. Other areas of responsibility are training, tactical fire suppression exercises,Control maintenance Group of equipment,and Emergency administrative Responsefunctions such Team. Responsibilities for Fire Protection include the recruitment as, fire agreements, training documentation, automatic aid agreementsand and collaboratingretention wi ofth area firefighters fire departments forto offer all support fire and halls within Nipissing First Nation. Other areas of responsibility are receive support when required. Health & Safety responsibilities consist of documentation of incidents, mandatory meeting The Emergency Services Department scope covers the Emergency Preparedness, Fire Protection and Health & Safety areas for requirements, and all due diligence required to make Nipissing First Nationtraining, a safe placetactical to work, fire but most suppression importantly to support exercises, the maintenanceNipissing First Nation. of Withequipment, regards to Emergency administrative Preparedness functions role, is to update such the Emergency as, fire Preparedness Plan annually, test employer and employees of Nipissing First Nation with any awarenessagreements, of Health & Safety updatestraining and anydocumentation, training required for all.automatic certain aid functions agreements of the Plan foran responses,d collaborating update the contact with information area fire for identified departments members of the Emergency Response Team as well as obtain training that may be required for members of the Community Control Group and Emergency Response Team. Currently the Duchesnay Fire Hall has been completed and we have occupied the fire hall since October 2014. We have 17 volunteers Responsibilities for Fire Protection include the recruitment and retention of firefighters for all fire halls within Nipissing First Nation. for this fire hall and training is being carried out to have all volunteers totrained offer for external support fire suppression and receive and other support training that when may be required. Health & Safety responsibilities consist of documentation Other areas of responsibility are training, tactical fire suppression exercises, maintenance of equipment, administrative functions such required for this area. We will be working with the Ontario Fire College to support our volunteers for training to the NFPA Standards of incidents, mandatory meeting requirements,as, and fire agreements, all due trainingdiligence documentation, required automatic to makeaid agreements Nipissing and collaborating First Nation with area firea departments to offer support and and we are targeting a September 2016 date to activate fire responses for the Duchesnay and Yellek areas. There is a time receive support when required. Health & Safety responsibilities consist of documentation of incidents, mandatory meeting commitment for our volunteers but this service t is very important to Nipissing First Nation and its residents as we want to make sure safe place to work, but most importantly to supportrequirements, the andemployer all due diligence and required employees to make Nipissing of Nipissing First Nation aFirst safe place Nation to work, with but most importantly to support the that we can offer the highest level of services that our Fire Departments can offer. We currently have 12 Firefighters in Garden Village, employer and employees of Nipissing First Nation with any awareness of Health & Safety updates and any training required for all. 13 Firefighters in Jocko Point and 17 Firefighters any awareness of Health & Safety updates and any training required for all. Currently the Duchesnay Fire Hall has been completed and we have occupied the fire hall since October 2014. We have 17 volunteers The Duchesnayfor this fire hall and Fire training Hall is being has carried been out tocompleted have all volunteers and trained we for have external occupied fire suppression and other training that may be the firerequired hall for sincethis area. OctoberWe will be working2014. with Therethe Ontario are Fire College17 volunteers to support our for volunteers this forfire training to the NFPA Standards and we are targeting a September 2016 date to activate fire responses for the Duchesnay and Yellek areas. There is a time hall andcommitment training for our is volunteers being butcarried this service out t is to very have important all to volunteers Nipissing First Nation trained and its forresidents as we want to make sure that we can offer the highest level of services that our Fire Departments can offer. We currently have 12 Firefighters in Garden Village, external13 Firefighters fire suppression in Jocko Point and and17 Fi refightersother training that may be required for this area. We will be working with the Ontario Fire College to support our volunteers for training to the NFPA Standards and we are targeting a September 2016 date to activate fire responses for the Duchesnay and Yellek areas. There is a time commitment for our volunteers but this service is very important to Nipissing First Nation and its residents as we want to make sure that we can offer the highest level of services from our Fire Departments. We currently have 12 Firefighters in Garden Village, 13 Firefighters in Jocko Point and 17 Firefighters With the purchase of 3 Fire Trucks to service Garden Village and the New Fire Hall in Duchesnay we will now have a fleet of 3 Fire trucks. In Garden Village we will have 2 Trucks, one truck to remain inWe Garden will Village now at allhave times anda fleet the second of truck3 Fire whic trucks.h is the In Garden Village we 3000 Gal. tanker will always be responding to any call within Nipissingwill First haveNation b 2oundaries Trucks, as this one vehicle truck can transport will remain a lot of in Garden Village at water as a shuttle is needed to extinguish fires. all times and the second truck which is the 3000 gallon tanker will always be responding to any call within Nipissing First With the purchase of 3 Fire Trucks to service Garden Village and the New Fire Hall in Duchesnay we will now have a fleet of 3 Fire Nation boundaries as this vehicle can transporttrucks. a lot In Gardenof water Village we will have 2 Trucks, one truck to remain in Garden Village at all times and the second truck which is the The New Duchesnay Fire Hall will have use of the Pumper Tanker whichas a hasshuttle a ready is to neededuse foam for to quick extinguish suppression fires. of any type of3000 Gal. tanker will always be responding to any call within Nipissing First Nation boundaries as this vehicle can transport a lot of fire as foam works much faster than just water. This truck will also be ready to use for two man operation as the can have a water water as a shuttle is needed to extinguish fires. monitor installed to spray water from the top if the truck without needingThe someone New Duchesnay to hold a hose. Fire Hall will have use of the Pumper Tanker which has a ready to use foam for quick suppression of any type of fire as foam works much faster than just water. This truck will also be ready to use for a two man operation as they can have a water monitor The New Duchesnay Fire Hall will have use of the Pumper Tanker which has a ready to use foam for quick suppression of any type of installed to spray water from the top of the truckfire aswithout foam works needing much faster someone than just water. to This hold truck a will hose. also be ready to use for two man operation as the can have a water monitor installed to spray water from the top if the truck without needing someone to hold a hose. In Garden Village, we will have a newer model Pumper/Tanker which will always be in service to the Garden Village area. This truck also has the option to have a water monitor on the top of the truck to spray water upon immediate arrival to a fire scene. For the year of 2015-2016 Nipissing First Nation Fire Services has responded to 8 structural fires within the boundaries on Nipissing, 3 brush and grass fires, and 2 carbon monoxide calls. To date we are working on the final stages for our Duchesnay Fire Station that will go Live and start responding to calls in September 2016.

In Garden Village, we will have a newer model Pumper/Tanker which will always be in service to the Garden Village area. This truck also has the option to have a water monitor on the top of the truck to spray water upon immediate arrival to a fire scene.

For the year of 2015-2016 Nipissing First Nation Fire Services has responded to 8 Structural Fires within the Boundaries on Nipissing as well as 3 Brush and Grass Fires. We responded to 2 Carbon Monoxide Calls also. To date we are working on the final stages for In Garden Village, we will have a newer model Pumper/Tanker which will always be in service to the Garden Village area. This truck our Duchesnay Fire Station that will go Live and start responding to calls in September 2016. also has the option to have a water monitor on the top of the truck to spray water upon immediate arrival to a fire scene.

For the year of 201528-2016 Nipissing First Nation Fire Services has responded to 8 Structural Fires within the Boundaries on Nipissing as well as 3 Brush and Grass Fires. We responded to 2 Carbon Monoxide Calls also. To date we are working on the final stages for our Duchesnay Fire Station that will go Live and start responding to calls in September 2016.

Health Services: Community Health Program & Maternal Child Health

INTRODUCTION This introductory section offers a brief summary of some of the overall activities the health department is involved with. The core of this report provides an overview of the efforts of the health programs to achieve work plan goals and objectives and alignment with the NFN Strategic Plan. The 2015-2016 year was another busy one with more than 140 events. Considering some of the direct services such as the 16,065 client hours provided by Home and Community Care, the 570 Good Food Boxes assembled, the 1,676 Medical Transportation trips book and the 561 Foot Care appointments, the level of dedication for service to the community of Nipissing First Nation is evident. Achieving many of our intended goals and objectives in 2015-2016 was made possible by the efforts of the 38 health services staff. The many internal and more than 20 external partnerships/committee representations enhanced this work.

COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM The Community Health Program aligns with NFN Strategic Plan Goal #7: Develop a holistic strategy to enhance community health by encouraging the well-being of the children and adults, ultimately affecting the health of the family as a unit. Some highlights and updates in the Community Health Program demonstrate how the efforts being made are leading to improved health. We said farewell to Sharon Barkley as she retired and welcomed Kayla King in July 2015 as the new Community Health Nurse. Immunization Program Influenza immunization clinics began in October and ran through to December. The highest risk populations were offered immunization first including seniors, daycare staff and essential services providers. Thirteen influenza clinics were held, with a total of 178 individuals immunized. Influenza clinics were held equally between Garden Village and Duchesnay, as well in coordination with other events, such as Diners’ Club, the Health Fair, and the Annual Community Meeting to provide access to as many people as possible. The Vaccine Contingency Plan was revised in November 2015. The working group consisted of the Community Health Nurse, Maternal Child Health Nurse and administrative staff. The plan outlines the “Storage and Handling” of vaccines in the event of a power outage or equipment malfunction. The Community Health Nurse partners with Health Canada and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit regarding the latest updates and information relating to immunizations and the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule. Health Promotion and Other Services Students at Nbisiing were audited for immunization status and three clinics were held for the purpose of updating immunizations. A total of 33 students were immunized for a total of 57 vaccine preventable diseases. Students enrolled at Nbisiing will continue to be assessed and follow up clinics will be planned in collaboration with school staff. In order to promote the importance of immunizations, a campaign was created to encourage people to visit the CHN to have their immunization record reviewed and/or received a vaccine. Seven people participated in this event and each had a chance at winning a gift card. The CHN made a presentation to Chief/Council on “The Importance of Immunizations in our Community” as part of immunization campaigning. This presentation is also planned for principal/teachers at Nbisiing Secondary School and all health services staff.

MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH (MCH) Aboriginal Healthy Babies and Healthy Children Program under the Maternal Child Health Nurse is to ensure families from prenatal period to children age six have access to a wide range of prevention and early intervention services to give children a better start in life. It is to link families with children requiring assistance with problems to appropriate supports and services in the community and to offer screening to identify those at risk. Education is offered to prepare mothers in their pregnancy and this is done through Baby Bundle information packages given at the Intake visit. Parenting and Child Development is done through giving a Welcome Baby Bag (promotional items and information) after birth, either at the home or office visit. Participation in this program is voluntary.

29 Support and Linkage services include information of possible community resources needed to meet needs: Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP), Breastfeeding Peer Support, Breastfeeding support by Maternal Child Health Nurse, Postnatal Home Visits, Immunizations, Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children (AHBHC) - Milk Coupon Program. Postpartum Support services are offered to those who have given consent to the local Public Health Unit to be contacted by the Maternal Child Health Nurse and home visit shortly after hospital discharge is offered. Ten new born babies from NFN and other First Nations were visited and each received a Welcome Home Baby Bag containing several baby items along with some information. Moms who were breastfeeding received support as needed. Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children Milk Coupon Program—AHBHC coupons are distributed every month. Prenatal Classes—The Maternal Child Health Nurse (MCH) worked closely with the Registered Dietitian, Midwife and Community Health Nurse with a planning session to develop the new Prenatal Classes. Two classes were held on March 2016 with two prenatal moms and one partner. We also had an elder come in to do the opening drum song and to share some traditional teachings. Welcome Baby Celebration—This annual event was held in Garden Village and honoured 15 babies out of 18 babies born in 2014. The Maternal Child Health Program had two display tables on Traditional Parenting and Postpartum Mood Disorders. The display table had some giveaway items and information. The MCH Nurse assisted the elder with traditional component: water and strawberries and did the prayer before the meal with the elder doing the smudging of the food and feast plate. Again we had a male elder who came to do some traditional teachings and do drumming. Focus Group Participation—This year the focus group of 8 reviewed “Infant Formula: How to Safely Prepare Formula and Feed Your Baby”. This was an opportunity to ask questions from the MCH Nurse and Dietitian; to meet and socialize with other moms who are bottle feeding. There were many good suggestions for improvement. Each participant received a gift card as a “Thank You”. Baby Friendly Initiative—The Maternal Child Health Nurse continued to participate on the Baby Friendly Initiative committees, representing Nipissing First Nation and continues to work closely with the North Bay Parry Sound District Public Health Nurses. World Breastfeeding Week Displays—To promote World Breastfeeding Week, the MCH Nurse set up a mobile display in the reception lobby areas of the Lawrence Commanda Health Centre and Band Office. A total of 59 people came by to view the display and ask any questions and enter for a free prize draw at each location. There was also a contest for the longest breastfeeding mom and top winner was 2.5 years, and two runner-up were 21 months. The three winners were awarded gift cards and the top winner also received potted mums. An article: “Nonasowin-Breastfeeding, Good Medicine” was put into the newsletter. Immunization Program—The Maternal Child Health Nurse provided 54 vaccines to children, school children and adults. Two tuberculosis tests were done. The Early Child Development program serves to engage families and children to improve the physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, and emotional well-being of NFN children. In addition, the program aids families/ caregivers and children in the area of child development. Offering home visiting, parenting programs, one on one, and referrals are a small part of the program. The ECD Program Coordinator also networks/liaises with other service providers and organizations to provide Early Child Development opportunities to NFN families. The program works to address the following two areas of Nipissing First Nation’s Strategic plan: to develop capacity for education and lifelong learning and; to development of a holistic strategy to enhance community health and well-being. By offering the school readiness program, we are preparing children for the best start on their journey through the education system. Entrance level evaluations are completed on each child who enrolls within the first two days and again in the last two days of the program. By completing the evaluations, we can see and determine growth in the areas of: social development, language skills, self-help, and reasoning (or cognitive functions). Working with families to build their parenting capacity and support the building of healthy families works to address community health and well-being. By offering guidance, and sharing information on local resources, education, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness, special needs resources, and materials, parents are better able to access services.

30 Health Services: Early Child Development

Program Coordinator often acts as a liaison for local programs and services not only within Nipissing First Nation but also the entire Nipissing District. The Program Coordinator is a contributing member to the following local working groups or committees: NipissingThe Program District Coordinator Children’s is Services a contributing Planning member Table, to Aboriginal the following Working local Groupworking (Chairperson), groups or committees: FASD North Nipissing CommitteeDistrict Children’s (Co-Chair), Services Positive Planning Parenting Table, Working Aboriginal Group Working – North Group Bay and(Chairperson), the Nipissing FASD District North Welcome Committee to (Co- Chair), Positive Parenting Working Group – North Bay and the Nipissing District Welcome to Kindergarten Planning Kindergarten Planning Committee. Committee. Welcoming Babies InWelcoming April 2015, Babies Nipissing First Nation’s annual event “Welcoming Babies”In April took2015, place. Nipissing This event First sawNation’s more thanannual 60 eventpeople “Welcoming come out Babies” took place. This event saw more than 60 people come out toto honourhonour andand welcome thethe 1313 BabiesBabies inin attendance.attendance. EachEach year,year, thisthis eventevent isis heldheld toto celebratecelebrate andand meetmeet the the babies babies born born in in the the previous previous year.year. George George Couchie Couchie is seenis seen here here speaking speaking to theto theparents parents and and familiesfamilies aboutabout rolesroles and and parenting. parenting. The The ECD ECD Program Program takes takes the the leadlead inin planningplanning thisthis event inin partnershippartnership withwith approximatelyapproximately 10 10 other otherNFN NFNPrograms Programs or committees. or committees. The The Health Health Committee Committee is isa agreat supporter by offering gifts to the babies, each year. great supporter by offering gifts to the babies, each year.

ReadyReady toto Learn Program InIn JulyJuly 2015,2015, thethe EarlyEarly ChildChild DevelopmentDevelopment program implemented aa school readinessreadiness program,program, now now called called “Ready “Ready to toLearn.” Learn.” The The program program has has been been offered offered for for Nipissing Nipissing First First Nation Nation children children for for 12 12 years years and and in in partnership partnership with with The Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board—Our Lady of Sorrows School. The program’s objective is to Theaid inNipissing the transition Parry toSound school Catholic for our District little ones School by facilitating Board—Our routines, Lady offamiliarizing Sorrows School. the children The program’s with busing, objective offerin g isschool to aid-based in the learning,transition andto school even forhelping our littleparents ones or by caregi facilitatingvers with routines, the transitions. familiarizing The the program children staffwith busing,also offers offeringscreening school-based of the children. learning, Screening and even them helping early helpsparents to addressor caregivers any issues with the or transitions.need for referrals The program early on, staff to avoid alsolong offerswait lists, screening where possible.of the children. Screening them early helps to address any issues or need for referrals early on, to avoid long wait lists, where possible.

EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT

The Early Child Development program serves to engage families and children to improve the physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, and emotional well-being of NFN children. In addition, the program aids families/caregivers and children in the area of child development. Offering home visiting, parenting programs, one on one, and referrals are a small part of the program. The ECD Program Coordinator also networks/liaises with other service providers and organizations to provide Early Child Development opportunities to NFN families.

The program works to address the following two areas of Nipissing First Nation’s Strategic plan: to develop capacity for education and lifelong learning and; to development of a holistic strategy to enhance community health and well- being.

By offering the school readiness program, we are preparing children for the best start on their journey through the education system. Entrance level evaluations are completed on each child who enrolls within the first two days and again in the last two days of the program. By completing the evaluations, we can see and determine growth in the areas of: social development, language skills, self-help, and reasoning (or cognitive functions).

Working with families to build their parenting capacity and support the building of healthy families works to address community health and well-being. By offering guidance, and sharing information on local resources, education, FASD awareness, special needs resources, and materials, parents are better able to access services. The ECD Program Coordinator often acts as a liaison for local programs and services not only within Nipissing First Nation but also the entire Nipissing District.

The Program Coordinator is a contributing member to the following local working groups or committees: Nipissing District Children’s Services Planning Table, Aboriginal Working Group (Chairperson), FASD North Committee (Co- Chair), Positive Parenting Working Group – North Bay and the Nipissing District Welcome to Kindergarten Planning Committee.

DIABETES The Diabetes program continues to provide community based programs and services that aim to improve health outcomes associated with diabetes among individuals, families and the community of Nipissing First Nation.

31 Health Services: Diabetes

DIABETES The Diabetes Program continues to provide community based programs and services that aim to improve health ActivitiesoutcomesActivities are associatedare organized organized with to to diabetesincrease increase among awareness awareness individuals, of ofdiabetes, diabetes, families diabetes and diabetes the riskcommunity risk factors factors ofand Nipissing and complications complications First Nation. as wellas well as waysas ways to to preventActivitiesprevent diabetes diabetesare organized and and diabetes diabetesto increase complications. complications. awareness of diabetes, risk factors, complications and ways to prevent diabetes and complications. 20152015 World World Diabetes Diabetes Day Day celebrated celebrated the the second second year year of ofa 3a year3 year theme theme “HEALTHY “HEALTHY LIVING LIVING and and DIABETES DIABETES”. The”. The 20152015 campaign Worldcampaign Diabetes specifically specifically Day celebrated addresses addresses the the secondthe topic topic yearof ofhealthy ofhealthy a 3-year eating eating theme and and “Healthyits itsimportance importance Living andboth both Diabetes”. in thein theprevention Theprevention 2015 of Type of Type 2 2 diabetescampaigndiabetes and andspecifically the the effective effective addresses management management the topic of of diabetes diabeteshealthy toeating toavoid avoid and complications. its complications. importance both in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes and the effective management of diabetes to avoid complications. TheThe key keykey messagesmessages messages of of thethe the campaigncampaign campaign include: include: include: • • Act• to changeACTACT to to yourchange change life today.your your life life today today • Healthy eating is an important part of managing diabetes • Healthy• Healthyeating is eating an important is an important part of managing part of managingdiabetes. diabetes • ACT to change the world tomorrow • Act• to changeACT tothe change world tomorrow. the world tomorrow • Access to affordable healthy food is essential in reducing the burden of diabetes • Access• Accessto affordable to affordable healthy food healthy is essential food is in essential reducing inthe reducing burden ofthe diabetes. burden of diabetes

WoWorldWorldrld Diabetes Diabetes DayDay Day waswas was celebrated celebrated celebrated on on Novemberon November November 13, 13, 2015 13, 2015with2015 a withealthywithh aa breakfasthealthyhealthy breakfastforbreakfast the community. for for the the Encouragingcommunity. community. Encouraging healthy eating habits in young children is healthyEncouraging eating healthyhabits in eatingyoung habitschildren in is young key to childrenhalting the is key to halting the rise of the diabetes epidemic. risekey ofto the halting diabetes the epidemic. rise of Children the diabetes from our 2epidemic. Day Care ChildrenChildren fromfrom ourour 2 2 DayDay CareCare Centres Centres were were in in attendanceCentres were to inbegin attendance that step to inbegin preventing that step diabetes in preventing in diabetesattendance in our to futurebegin generations.that step in Guestpreventing speaker diabetes George in ourour futufuturere generations.generations. GuestGuest speakerspeaker George George Couchie/Redtail Hawk Consulting reinforced the message CouchieCouchie/Redtail/Redtail HawkHawk ConsultingConsulting reinforcedreinforced thethe of the importance of Healthy Living and Diabetes. Physical messagemessage ofof thethe importanceimportance of of Healthy Healthy Living Living and and activity was included and coordinated by Ashley Couchie, Diabetes.Diabetes. PhysicalPhysical activityactivity waswas includedincluded andand coordinatedRecreationcoordinated Activator, by by Ashley Ashley fun Couchie, wasCouchie, had byRecreation Recreation all. Participants Activator, Activator, were fun was had by all. Participants were asked to wear askedfun was to wearhad Blueby all. and Par a humanticipants blue were circle asked was formed to wear at Blue and a human blue circle was formed at closing of the event with a prayer by Rosella Kinoshameg. 92 closingBlue and of the a eventhuman with blue a prayer circle by was Rosella formed Kinoshameg. at closing 92 ofparticipants the event attended with a and prayer offered by very Rosella positive Kinoshameg. 92 participants attended and offered very positive feedback to the event. feedbackparticipants to the attended event. and offered very positive feedback to the event.

World Diabetes Day—November 2015 World Diabetes Day—November 2015 This same theme was honored at the Annual Health Fair on November 16, 2015 to appeal to the hearts of concerned individualsThis samesame andtheme theme the was wasgeneral honored honored public at theat to the achieveAnnual Annual Health these Health Fairgoals. Fairon November on November 16, 2015 16, to2015 appeal to appeal to the hearts to the of hearts of concerned concernedindividuals individuals and the general and the p generalublic to publicachieve to achievethese goals. these goals.

BloodBlood Glucose screeningscreening for for the the community community is an is initiativean initiative that assiststhat assists in the earlyin the detection, early detection, management management and for the community is an initiative that assists in the early detection, management and preventionandBlood prevention Glucose of diabetes. of diabetes.screening 19 19adults adults were were screened screened in in 2 2 screening screening sessions.sessions. Initiatives werewere done done to to facilitate facilitate program elementsprevention of ofCare diabetes. and Treatment, 19 adults Prevention were screened and Promotion in 2 screening and Lifestyle sessions. Support, Initiatives including were Advanced done to facilitate Nursing programFoot program elements of Care and Treatment, Prevention and Promotion and Lifestyle Support, including Advanced Careelements Services of Care for individuals and Treatment, living withPrevention diabetes. and In Promotion 2015-2016 and twelve Lifestyle Foot CareSupport, clinics including were held Advanced providing Nursing for 561 Foo t Nursing Foot Care Services for individuals living with diabetes. In 2015-2016 twelve Foot Care clinics were held appointments.Care Services for individuals living with diabetes. In 2015-2016 twelve Foot Care clinics were held providing for 561 providingappointments. for 561 appointments. InIn February 20162016 at at the the annual annual “A Love “A Lovefor Yourself for Yourself Program” Program” event, the event theme, the was theme “Think wasPositive”. “Think Guest Positive”. Guest speakersspeakersIn February were 201 CherylCheryl6 at Shawana/Mental Shawanathe annual/Mental “A HealthLove Health Therapistfor TherapistYourself and EricaProgram”and EricaWeidl/Community eventWeidl,/Community the Nutritionist.theme Nutritionist.was LCHC “Think offered LCHCPositive”. offered Guest informationinformationspeakers were inin areasareas Cheryl of of acknowledging acknowledgingShawana/Mental our ourown Health own strengths, strengths, Therapist settin g settingand manageable Erica manageable Weidl goals/Community and goals the andbenefits Nutritionist.the benefitsof positive LCHCof positive offered thinkingthinkinginformation iinn healthy in areas living of andand acknowledging selfself care. care. our own strengths, setting manageable goals and the benefits of positive thinking in healthy living and self care.

“A “A Love Love for for Yourself” Yourself”—February—February 201 20166

A Pre-Diabetes session was held in October 2015. Commonly known as borderline diabetes, this session was held Ato Pre-Diabetesoffer information session on what was it held is and in Octoberthe healthy 2015. lifestyle Commonly choices known one can as makeborderline to help diabetes, prevent this or delaysession prediabetes was heldfrom tobecoming offer information type 2 diabetes. on what it is and the healthy lifestyle choices one can make to help prevent or delay prediabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes. “Just Move It” is a campaign to promote physical activity for Indigenous Peoples in North America in prevention of “JustDiabetes. Move This It” is activity a campaign was celebrated to promote for physical a second activity time withfor I ndigenousan 8 week PeoplesWalking challenge.in North America Upon registeringin prevention for ofthe Diabetes.program, blood This activitypressure, was random celebrated blood for sugar a second and timeweights with were an 8 takenweek Walkingand recorded. challenge. Participants Upon registering were given for a thepedometer program, and blood recorded pressure, their randomdaily walking blood amount sugar and on aweights calendar. were At taken the endand ofrecorded. the 8 weeks Participants, participants were returned given awith pedometer their calendar and recorded and had their their daily blood walking pressure, amount blood on a sugar calendar. and Atweight the end taken of theagain. 8 weeks, Accomplishments participants and returnedawareness with were their both calendar demonstrated and had with their 47 blood participants pressure, registering blood sugar and and32 completing weight taken the again.activity. Accomplishments and awareness were both demonstrated with 47 participants registering and 32 completing the activity. In the 2015-2016 fiscal year, two Integrated Diabetes Care Team Clinics were held. Following the completion of the InHealth the 2015-2016 Services Integration fiscal year, Funding two Integrated Project (HSIF)Diabetes and Care using Team the projectClinics developedwere held. toolsFollowing and theprocesses, completion Nipissing of theFirst Health Nation Services Health Services Integration continued Funding with Project the clinical (HSIF) tea andm usinvisitsg tothe serve project those developed living with tools diabetes and processes, and to continue Nipissingwith the goal First of Nation improving Health culturally Services safe continued diabetes cwithare. the 18 clinical clients teamwere seenvisits andto serve 6 referrals those facilitated.living with diabetes and to continue with the goal of improving culturally safe diabetes care. 18 clients were seen and 6 referrals Diabetes Prevention and Management—“It’s a Family Affair” This event was held for the community and their facilitated.families with the objective to enable community members to develop skills to practice healthy lifestyles in the areas of Diabeteseducation, Prevention nutrition and and physical Management—“It’s activity. Guest a Familyspeakers Affair” were: This event was held for the community and their families with the objective to enable community members to develop skills to practice healthy lifestyles in the • Nazneen/HCC Nurse—Spoke about the benefits of Healthy Living as a Family Unit areas of education, nutrition and physical activity. Guest speakers were: • Erika/Registered Dietician—Spoke about diabetes and healthy eating for Family • Nazneen• Ashley Mehdi/HCC Couchie/ Nurse—SpokeRecreation Activator about— theSpoke benefits about of the Healthy benefits Livi ofng activity as a Family in our Unit.daily lives. • Erika• Weidl/RegisteredGeorge Couchie/ Dietician—SpokeRedtail Hawk Consulting about diabetes and healthy eating for Family. • Ashley Couchie/Recreation Activator—Spoke about the benefits of activity in our daily lives. •Pr Georgeogram development Couchie/ Redtail relevant Hawk to bothConsulting the clinical —Spoke and education about traditional aspects teachings. of care is an ongoing task that will support the diabetes program goal of facilitating care and treatment for those people living with diabetes and those at risk of Programdeveloping development diabetes. This relevant activity to alignsboth the with clinical the NFN and strategic education plan aspects Goal #7, of careto develop is an ongoinga holistic task strategy that willto enhance health and social services. support the diabetes program goal of facilitating care and treatment for those people living with diabetes and those at risk of developing diabetes. This activity aligns with the NFN strategic plan Goal #7: to develop a holistic strategyNUTRITION to enhance health and social services.

Nutrition Assessment and Counselling NUTRITIONThis year the Registered Dietitian provided nutrition assessment and counselling services to 29 individuals or families. Topics included general healthy eating, diabetes, weight management, blood lipids management, and Nutrition Assessment and Counselling (CPNP) hypertension. This year the Registered Dietitian provided nutrition assessment and counselling services to 29 individuals or families.Canada PrenatalTopics included Nutrition general Program healthy eating, diabetes, weight management, blood lipids management, and hypertension.This program services pregnant women, new mothers and babies. This year there were 23 participants in the CPNP program. Of those, 10 were new to the program and 13 completed the program this year. Some of the services Canadaavailable Prenatalto these famNutritionilies include Program the Good Food Box Program and Milk Coupon Program. Over the year, a total of This140 Goodprogram Food services Boxes andpregnant Milk Coupons women, newwere mothers delivered and to CPNPbabies. participants. This year there were 23 participants in the CPNP program. Of those, 10 were new to the program and 13 completed the program this year. Some of the servicesGood Food available Box Program to these families include the Good Food Box Program and Milk Coupon Program. Over the year,The Good a total Food of 140 Box Good aims Food to promote Boxes healthyand Milk eating Coupons and werebring deliveredfresh food to into CPNP more participants. homes in our community. Each month, boxes are provided to CPNP participants, to eligible clients of the Food Bank through Aboriginal Diabetes Good Food Box Program The Good Food Box aims to promote healthy eating and bring fresh food into more homes in our community. Each month, boxes are provided to CPNP participants, to eligible clients of the Food Bank through Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) Food Security Funds, and to any members of the community who would like to purchase

33 Initiative (ADI) Food Security Funds, and to any members of the community who would like to purchase a box. This program continues to run the third week of each month, and staff of the Lawrence Commanda Health Centre, the Food Bank, and volunteers work together to assemble and deliver the Good Food Boxes. Each box includes a monthly newsletter with recipes and tips on healthy eating and activity.

General Nutrition Programming a box. This program continues to run the third week of each month, and staffThis of year, the Lawrencethe nutrition Commanda program had Health the opportunity to provide some activities for the Summer Children’s Program. Centre,Initiative the (ADI) Food Food Bank, Security and volunteers Funds, and work to together any members to assemble of the communityand deliverThe who childrenthe Goodwould took Foodlike part to Boxes. purchase in strawberry Each a box.box picking This and jam making, smoothie making, and some participation with an includesprogram a monthlycontinues newsletter to run the with third recipes week andof each tips onmonth, healthy and eating staff ofand theexperimental activity. Lawrence Commandavegetable container Health Centre,garden. the These activities gave the children the opportunity to learn some food skills, Food Bank, and volunteers work together to assemble and deliver theparticipate Good Food in someBoxes. traditional Each box food includes practices, a learn about why some foods are important and try new foods. The jam Generalmonthly Nutrition newsletter Programming with recipes and tips on healthy eating and activity. making seemed to be a hit with many kids and we look forward to hopefully doing it again next year! This year, the nutrition program had the opportunity to provide some activities for the Summer Children’s Program.General TheNutrition children Programming took part in strawberry picking and jam making, smoothie making, and some participation withThis an year,experimental the nutrition vegetable program container had the garden. opportunity These to activitiesprovide some gave activitiesthe children for the opportunitySummer Children’s to learn Program.some foodThe skills, children participate took part in some in strawberry traditional picking food practices, and jam learnmaking, about sm whyoothie some making, foods andare importantsome participation and try new with an experimental vegetable container garden. These activities gave the children the opportunity to learn some food skills, foods. The jam making seemed to be a hit with many kids and we look forward to hopefully doing it again next participate in some traditional food practices, learn about why some foods are important and try new foods. The jam year!making seemed to be a hit with many kids and we look forward to hopefully doing it again next year!

Summer Children’s Program Jam Making (June 2015) Community Kitchens These workshops give participants hands on experience preparing different recipes to help build skills in the kitchen and for some, a chance to taste new foods or recipes. Participants share a meal that they have cooked and take home pre-prepared meals for their families. There is also a nutrition component, where topics such as increasing fibre, decreasing salt, balancing meals, or reading nutrition labels are discussed. This year 7 workshops were held throughout the year, 5 of which were in collaboration with Ontario Works, with a total of 48 participants. Each SummerSummer Children’s Children’s Program Program Jam Jam Making Making (June (June community2015) 2015) kitchen focused on a different collection of recipes, such as slow cooker recipes, homemade soups, CommunityCommunity Kitchens Kitchens budget-friendly family meals, easy breakfasts and lunches, and quick suppers. TheseThese workshops workshops give give participants participants hands hands on on experience experience preparing preparing different different recipes recipes to to help help build build skills skills in in the the kitchen Nutrition Month kitchenand for and some, for some, a chance a chance to taste to tastenew newfoods foods or recipes. or recipes. Participants Participants share share a meal a meal that thatthey they have have cooked cooked and take home pre-prepared meals for their families. There is also a nutrition component,March is Nutrition where topicsMonth suchand thisas increasingyear the theme was Make Small Changes: One Meal at a Time. Events were and take home pre-prepared meals for their families. There is also a nutrition component, where topics such fibre, decreasing salt, balancing meals, or reading nutrition labels are discussed.organized throughoutThis year 7 theworkshops month. Onewere communityheld kitchen was held with a focus on homemade soups, which also asthroughout increasing thefibre, year, decreasing 5 of which salt, were balancing in collaborati meals, onor readinwith gOntario nutrition Works, includedlabels with are a discussed.adiscussion total of 48 onThis participants. reducing year 7 salt Each intake. Two nutrition label reading workshops were held where attendees workshopscommunity were kitchen held throughoutfocused on thea differentyear, 5 ofcollection which were of recipes,in collaboration such aslearned with slow Ontario morecooker about Works, recipes, reading with homemade a and total using of 48 soups, nutrition labels to choose healthier foods. Lastly, a Taste Test was held at the participants.budget-friendly Each family community meals, kitcheneasy breakfasts focused andon a lunches, different and collection quick suppers. of LCHC,recipes, where such communityas slow cooker members recipes, were encouraged to stop by and have a chance to taste a selection of healthy homemade soups, budget-friendly family meals, easy breakfasts and lunches,recipes, and from quick healthy suppers. drinks, to snacks, to a spin on burgers and dessert. In March, healthy foods were even Nutrition Month purchased to include in the Diner’s Club penny sale! NutritionMarch is Month Nutrition Month and this year the theme was Make Small Changes: One Meal at a Time. Events were Marchorganized is Nutrition throughout Month the and month. this year One the community theme was kitchen Make Smallwas held Changes: with a focusOne Meal on homemade soups, which also at includeda Time. Eventsa discussion were organizedon reducing throughout salt intake. the month.Two nutrition One community label reading kitchen workshops was were held where attendees heldlearned with a more focus about on homemade reading and soups, using whichnutrition also labels included to choose a discussion healthier on foods. reducing Lastly, salt a Taste Test was held at the intake.LCHC, Two where nutrition community label reading members workshops were encouraged were held to where stop attendeesby and have learned a chance more to taste a selection of healthy aboutrecipes, reading from and healthy using drinks,nutrition to labels snacks, to chooseto a spin healthier on burgers foods. and Lastly, dessert. a Taste In Test March, was healthy foods were even purchased to include in the Diner’s Club penny sale! held at the Lawrence Commanda Health Centre (LCHC), where community members were encouraged to stop by and have a chance to taste a selection of healthy recipes, from healthy drinks, to snacks, to a spin on burgers and dessert. In March, healthy foods were even purchased to include in the Diner’s Club penny sale! Nutrition Month 2016—Taste Test Session (March 2016) Other Over the year, the Community Nutritionist continued to work closely with otherOther NFN programs: • This included diabetes education to Home and Community Care staff, consulting,Over the year, as requested the Community on healthy Nutritionist continued to work closely with other NFN programs: snack or meal ideas for various programming, participating in the annual health• Thisfair, andincluded presenting diabetes at variouseducation to Home and Community Care staff, consulting, as requested on healthy snack or meal ideas for various programming, participating in the annual health fair, and presenting at diabetes events. various diabetes events. • The Community Nutritionist andNutrition Maternal Month Child 2016 Health—Taste Nurse Test collaborated Session (Ma to rchdevelop 2016) up-to-date Prenatal

Classes and were able to offer a set of classes in March 2016. These classes will be revised and continue to Other beOver offered the year, in following the Community years based Nutritionist on need continued in the community. to work closely The with Breastfeeding other NFN programs BINGO session: was open to staff• andThis community included diabetesmembers education to learn more to Home about and breastfeeding Community andCare its staff, benefits. consulting, A Gestational as requested Diabetes on healthy workshopsnack was heldor meal in partnership ideas for withvarious Southern programming, Ontario Aboriginalparticipating Diabetes in the Initiativeannual health to help fair, gather and stories present ing at for a gestationalvarious diabetes events.resource they are developing. Community members were invited to share their experiences with gestational diabetes or pregnancy and share traditional knowledge on pregnancy.

34 • The Community• TNutritionisthe Community and MaternalNutritionist Child and Health Maternal Nurse Child collaborated Health Nurse to develop collaborated up-to -todate develop Prenatal up -to-date Prenatal Classes and wereClasses able to andoffer were a set able of classes to offer ina Marchset of classes2016. Thesein March classes 2016. will These be revised classes and will continue be revised and continue • The Community Nutritionist and Maternal Child Health Nurse collaborated to develop up-to-date Prenatal to be offered in followingto be offered year sin based following on needyears in based the community. on need in Thethe community.Breastfeeding The BINGO Breastfeeding session wasBINGO session was Classes and were able to offer a set of classes in March 2016. These classes will be revised and continue openHealth to staff andopen community Services:to staff membersand community to learn members more about to learn breastfeeding more about and breastfeeding its benefits. and A G itsestational benefits. A Gestational to be offered in following years based on need in the community. The Breastfeeding BINGO session was Diabetes workshopDiabetes was held workshop in partnership was held with in partnershipSouthern Ontario with Southern Aboriginal Ontario Diabetes Aboriginal Initiative Diabetes to help Initiative to help Right openPath to staff Counselling and community members & Prevention to learn more about Services breastfeeding and its benefits. A Gestational gather stories for gathera gestational stories diabetesfor a gestational resource diabetes they are resource developing. they Communityare developing. members Community were invited members to were invited to Diabetes workshop was held in partnership with Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative to help share their experiencesshare their with experiences gestational withdiabe gestationaltes or pregnancy diabetes and or pregnancyshare traditional and shareknowledge traditional on knowledge on gather stories for a gestational diabetes resource they are developing. Community members were invited to pregnancy. pregnancy. share their experiences with gestational diabetes or pregnancy and share traditional knowledge on

GIYAK MOSENG—RIGHTpregnancy. PATH COUNSELLING & PREVENTION SERVICES

GIYAK MOSENGiyakGGIYAK —Moseng—TheRIGHT MOSEN PATH GRight COUNSELLING—RIGHT Path continuesPATH &COUNSELLING PREVENTION to strive to offer &SERVICES PREVENTION professional, culturallySERVICES safe counselling services to

members of the community across the life span. There was a position vacancy within our Child & Youth Mental GIYAK MOSENG—RIGHT PATH COUNSELLING & PREVENTION SERVICES Giyak Moseng—GiyakThe Right Moseng Path— Thecontinues Right toPath strive continues to offer to professional, strive to offer culturally professional, safe counselling culturally safeservices counselling to services to Health and Addictions Worker (CYMHAW) team from October 2015 to March 2016. As a result, a waitlist was members of the memberscommunity of across the community the life span. across There the lifewas span. a position There vacancy was a positionwithin our vacancy Child &within Youth our Mental Child & Youth Mental establishedGiyak Moseng with —regularThe Right reviews Path that continues resulted into astrive triage to component offer professional, to ensure culturallychild and safeyouth counselling needs were services being to Health and AddictionsHealth Workerand Addictions (CYMHAW) Worker team (CYMHAW) from October team 2015 from to OctoberMarch 2016.2015 toAs March a result, 2016. a waitlist As a result,was a waitlist was metmembers during thisof the time. community The position across vacancy the life was span. filled There effective was Aprila position 4, 2016 vacancy and a full within team our complement Child & Youth has Mental established with regularestablished reviews with that regular resulted reviews in a thattriag resultede component in a triag to ensuree component child and to ensureyouth needs child andwere youth being needs met were being met Health and Addictions Worker (CYMHAW) team from October 2015 to March 2016. As a result, a waitlist was during this resumed.time. during The Theposition this four time. vacancy(4) CYMHAWThe positionwas filled continue vacancy effective to wasexperience April filled 4, effective2016 high and demand April a full 4, forteam 2016 services complement and a as full noted team has through complementresumed. steady has resumed. established with regular reviews that resulted in a triage component to ensure child and youth needs were being met The four (4)referrals. CYMHAWThe Theyfour continue (4) focus CYMHAW onto experienceintegrating continue culturallyhigh to demandexperience based for wellness highservices demand servicesas noted for servicesfor thro ourugh community as steady noted referrals. thro youthugh and steady They the 8referrals. They during this time. The position vacancy was filled effective April 4, 2016 and a full team complement has resumed. focus on integratingadditionalfocus culturally communities on integrating based they wellnessculturally serve. Aservicesbased core philosophywellness for our communityservices of the entire for youth our Right community and Path the program8 youthadditional isand culture communitiesthe 8 as additional treatment communities with The four (4) CYMHAW continue to experience high demand for services as noted through steady referrals. They they serve. A corethey philosophy serve. A ofcore the philosophy entire Right of Paththe entire program Right is Pathculture program as treatment is culture with as demonstrated treatment with effort demonstrated at effort at demonstratedfocus on integrating effort at culturallyfacilitating based access wellness to traditional services resources for our incommunity the community youth inand addition the 8 toadditional opportunities communities to facilitating accessfacilitating to traditional access resources to traditional in the communityresources in in the addition community to opportunities in addition to to increase opportunities staff knowledgeto increase in staff knowledge in increasethey serve. staff knowledgeA core philosophy in this area. of the Once entire again, Right our Path outcome program data is cultureindicates as the treatment use of traditionalwith demonstrated services aseffort a at this area. Once thisagain, area. our Onceoutcome again, data our indicates outcome the data use indicates of traditional the useservices of traditional as a strong services component as a strong to mental component to mental strongfacilitating component access to to mental traditional health resources and addiction in the communityservices as in demonstrated addition to opportunities through consistent to increase number staff knowledgeof referrals in health and addictihealthon services and addicti as demonstratedon services asthrough demonstrated consistent through number consistent of referrals number to traditional of referrals services to traditional (both services (both this area. Once again, our outcome data indicates the use of traditional services as a strong component to mental internal andto external) traditionalinternal in the servicesand past external) year. (both in internal the past and year. external) in the past year. health and addiction services as demonstrated through consistent number of referrals to traditional services (both

internal and external) in the past year.

8th Annual Mental8th Illness Annual Awareness Mental Illness Week Awareness “Let’s Face Week This” “Let’s Face This” Survivor of Suicide Survivor Awareness of Suicide Awareness 8th Annual Mental Illness Awareness Week Survivor of Suicide Awareness Day— Day—November th Day 30, —2015November 30, 2015 8 Annual Mental Illness Awareness Week “Let’s Face This” th Survivor of Suicideth Awareness October 7, 2015 —October17“Let’s Attended Face7, 2015 This” —17 Attended November 5 Annual 30, 2015 Embrace 5 Annual Embrace Day—November 30, 2015 Life Event Life EventOctober 7, 2015 — 17 Attended 5th Annual Embrace Life Eventth October 7, 2015—17 Attended 5 Annual Embrace Community GuestCommunity SpeakersCommunity GuestJune CommandaSpeakers Guest Speakers: June & Judy Commanda Couchie & Judy CouchieGuestGuest Speakers: Speakers: LisaGuest Beaucage Lisa BeaucageSpeakers: & Mike Lisa Beaucage Life Event & Mike Sawyer—&24 Mike attended Sawyer —24 attended CommunityJune Guest Commanda Speakers & JuneJudy CommandaCouchie & Judy Couchie Sawyer—24Guest attended Speakers: Lisa Beaucage

& Mike Sawyer—24 attended Funding allowed Fundingfor the extension allowed forof the extensionElder In Residence of the Elder program, In Residence developed program, last year developed for each last of ouryear member for each of our member Funding allowed for the extension of the Elder In Residence program, developed last year for each of our member communities to bettercommunities connect to availablebetter connect Elders availableand Traditional Elders Knowledgeand Traditional Keepers Knowledge to children/youth Keepers toand children/youth their and their Funding allowed for the extension of the Elder In Residence program, developed last year for each of our member families for communitiessupportfamilies and guidance. tofor better support connect This and program guidance. available was ThisElders also program extended and Traditional was to alsoour adultKnowledgeextended services to Keepers our to supportadult to services children/youth treatment to support plans. and treatment their plans. communities to better connect available Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers to children/youth and their In addition, familiesNationalIn foraddition, Aboriginal support National andYouth guidance. AboriginalSuicide This Prevention Youth program Suicide Strategy was Prevention also (NAYSPS) extended Strategy fundingto our (NAYSPS) adult has servicesbeen funding identified to support has for been Thetreatment identified for The families for support and guidance. This program was also extended to our adult services to support treatment plans. Right Path plans.with Righta Inmandate addition, Path withof National youth a mandate suicideAboriginal ofprevention youth Youth suicideSuicide and in preventionPreventiontervention. and Strategy Efforts intervention. (NAYSPS)to plan andEfforts funding offer to communityhasplan been and identified offer community for In addition, National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NAYSPS) funding has been identified for The programming for programmingyouth to build forresilience youth to and build life resilience promotion and activities life promotion is anticipated. activities is anticipated. TheRight Right Path Path with with a amandate mandate of of youth suicide preventionprevention andand intervention. intervention. Efforts Efforts to planto plan and andoffer offer community community

programmingprogramming for for youth youth to to build build resilience resilience and and lifelife promotionpromotion activities is anticipated.

Mental Health AwarenessMental Health Week Awareness—May 2015 Week —May 2015 Chili Cook Off—Chili28 attended Cook Off —28 attended Mental Health Awareness Week—May 2015 Mental Health Awareness Week—May 2015 Chili Cook Off—28 attended Chili Cook Off—28 attended

Several in house training sessions occurred for our program staff which focused on trauma informed approaches, motivational interviewing and “Seeking Safety” model for the treatment of intergenerational trauma and addiction for Indigenous peoples. Partnerships and collaboration both within and external to NFN remain a strong component of the program. Two senior clinical staff continue to act as representatives on 2 long standing committees; Drug Strategy Committee,

35 Several in house training sessions occurred for our program staff which focused on trauma informed approaches, motivationalSeveral Severalin house interviewing in traininghouse trainingsessions and sessions“Seeking occurred occurred Safety”for our forprogram model our program forstaff the which stafftreatment focused which focused ofon intergenerationaltrauma on traumainformed informed approaches, trauma approaches, and add iction for Indigenousmotivationalmotivational interviewingpeoples. interviewing and “Seeking and “Seeking Safety” Safety”model formodel the treatmentfor the treatment of intergenerational of intergenerational trauma traumaand add andiction add foriction for Several in house training sessions occurred for our program staff which focused on trauma informed approaches, IndigenousIndigenous peoples. peoples. motivational interviewing and “Seeking Safety” model for the treatment of intergenerational trauma and addiction for IndigenousPartnershipsPartnerships peoples. and and collaboration collaborationand collaboration both bothwithin both within and within exte and andrnal exte to NFNrnalrnal to remainto NFN NFN remaina strongremain a componentstrong a strong component ofcomponent the program.of the program.of Twothe program. Two Two senior clinicalseniorclinical clinicalstaff staff continue staffcontinue continue to act to astoact representativesact as as representatives representatives on 2 long onon standing2 2long long standing committees;standing committees; committees; Drug Strategy Drug StrategyDrug Committee, Strategy Committee, Committee, PartnershipsAllianceAlliance Center Center and collaborationProgramCenter Program Program Advisory bothAdvisory Advisory withinCommittee Committeeand Committee exteandrnal West andandto NipissingNFN WestWest remain Nipissing Nipissing Suicide a strong SuicideTask Suicide component Force. Task Task Force.These of Force. the committeesT heseprogram. T committeeshese support Two committees support support senior clinical staff continue to act as representatives on 2 long standing committees; Drug Strategy Committee, partnerships,Alliancepartnerships, collaborationCenter collaboration collaborationProgram and Advisoryandcontribute and contribute contribute Committee to improving to to improving improvingand local West services local Nipissinglocal services andservices Suicidesystems and and Tasksystems that systems Force.are thataccessed Thesearethat accessed are by committees NFN accessed bycitizens. NFN support bycitizens. NFN citizens. AllianceThe Right CenterThe Path Right Program has Path also Advisoryhas participated also Committeeparticipated in recent andin consultationrecent West consultationNipissing sessions Suicide sessions with Task the with NorthForce. the Bay North T heseRegional Bay committees Regional Health CenterHealthsupport foCenter r for The partnerships,Right Path hascollaboration also participated and contribute in recent to improving consultation local services sessions and systemswith the that North are Bayaccessed Regional by NFN Health Center for partnerships,improvedimproved service collaborationservice servicedelivery delivery and delivery as contributewell as aswellas wellwith asto asimprovingthe with with Center the the local CenterforCenter Addiction services forfor Addiction Addiction andand systemsMental and and HealthMental that Mental are (CAMH)Health accessed Health (CAMH) toward by (CAMH) NFN antoward anticipatedcitizens. towardan anticipated an anticipated TheService Rightcitizens. ServiceCollaboratiPath has The Collaborati also veRight for participated thePathve Nipissing for has the alsoin Nipissing recentDistrict. participated consultation District. in recent sessions consultation with the sessions North Bay with Regional the North Health Bay CenterRegional fo rHealth improvedService Center service Collaborati for deliveryimprovedve as for service well the as Nipissing delivery with the as CenterDistrict. well asfor with Addiction the Center and Mental for Addiction Health and(CAMH) Mental toward Health an (CAMH) anticipated toward Service The senior anCollaboratiThe anticipated clinical seniorve staff clinicalfor Service the of thestaffNipissing Collaborative program of the District. program participated for the participated Nipissing in 2 scheduled in District. 2 scheduled Diabetes Diabetes Integrated Integrated Care Clinic Cares withinClinic sthe within Health the Health TheCentre senior inCentre September clinical in September staff2015 ofand 2015 the March programand 2016.March participated Wellness2016. Wellness screens in 2 screens scheduledwere provided were Diabetes provided to participants toIntegrated participants in a “ worldCare in a caféClinic“world” style scafé within ” style the Health TheCentreevent seniorThe toevent inbridgeclinical senior September to access bridgestaffclinical of accessand the staff2015 coordinationprogram of and andthe coordinationprogram participatedMarch of services participated2016. of in services 2to Wellnessscheduled members in to2 scheduledmembers withDiabetesscreens diabetes with Diabetes Integratedwere diabetes and provided orIntegrated Care preand diabetes orClinic to pre Care participantss diabetes within who Clinics may the who within Healthnot in may hava the “ eworldnot hav cafée ” style Centreeventa primary Healthin toaSeptember primarycarebridge Centre provider. careaccess 2015in Septemberprovider. and and March coordination 2015 2016. and Wellness March of services 2016. screens Wellness to weremembers providedscreens with wereto diabetesparticipants provided and into aparticipantsor “ worldpre diabetes café in” stylea “world who may not have eventa primary tocafé” bridge stylecare access event provider. and to bridgecoordination access of andservices coordination to members of services with diabetes to members and or with pre diabetes whoand mayor pre not diabetes have who a primarymay care not provider. have a primary care provider.

Kids Can Kids Cook Can with Cook Confidence with Confidence—Level— 1 Level 1 Kids CanKids Cook Can with Cook with

Confidence KidsConfidence Can— LevelCook— 1with Level Confidence—Level 1 1 Kids Can Cook with Confidence—Level 1 Kids Can May Cook 2015 Maywith— 6 2015Confidence participants—6 participants— Level 1 FebruaryKids FebruaryCan 2016 Cook— 72016 withparticipants— 7 participants May 2015—6 participants February 2016—7 participants Confidence — Level Kids 1 Can Cook with Confidence—Level 1 Kids Can Cook with The RightThe ConfidencePath Right program Path Mayprogram —continuesLevel 2015 continues— 1 to6 participantscoordinate to coordinate and support and supportthe Niwiidooktadmin the NiwiidooktadminFebruary CIRT 2016 Team— CIRT7 participants for Team NFN for with NFN ongoing with ongoing effortsThe aimedefforts Right ataimed Path recruitment. programat recruitment. continuesWiidooktaadyang Wiidooktaadyang to coordinate is moving and is support movingforward the forwardwith Niwiidooktadmin full with band full staff band CIRTtraining/orientation staff Team training/orientation for NFN heldwith in held in TheNovember Rightongoing NovemberPath 2015. programefforts Identified2015. aimed continues Identified atchampions May recruitment. to 2015coordinatechampions from— 6 Wiidooktaadyang eachparticipants andfrom departmentsupport each department the is attendedNiwiidooktadmin moving attended a forward meeting aCIRT with meeting in February full Team February band in forFebruary staff2016 NFN 2016 training/orientation withwith 2016 — aongoing mandate7 with participants a mandate effortstoward aimedheld implementationtoward in atNovember implementationrecruitment. and 2015. communication. Wiidooktaadyang andIdentified communication. champions This is longmoving This from standing long forwardeach standing initiative departmen with initiative forfull tNFN attendedband for has staffNFN reached a meeting training/orientationhas reached a thoughtfully in February a thoughtfully heldprepared 2016 in prepared NovemberThe Right 2015. Path Identified program champions continues from to each coordinate department and attended support a themeeting Niwiidooktadmin in February 2016 CIRT with Team a mandate for NFN with ongoing approachwithapproach ato mandate better to serve better toward community serve implementation community members members and requiring communication. requiring extensive extensive Thissupports long supports tostanding address to initiativeaddress their health fortheir NFN and health hassocial and reached needs social a needs towardeffortsfrom aimplementation coord fromaimed inateda coord at communityrecruitment.inated and communication. community based Wiidooktaadyang response based This response longstrongl standingy strongl rooted is movinginitiativey in rooted cultural forforwardin culturalknowledge.NFN has withknowledge. reached full band a thoughtfully staff training/orientation prepared held in thoughtfully prepared approach to better serve community members requiring extensive supports to address their approachNovember to better 2015. serve Identified community champions members requiring from each extensive department supports attended to address a theirmeeting health in and February social needs 2016 with a mandate health and social needs from a coordinated community based response strongly rooted in cultural knowledge. fromtoward a coord implementationinated community and based communication. response strongl Thisy rooted long in standingcultural knowledge. initiative for NFN has reached a thoughtfully prepared

approach to better serve community members requiring extensive supports to address their health and social needs from a coordinated community based response strongly rooted in cultural knowledge.

5th Annual5th AnnualNational National Suicide Suicide Prevention Prevention Day—September Day—September 20, 2015 20, 2015 ARGS SeniorARGS LunchSenior &Lunch Learn &— Learn— 5th Annual National Suicide Prevention Day ARGS Senior Lunch & Learn GamblingGambling Awareness Awareness th 5 Annual Guest National Speaker: Guest SuicideSpeaker: DebbieSeptember Prevention DebbieDenard 20, Denard / DayYouth 2015— September /Suicide Youth Suicide Coach 20, 2015 forCoach for —Gambling ARGS Senior Awareness Lunch September & Learn September— 16, 16, Gambling2015— 62015 AwarenessattendedGuest—6 attended Speaker: Debbie Denard / Youth Suicide September 16, 2015—20 attended Ontario Guest Ontario Speaker:CentreCoach Centrefor Debbie Excellence for forOntario DenardExcellence for Centre /Child Youth forfor & Child SuicideExcellenceYouth & Mental YouthCoach MentalHealth forGuest Health Speaker: Jonathon Guest Collins Speaker: Guest September & Darren Speaker: Moulaison 16, 2015—6 attended Jonathon Jonathon Collins Collinsfor& Darren Child & &DarrenMoulaison Youth MoulaisonMental of Health of of Community Counselling Centre North Bay Ontario5 th Annual Centre National for Excellence Suicide 20 forAttended PreventionChild 20 Attended & Youth Day Mental — September Health 20, 2015 Community Guest Community Speaker:ARGSCounselling CounsellingSenior Centre Lunch Centre & Learn — JonathonNorthHealth BayNorth Collins Promotion Bay & Darren for Moulaisonboth mental of health and addictions remains an active component of the Right Path program. Gambling Awareness 20 Attended Community Counselling Centre Ongoing annual events and activities as well as new initiatives aim to increase awareness and knowledge, North Health BayGuest PromotionHealth Speaker: Promotion for both Debbiefor mental both Denardmentalhealth andhealth / Youth addictions and Suicideaddictions remains Coach remains an active for an componentactive component of the Right of the Path Right program. Path September program. 16, Targetedprovide information areas include and support,responsible identify gambling, early intervention mental health opportunities, literacy, addidevelopctions skills through and encourage dedicated communityawareness 2015Ongoingsessions—Ongoing6 annual attended to specificeventsannual and eventsgroups activities andand activitieslarge as well community asas wellnew aeventinitiativess news overinitiatives aim the to course increaseaim to of increase the awareness year. awareness and knowledge, and knowledge, provide provide Health informationOntario Promotionaction.information Centre and Targeted forsupport, forandboth areas Excellence support, mentalidentify include health identifyearly responsiblefor andintervention earlyChild addictions intervention &gambling, Youthopportunities, remains Mentalopportunities,mental an develop healthactiveHealth developcomponentliteracy, skills and addictionsskills encourageof andthe Rightencouragethrough community Path Guest dedicated program.community Speaker:action. action. OngoingJonathonawareness annual Collins events sessions &and Darren activitiesto specific Moulaison as groupswell as andofnew large initiatives community aim to eventsincrease over awareness the course and of the knowledge, year. provide information and support, identify 20early Attended intervention opportunities, develop skills and encourageCommunity community action.Counselling Centre North Bay

Health Promotion for both mental health and addictions remains an active component of the Right Path program. Ongoing annual events and activities as well as new initiatives aim to increase awareness and knowledge, provide information and support, identify early intervention opportunities, develop skills and encourage community action.

Annual Walk Against Drinking & Driving Annual Walk Against Drinking & Driving June 2015—46 attended June 2015—46 attended The Right Path program has developed, delivered or partnered36 on a number of information sessions and workshops to community in the last year; some of which are annual events the community looks forward to as noted through the high attendance. Throughout this article are just a few highlights/pics of various events held throughout the 2015- 2016 year.

Community Wellness Dance/February 2016—58 attended

The Right Path is an active department offering services from promotion, prevention and intervention services. We strive to remain current in our program philosophy and design that aligns with national and provincial dialogues such as the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework (FNMWCF). Our work also builds on Indigenous knowledge and best practices in trauma informed care that is intended to strengthen wellness in the community.

ARGS Poker Walk—Garden Village ARGS Poker Walk-- Duchesnay February 2016—15 attended March 3, 2016—9 attended

As NFN Strategic Plan notes the significant importance of culture and language (Goal #3) so too has The Right Path dedicated our efforts to ensure that use of cultural interventions is a central component of our work and an option for all who wish to pursue wellness through cultural practices and knowledge. Our department has also been active in contributing toward Goal #6 in the development of a comprehensive service coordination strategy to benefit all citizens who seek services from NFN. We anticipate that our department will benefit greatly from a holistic coordination of services that is also rooted in cultural practices to ensure those we work with are able to achieve wellness in their lives and look forward to enhancing partnership and collaborative opportunities. Both of these goals, Targeted areas include responsible gambling, mental health literacy, addictions through dedicated awareness sessions to specific groups and large community events over the course of the year.

Targeted areas include responsible gambling, mental health literacy, addictions through dedicated awareness sessions to specific groups and large community events over the course of the year.

Annual Walk Against Drinking & Driving June 2015 —46 attended Annual Walk Against Drinking & Driving The Right Path program has developed,June delivered 2015— or46 partneredattended on a number of information sessions and workshops to community in the last year; some of which are annual events the community looks forward to as noted through the TheThe Right Right Path Path program program has has developed, developed,Annual delivereddelivered Walk or orAgainst partneredpartnered Drinking onon aa number number& Driving ofof informationinformation sessionssessions and workshops workshopshigh attendance. to community Throughout in the last year;this article some ofare which just are a fewannual highlight eventss/pics the community of various looks events forward held to asthroughout the 2015- to2016 community year. in the last year; some of which areJune annual 2015 —events46 attended the community looks forward to as noted through the notedhigh attendance.through the highThroughout attendance. this article Throughout are just this a articlefew highlight are justs/pics a few of highlights/pics various events of held various throughout events heldthe 2015 - throughout2016The yearRight. the Path 2015-2016 program hasyear. developed, delivered or partnered on a number of information sessions and workshops to community in the last year; some of which are annual events the community looks forward to as noted through the high attendance. Throughout this article are just a few highlights/pics of various events held throughout the 2015- 2016 year.

CommunityCommunityCommunity Wellness Wellness Wellness Dance/February Dance/February Dance/February 2016—58 2016—58 attended 2016 attended— 58 attended

The Right Path is an active department offering services from promotion, prevention and intervention services. We The Right Path is an activeCommunity department Wellness offering Dance/February services from 2016 promotion,—58 attended prevention and intervention services. We Thestrive Right to remain Path is current an active in our department program philosophyoffering services and design from promotion,that aligns preventionwith national and and intervention provincial dialoguesservices. such strive to remain current in our program philosophy and design that aligns with national and provincial dialogues such Weas strivethe First to remain Nations current Mental in ourWellness program Continuum philosophy Framework and design (FNMWCF). that aligns with Our national work also and buildsprovincial on Indigenous The Right Path is an active department offering services from promotion, prevention and intervention services. We dialoguesknowledgeas the Firstsuch and as bestNations the practices First Me Nationsntal in trauma Wellness Mental informed Wellness Continuum care Continuum that isFramework intended Framework to strengthen(FNMWCF). (FNMWCF). wellness OurOur in work workthe community. also also builds builds on on Indigenous strive to remain current in our program philosophy and design that aligns with national and provincial dialogues such Indigenous knowledge knowledge and best and practices best practices in trauma in trauma informed informed care carethat thatis intended is intended to tostrengthen strengthen wellness wellness inin the community. as the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework (FNMWCF). Our work also builds on Indigenous community.knowledge and best practices in trauma informed care that is intended to strengthen wellness in the community.

ARGS Poker Walk—Garden Village ARGS Poker Walk-- Duchesnay ARGS Poker ARGS February ARGS Walk—Garden Poker Poker 2016 Walk— Walk15— Village Garattended—denGar Villageden Village ARGS Poker Walk—Duchesnay March ARGS3, 2016 Poker—9 attendedARGS Walk-- Poker Walk--

DuchesnayDuchesnay February 2016—15 attended March 3, 2016—9 attended As NFN Strategic Plan February notes the 2016 significant—15 attended importance of culture and language (Goal March #3) 3, so 2016 too— has9 attended The Right Path February 2016—15 attended March 3, 2016—9 attended Asdedicated NFN Strategic our efforts Plan to notes ensure the that significant use of cultural importance interventions of cultur eis and a central language component (Goal #3) of ourso toowork has and The an Right option for all As who NFN wish Strategic to purs Planue wellnessnotes the through significant cultural importance practices of cultureand knowledge. and language Our (Goal department #3) so toohas has also The been Right active Path in Path dedicated our efforts to ensure that use of cultural interventions is a central component of our work and an contributingAsdedicated NFN Strategic our toward efforts GoalPlan to ensure #6notes in thatt hethe usedevelopment significant of cultural importanceinterventionsof a comprehensive ofis aculture central service andcomponent languagecoordination of our (Goal workstrategy #3)and soanto optiontoobenefit has for all The Right Path optioncitizensdedicatedall who for whowishall whoour seekto purseffortswish servicesu eto wellnesstopursue ensure from wellness through NFN.that use culturalthrough We of anticipate culturalpractices cultural interventions practicesthatand knowledge.our anddepartment knowledge.is aOur central departmentwill Ourbenefit component department hasgreatly also of frombeenhas our also workactivea holistic andin an option for beencoordinationallcontributing who active wish in of towardcontributing toservices purs Goalu ethat toward#6wellness isin also tGoalhe rooteddevelopmentthrough #6 in inthe cultural development of a practicespracticescomprehensive of ato comprehensive andensure knowledge.service those coordination we service work Our coordination withdepartment strategy are able to strategy benefithasto achieve also all been active in towellnesscontributing citizensbenefit inwhoall their citizens towardseek lives services andwho Goal lookseek from#6 forwardservices in NFN. t heto from enhancing developmentWe NFN. anticipate partnershipWe anticipate ofthat a our andcomprehensive that departmentcollaborative our department will opportunities.service benefit will benefit coordinationgreatly Both greatlyfrom of these afromstrategy holistic goals, a to benefit all holisticcitizenscoordination coordination who of seekservices of servicesservices that is that alsofrom is rootedalso NFN. rooted in cultural We in cultural anticipatepractices practices t o thatensure to ourensure those department those we work we work withwill arewithbenefit able are able togreatly achieve to from a holistic wellness in their lives and look forward to enhancing partnership and collaborative opportunities. Both of these goals, achievecoordination wellness of in services their lives that and lookis also forward rooted to enhancing in cultural partnership practices and to ensurecollaborative those opportunities. we work with Both are of able to achieve thesewellness goals, in cultural their lives and collaborationand look forward across to departments, enhancing arepartnership central components and collaborative to the Right opportunities. Path program Both of these goals, philosophy and match the national work of the FNMWCF. In the upcoming year The Right Path remains committed to finding pathways to increase access to alternative therapies to address wellness including meditation, continued relationship building/partnering and offering groups or workshops dedicated to common mental health and addictions issues presented within the community. Wiiddooktaadyang will be a priority for implementation in better supporting our members who have complex needs and/or requiring the services of multiple departments.

37 cultural and collaboration across departments, are central components to the Right Path program philosophy and match the national work of the FNMWCF. cultural and collaboration across departments, are central components to the Right Path program philosophy and match the national work of the FNMWCF. In the upcoming year The Right Path remains committed to finding pathways to increase access to alternative therapies to address wellness including meditation, continued relationship building/partnering and offering groups or In the upcoming year The Right Path remains committed to findingworkshops pathways dedicated to increase to common access tomental alternative health and addictions issues presented within the community. therapies to address wellness including meditation, continued relationshipWiiddooktaadyang building/partnering will be a andpriority offering for implementation groups or in better supporting our members who have complex needs workshops dedicated to common mental health and addictionsand/or issues requiring presented the services within of multiple the departments.community. Wiiddooktaadyangcultural and collaboration across will departments,be a priority are central for implementationcomponents to the Right in Path better program supporting philosophy and our members who have complex needs match the national work of the FNMWCF. cultural and collaborationand/or Health across requi ringdepartments, the Services: services are of central multiple components departments. to the Right Path program philosophy and match the national work In ofthe theupcoming FNMWCF. year The Right Path remains committed to finding pathways to increase access HOMEto alternative & COMMUNITY CARE therapiesHome to address & wellnessCommunity including meditation, continued Care relationship building/partnering and offering groups or workshops dedicated to common mental health and addictions issues presented within the community. The Home and Community Care (HCC) Program works towards Nipissing First In the upcoming yearHOME WiiddooktaadyangThe Right & COMMUNITY Pathwill be aremains priority CAREfor implementation committed in betterto finding supporting pathwaysour members whoto haveincrease complex needsaccess to alternative and/or requiring the services of multiple departments. Nation’s overall vision, strategies and goals to enhance the health and wellness to therapies to address wellness including meditation, continued relationship building/partnering and offering groups or strengthen the individual, family and community. This is achieved by supporting our workshops dedicated to common mental health Theand Homeaddictions and Communityissues presented Care (HCC) within Program the community. works towards Nipissing First HOMEHOME & & COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CARE CARE member clients in their ability to live independently in the community by offering Wiiddooktaadyang will be a priority for implementationNation’s in better overall supporting vision, our strategies members and who goals have to complex enhance needs the health various and wellness services to such as case management, referrals, and linkages, client TheThe Home Home and Communityand Community Care (HCC) Care Program (HCC) works Program towards Nipissing works First towards Nipissing First Nation’s and/or requiring the services of multiple departments.Nation’s overall vision,strengthen strategies theand goals individual, to enhance family the health and and wellnesscommunity. to This is achieved assessment,by supporting home our care nursing, home support services (personal care and home strengthenoverall thevision, individual,member strategies family clients and community.and ingoals their This to is abilityenhance achieved to by the supportinglive health independently our and wellness in tothe strengthen communitymanagement/maintenance), the by offering in-home respite services, transportation and the member clients in their ability to live independently in the community by offering variousindividual, services variousfamily such asand caseservices community. management, such Thisreferrals, as is achievedcaseand linkages, management, by clientsupporting ourreferrals, member andclientsmedical linkages, in loan equipmentclient program. HOME & COMMUNITY CARE assessment,their ability homeassessment, to care live nursing, independently home home support care inservices the nursing, community (personal carehome byand offeringhomesupport various services services (personal such ascare case and home management/maintenance), in-home respite services, transportation and the medicalmanagement, loan equipmentmanagement/maintenance), referrals, program. and linkages, client in assessment,-home resp homeite services, care nursing, transportation homeHome support Support and theServices The Home servicesand Community (personalmedical care Careloan and equipment(HCC) home Program management/maintenance), program. works towards Nipissing in-home respiteFirst services,Our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are trained to assist in healthy meal Home Support Services Nation’s overallOurtransportation Personal vision, Support strategies and Workers the medical (PSWs)and goalsare loan trained toequipment enhanceto assist in program. preparation,healthythe health meal andbathing, wellness monitoring to of medications and other personal care for our member clients. Our PSWs along preparation, bathing,strengthen monitoring ofthe medications individual, andHome other family personalSupport and care community. forServices our member cli Thisents. Ouris withachieved PSWs our along Homemakers by supporting will our also provide homemaking duties for those who are not able to do so on their own safely. with our Homemakers will also provide homemaking duties for those who are not able to do so on their own safely. Home Supportmember Services clients in theirOur ability Personal to live Support independently Workers in (PSWs)the community are trained by offering to assist in healthy meal preparation,Our Personalvarious bathing, Support services Workersmonitoring (PSWs)suchOver of themedicationsas pastare caseyeartrained, HCC management, hastoand assistassisted other within healthy personalapproximately referrals, care63 member andfor ourlinkages, member client clients. Our PSWs alongOver the past year, HCC has assisted with approximately 63 member clients with one or more of the services we provide. We cater our clients with one or more of the services we provide. We cater our withmeal our preparation, Homemakersassessment, bathing, will home monitoring also providecareservices ofnursing, to medications homemakingthe needs home of our memberand support duties other clients for servicesthat those are within who(personal our scope are not care able and to do home so on their own safely. of work, which will help keep them in their homes and in the services to the needs of our member clients that are within our scope personal caremanagement/maintenance), for our member clients. Our PSWsin-home along resp withite our services, transportation and the community. Services vary depending on the member client’s abilities of work, which will help keep them in their homes and in the Homemakersmedical will also loan provide equipment homemakingto function program. independently. duties Overfor Service those the may whopast include areyear transportation , HCC for has assisted with approximately 63 member groceries or medicationsclients while others with may oneneed moreor more assistance of withthe services we provide. We cater our community. Services vary depending on the member client’s abilities not able to do so on their own safely.daily meal preparation, medication management and bathing. to function independently. Service may include transportation for Home Support Services services to the needs of our member clients that are within our scope groceries or medications while others may need more assistance with Over the pastOur year, Personal HCC has Support assisted Workerswith approximately (PSWs)of work, 63are which member trained will help to assistkeep them in healthy in their homesmeal and in the Our HCC Nurses provide assessments in order for us to meet the daily meal preparation, medication management and bathing. preparation, bathing, monitoringclients with ofone medications or more of the and services otherneeds of personalweour clients provide. and care community.assist We withfor cater th oure medical our memberServices and health cli varyissuesents. depending Our PSWs on thealong member client’s abilities services to the needs of our memberwith the clients clients. that are within our with our Homemakers will also provide homemaking duties for those whoto function are not independently.able to do so on Service their own may safely. include transportation for scope*9768 hours of ofwork, home whichsupport services will help were keep provided them in 2015 in-2016 their fiscal homesgroceries year. and inor the medications while others may need more assistance with Our HCC Nurses provide assessments in order for us to meet the community. Services vary HelpdependingOver Line the past on the year member, HCCdaily client’shas meal assisted abilitiespreparation, with approximately medication management 63 member and bathing. needs of our clients and assist with the medical and health issues to function independently. HCCServiceclients also withoffersmay oneHelpline,include or whichmore transportation is of a thepersonal services for response we provide. We cater our service. This service ensures our member clients who are with the clients. groceries or medications whilelivingservices otherson their to mayown the at needneeds home, more canof our getassistance memberquick assistance with clients that are within our scope wheneverof work, it iswhich needed will—24 helphoursOur keepa day. HCC themThe Nurses client in theirjust provide homes ass andessments in the in order for us to meet the daily meal preparation, medicationpresses the managementhelp button (pendant and or wristband) bathing. and a certified *9768 hours of home support services were provided in 2015-2016 fiscal year. Helplinecommunity. monitor will Servicesrespond, assess needsvary the situationdepending of our and clientscontact on the and member assist with client’s the medicalabilities and health issues Our HCC Nurses provide assessments in order for us to meet the needs of our clients and assist with the medical theto appropriatefunction help,independently. whether it withbe a neighbor, theService clients. relative may or include transportation for Help Line and health issues with the ambulance.clients. groceries or medications while others may need more assistance with HCC also offers Helpline, which is a personal response Transportation Services service. This service ensures our member clients who are *9768*9768 hours ofof homehome support supportThedaily services Homeservices meal and preparation,were wereCommunity provided provided medicationCare in 2015-2016inProgram 2015 management-2016offers fiscal fiscal year. year. and bathing. transportation services to our clients so they are able to living on their own at home, can get quick assistance perform their weekly errands. We offer transportation 3 days whenever it is needed—24 hours a day. The client just a week which includesHelp one LineNorthLine Bay trip and one Sturgeon Falls trip each day. Clients are required to book trips 24 hoursOur in advanceHCC Nursesto HCCensure wealso providealso are offersable offers to ass accommodate Helpline,e ssmentsHelpline, them.which in which orderis a personal foris usa to responsepersonal meet the service.response This servicepresses the help button (pendant or wristband) and a certified Helpline monitor will respond, assess the situation and contact *852 transportation trips were providedneeds in 2015-2016 of ourfiscalservice.ensures clientsyear. ourandThis member assist service with clients ensures the who medical areour living andmember onhealth their clients issues own at who home, are can get with the clients.livingquick assistanceon their wheneverown at ithome, is needed—24 can get hours quick a day. assistance The client justthe appropriate help, whether it be a neighbor, relative or ambulance. wheneverpresses the ithelp is buttonneeded (pendant—24 hours or wristband) a day. and The a certified client justHelpline

*9768 hours of home support services were provided in 2015pressesmonitor-2016 fiscalwill the respond, help year. button assess (pendant the situation or wristband) and contact and the a appropriatecertified help, Transportation Services Helpline monitor will respond, assess the situation and contact whether it be a neighbor, relative or ambulance. The Home and Community Care Program offers Help Line the appropriate help, whether it be a neighbor, relative or transportation services to our clients so they are able to HCC also offers Helpline, which is a personal response ambulance.Transportation Services perform their weekly errands. We offer transportation 3 days service. This service Theensures Home ourand Communitymember clients Care Programwho are a week which includes one North Bay trip and one Sturgeon Falls trip each day. living on their own Transportationoffersat home, transportation can Servicesget services quick to assistanceourClients clients are required to book trips 24 hours in advance to ensure we are able to accommodate them. whenever it is neededTheso— they 24 Homearehours able atoand day.perform Community The their clientweekly just Care Program offers presses the help buttontransportationerrands. (pendant We oroffer wristband)services transportation to and our *852 a3 certifieddaysclients transportation so they tripsare wereable provided to in 2015-2016 fiscal year. Helpline monitor will respond,performa week which assesstheir includesweekly the situation errands.one North and WeBay contact offertrip transportation 3 days and one Sturgeonthe Falls appropriate trip each day.help, Clients awheth week are erwhich requiredit be includes a toneighbor, book one trips North relative24 hoursBay tripor and one Sturgeon Falls trip each day. Clientsin advance are torequired ensureambulance. towe book are able trips to 24 accommodate hours in advance them. to ensure we are able to accommodate them.

*852*852 transportationTransportation trips trips were were provided provided Services in in2015-2016 2015-2016 fiscal fiscal year. year. The Home and Community Care Program offers transportation services to our clients so they are able to perform their weekly errands. We offer transportation 3 days a week which includes one North Bay trip and one Sturgeon Falls trip each day. Clients are required to book trips 24 hours in advance to ensure we are able to accommodate them.

*852 transportation trips were provided in 2015-2016 fiscal year.

38 SeasonalSeasonal Services Seasonal Services HCCHCC programprogram also providesprovides assistance with seasonal help around the home the home for memberHCC program clients also who provides are assistanceunable to withsafely seasonal do it help around for member clientsthe whohome are for unable member to safelyclients do who it themselves. are unable Thisto safely includes do it themselves. This includes snow removal, grass cutting, and snow removal, grassthemselves. cutting, andThis seasonalincludes housingsnow removal, cleaning. grass cutting, and seasonal housingseasonal cleaning. housing cleaning. *560 hours of seasonal services were provided in 2015-2016 fiscal year. *560 hours of seasonal*560 hours services of seasonal were servicesprovided were in 2015 provided-2016 in fiscal 2015 -2016 fiscal Respiteyear. year. HCC program also provides respite services for those member clients Respite that have a caregiverRespite living with them but is required to be away from the HCC program alsoHCC provideprograms alsorespite provide servicess respite for servicesthose member for those member homeclients for that appointments, haveclients a caregiver that work have livingor a personal caregiver with them care. living but Thiswith is required themensures but to theis berequired member to be clientsaway from are notthe lefthomeaway alone forfrom appointmentswhen the home in need for, appointmentsworkand provides or personal, work some care. or downpersonal This time care. for theThis caregivers.ensures the memberensures clients the member are not clients left alone are notwhen left inalone need when and in need and provides some downprovides time some for the down caregivers. time for the caregivers. *417 hours of respite services were provided in 2015-2016 fiscal year. *417 hours of respite*417 hoursservices of respite were providedservices werein 2015 provided-2016 infiscal 2015 year.-2016 fiscal year.

Security Checks HCC program offersSecurity security Checks checks for those member clients who are alone in the home. This service provides Security ChecksHCC program offers security checks for those member clients who are alone in the home. This service provides the theHCC member program client offersmember with security aclient check checkswith in a from check for thosethe in PSWfrom member the at PSWa timeclients at ina timewhichwho inare whichthey alone may they in be maythe in home.be need in need ofThis assistance of service assistance provides and and to to ensure theensure they theymember are safeclient in with aretheir asafe checkhomes. in their in from homes. the PSW at a time in which they may be in need of assistance and to ensure they are safe in their homes. *410 security checks*410 security were provided checks were in 2015-2016 provided in fiscal2015-2016 year. fiscal year. *410 security checks were provided in 2015-2016 fiscal year. Medical Loan EquipmentMedical Loan Equipment HCCMedical has Loan a number EquipmentHCC of has medical a number devices of medical that memberdevices that clients member may clients need may on a need short on term a short basis. term Webasis. loan We out loan equipment out equipment suchHCC ashas walkers, a numbersuch hand of as medical rails, walkers, commodes, devices hand rails,that and membercommodes, hospital clients bedsand mayhospital that need may beds onbe athatrequired short may term befor requirebasis.the member d We for loanthe client memberout toequipment remain client to remain safely in their home. safelysuch as in walkers,their home. hand rails, commodes, and hospital beds that may be required for the member client to remain safely in their home. Assisted Living Assisted LivingThis fiscal year was our second full year offering this program. Assisted Living Assisted Living Services provide member senior clients with a full range of personal support ThisThis fiscalfiscal yearyear waswas ourour secondsecond fullfull yearyear offeringoffering thisthis program.program. AssistedAssisted LivingLiving Services provideservices member on the senior 24 hours clients basis with as needed.a full range This ofaddresses personal the support needs of high risk Services provideseniors member who need senior daily clients personal with care, a full meal range preparation, of personal and securitysupport checks to servicesservices on theallow 24 hoursthemhours to basisbasis continue as as needed. needed.to safely This reside This addresses addressesat home. the the needs needs of highof high risk risk seniorsseniors whowho needneed daily personal care, meal preparation,preparation, and and security security checks checks to to allowallow them to Assistedcontinue living toto safely safely services reside reside are at intendedat home. home. to address the needs of high risk seniors so they are able to remain safely in their homes while reducing or avoiding AssistedAssisted livingunnecessary services areare hospitalizations, intendedintended to to address address emergency the the needs needsroom of visits ofhigh high riskand risk seniorsadmission seniors so to Long sothey they are are able ableTerm to to Careremain Homes. safelysafely inin their their homes homes while while reducing reducing or avoidingor avoiding unnecessaryunnecessary hospitalizations, hospitalizations, emergencyemergency roomroom visitsvisits andand admissi admissionon to to Long Long Term *4058 hours of assisted living services were provided in 2015-2016 fiscal year. CareTerm Homes.Care Homes.

*4058*4058 hours ofof assistedassistedThe Home living living and services servicesCommunity were were Care provided provided Program in in2015 supplements 2015-2-2016016 fiscal butfiscal year.does year. not replace clients' efforts to care for themselves with the assistance of their family, friends and the community. We help those who want keep their independence in TheThe HomeHome and CommunitytheirCommunity own home Care and Program to be close supplements to their loved butbut ones doesdoes as long notnot replaceasreplace possib clients'clients’le. efforts efforts to to carecare forfor themselvesthemselves withwith the assistance ofof theirtheir family,family, friendsfriends andand the the community. community. We We help help those those who who want want keep keep their their independence independence in in their own home and to be close to their loved ones as long as possible. their own home NONand -toINSURED be close HEALTH to their BENEFITSloved ones as long as possible.

Local Medical Transportation NON-INSUREDNON-INSURED HEALTH InHEALTH the 2015BENEFITS BENEFITS-2016 fiscal year, there were 1,676 bookings by clients for local medical transportation to North Bay, Sturgeon Falls or Verner. The responsibility still exists to coordinate these bookings in a cost-effective manner while LocalLocal Medical TransportationTransportationcontinuing to provide quality service. Therefore, clients are scheduled according to destination and appointment time. InIn thethe 20152015-2016-2016For fiscalfiscal both year, theyear, After there there Hours were were and 1,676 1,676Sudbury bookings bookings trips, by 534 clientsby trips clients werefor localfor record local medicaled . medical Overall, transportation transportation there were to 48 North ‘noto shows’ NorthBay, Bay,and 280 SturgeonSturgeon Falls ororcancellations Verner.Verner. The The documented. responsibility responsibility For still thisstill exists reportexists to 1 to32coordinate coordinate prescription/medical these these bookings bookings supply in pick a in cost aups cost-effective-effective are now mannerincluded manner whiledue towhile an ever continuingcontinuing toto provideprovideincreasing quality quality demand. service. service. Pick Therefore, Therefore,-ups are scheduledclients clients are areto scheduled coincide scheduled with according existingaccording toclients destination to destination transportation and andappointment services appointment as theytime. are not a time.For both For the both After thefunded Hours After service andHours Sudbury within and thisSudbury trips, program. 534 trips, trips 534 were trips record wereed recorded.. Overall, there Overall, were there 48 ‘no were shows’ 48 ‘no and shows’ 280 and 280cancellations cancellations documented. documented. For this For report this report132 prescription/medical 132 prescription/medical supply picksupply ups pick are upsnow areincluded now includeddue to an due ever to an increasing demand. Pick-ups are scheduled to coincide with existing clients transportation services as they are not a ever increasing demand. Pick-ups are scheduled to coincide with existing clients transportation services as they are funded service within this program. not a funded service within this program.

Long Distance Medical Transportation The Non Insured Health Benefits Coordinator is responsible to facilitate prior approvals, make accommodations arrangements where required, calculate advances, finalize detailed reporting for each trip and issue any remaining disbursements to clients. The NIHB Coordinator often acts as liaison between clients, services providers (pharmacies, physicians, etc.) and the First Nations and Inuit Health. For this report, 326 long distance medical referral trips were facilitated by the NIHB Coordinator.

39 Long Distance Medical Transportation Long Distance Medical Transportation The Non Insured Health Benefits Coordinator is responsible to facilitate prior approvals, make accommodations The Non Insured Health Benefits Coordinator is responsible to facilitate prior approvals, make accommodations arrangements where required, calculate advances, finalize detailed reporting for each trip and issue any remaining arrangements where required, calculate advances, finalize detailed reporting for each trip and issue any remaining disbursements to clients. The NIHB Coordinator oftenLong acts Distan as liaisonce Medical between Transpo clients,rtation services providers disbursements to clients. The NIHB Coordinator often acts as liaison between clients, services providers (pharmacies, physicians, etc.) and the First Nations Theand NonInuit InsuredHealth. Health For this Benefits report, Coordinator326 long distan is responsiblece medical to facilitate prior(pharmacies, approvals, make physicians, accommodations etc.) and the First Nations and Inuit Health. For this report, 326 long distance medical referral trips were facilitated by the NIHB Coordinator.arrangements where required, calculate advances, finalize detailed reportingreferral for each trips trip were and facilitated issue any by remaining the NIHB Coordinator. disbursements Healthto clients. The NIHBServices: Coordinator often acts as liaison between clients, services providers (pharmacies, physicians, etc.) and the First Nations and Inuit Health. For this report, 326 long distance medical TRADITIONAL HEALING referral trips wereTraditional facilitated by the Healing NIHB Coordinator. & Student PlacementsTRADITIONAL HEALING

During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Traditional Healing Services was able to provide 273 appointments for healer visits. During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Traditional Healing Services was able to provide 273 appointments for healer visits. There are currently 13 Healer and 10 helper portfoliosTRADITIONAL. Due to honorarium HEALING rates still being at a lower rate than other There are currently 13 Healer and 10 helper portfolios. Due to honorarium rates still being at a lower rate than other communities, only 3 of those healers are still currently visiting NipissingTRADITIONAL on a regular HEALING basis. Traditional Healing communities, only 3 of those healers are still currently visiting Nipissing on a regular basis. Traditional Healing During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Traditional Healing Services was able to provide 273 appointments for healer visits. Services links with the Non Insured Health Benefits program whereDuring NIHB the covers 2015-2016 travel fiscal expenses year, Traditionaland Traditional Healing Services was ableServices to provide links 273 with appointments the Non Insured for healer Health Benefits program where NIHB covers travel expenses and Traditional There are currently 13 Healer and 10 helper portfolios. Due to honorarium rates still being at a lower rate than other Healing Services covers honorariums. Traditional Healing Servicesvisits. was Therealso able are currently to provide 13 Healer linkage and healer 10 helper access portfolios. Due to Healinghonorarium Services rates still covers being athonorariums. a lower rate Traditional Healing Services was also able to provide linkage healer access communities, only 3 of those healers are still currently visiting Nipissing on a regular basis. Traditional Healing with OWL, Right Path Counselling & Prevention Services as well asthan the other Child communities, & Youth Mental only 3 ofHealth those andhealers Addicti are stillons currently visitingwith Nipissing OWL, Righton a regular Path Counsellingbasis. Traditional & Prevention Services as well as the Child & Youth Mental Health and Addictions Services links with the Non Insured Health Benefits program where NIHB covers travel expenses and Traditional programs. Healing Services links with the Non Insured Health Benefits program whereprograms NIHB. covers travel expenses and Healing ServicesTraditional covers Healinghonorariums. Services Tcoversraditional honorariums. Healing TraditionalServices wasHealing also Services able to was provide also able linkage to provide healer linkage access RECREATION with OWL, Righthealer Path access Counselling with OWL, & PreventionRight Path Counselling Services as& Prevention well as the Ser ChildvicesRECREATION as& Youthwell as Mentalthe Child Health & Youth and Mental Addicti Healthons programs. and Addictions programs. In accordance with the Nipissing First Nation Strategic Plan, In accordance with the Nipissing First Nation Strategic Plan, RECREATION Recreation strives to offer programs and activities which RECREATION Recreation strives to offer programs and activities which reflect upon “Developing a holistic strategy to enhance reflect upon “Developing a holistic strategy to enhance community health and well-being.” In accordance Inwith accordance the Nipissing with the First Nipissing Nation First Strategic Nation Strategic Plan, community health and well-being.” Recreation strivesPlan, Recreationto offer strivesprograms to offer and programs activities and activitieswhich Annual Events reflect upon “Developingwhich reflect upona holistic“Developing strategy a holistic to strategy enhance to Annual Events Annually, the Recreation Program hosts the Funcom formunity the healthenhance and wellcommunity-being.” health and well-being.” Annually, the Recreation Program hosts the Fun for the Health of It event in May. In May of 2015 the event was Annual Events Health of It event in May. In May of 2015 the event was hosted differently. We hosted a bubble soccerAnnual event. Events hosted differently. We hosted a bubble soccer event. Annually, the Annually,Recreation the RecreationProgram Programhosts hoststhe Funthe Fun for for the the Because we alternate the event, the 2015 event was held in Health of It event in May. In May of 2015 the event was Because we alternate the event, the 2015 event was held in Duchesnay. The bubble soccer was a hit! So muchHealth fun wasof It event in May. In May of 2015 the event was Duchesnay. The bubble soccer was a hit! So much fun was hosted differently.hosted differently.We hosted We hosteda bubble a bubble soccer soccer event.event. had by those who attended. Because we alternate the event, the 2015 event was had by those who attended. Because we alternate the event, the 2015 event was held in held in Duchesnay. The bubble soccer was a hit! So Duchesnay. The bubble soccer was a hit! So much fun was In addition, the Recreation Program partners with other programsmuch to funoffer was events had by by those supporting who attended. them through the In addition, the Recreation Program partners with other programs to offer events by supporting them through the inclusion of sport, fitness or physical activities. Thishad year, by those Recreation who attended. partnered in the following community events: inclusion of sport, fitness or physical activities. This year, Recreation partnered in the following community events: In addition, the Recreation Program partners with other programs to offer events by supporting them through the Walk Against Drinking and Driving, A Tribe Called Red Rez Tour, Personal Trainer Sessions, Gambling Awareness Walk Against Drinking and Driving, A Tribe Called Red Rez Tour, Personal Trainer Sessions, Gambling Awareness inclusion of sport, fitness or physical activities. This year, Recreation partnered in the following community events: Poker Walks, Physical Fitness/Activity and DiabetesIn Presentation, addition, the Solidarity Recreation Day, Program GPS work partners with Archeology with other summeprogramsr to offerPoker events Walks, by supporting Physical Fitness/Activity them through andthe Diabetes Presentation, Solidarity Day, GPS work with Archeology summer Walk Against Drinking and Driving, A Tribe Called Red Rez Tour, Personal Trainer Sessions, Gambling Awareness students, and our Annual NFN Bike Rodeo. inclusion of sport, fitness or physical activities. This year, Recreation partneredstudents, in theand followingour Annual community NFN Bike events: Rodeo. Poker Walks, Physical Fitness/Activity and Diabetes Presentation, Solidarity Day, GPS work with Archeology Walk Against Drinking and Driving, A Tribe Called Red Rez Tour, Personal Trainer Sessions, Gambling Awareness summer students, and our Annual NFN Bike Rodeo. Survival Walk in Dokis Poker Walks, Physical Fitness/Activity and Diabetes Presentation, SolidaritySurvival Day, GPS Walk work in withDokis Archeology summer students, and our Annual NFN Bike Rodeo. Youth took part in an outdoor survival walk in Dokis First SurvivalYouth Walk intook Dokis part in an outdoor survival walk in Dokis First

Nation with an experienced guide, Norm Dokis. He shared Youth tookNation part in with an outdoor an experienced survival walk guide, in Dokis Norm Dokis. He shared stories and legends and brought the group to a Survivaltrail called Walk in Dokis First Nationstories with anand experienced legends guide,and brought Norm Dokis. the group to a trail called “The Warriors Trail” where the Nipissing Warriors wouldYouth come took part in an outdoor survival walk in Dokis First He shared“The stories Warriors and legends Trail” andwhere brought the theNipissing group Warriors would come to get ready for battle by chipping stones into arrowNation heads withfor an experienced guide, Norm Dokis. He shared to a trail tocalled get “Theready Warriors for battle Trail” by where chipping the Nipissing stones into arrow heads for their battles. These chips can be seen at the locationstories today. and legends and brought the group to a trail called Warriorstheir would battles. come to getThese ready chips for battle can by be chipping seen at the location today. The Group enjoyed walking trails identifying “Theshrubs Warriors & Trail” where the Nipissing Warriors would come stones intoThe arrow Group heads enjoyedfor their battles. walking These trails chips identifying shrubs & vegetation that the group could use for first aid, whatto get to readyeat, for battle by chipping stones into arrow heads for can be seenvegetation at the location that th today.e group The Groupcould enjoyeduse for first aid, what to eat, and where to find local aquamarine gemstones. their battles. These chips can be seen at the location today. walking trailsand whereidentifying to findshrubs local and aquamarine vegetation that gemstones. the The Group enjoyed walking trails identifying shrubs & group could use for first aid, what to eat, and where to vegetation that the group could use for first aid, what to eat, find local aquamarine gemstones. and where to find local aquamarine gemstones. Paint Ball Paint Ball Paint Ball The Recreation ProgramThe Recreation has hosted Program a hascouple hosted of apaintball couple of paintballactivities activities this The Recreation Program has hosted a couple of paintball activities year. The event is geared towards youth aged 13 and up and is a fun-filled this year. The event is geared towards youth aged 13 and up and is this year. The event is geared towards youth aged 13 and up and is day competing as a team against friends. The group traveled to Pyramid a fun-filled day competing as a team against friends.Paint BallThe group a fun-filled day competing as a team against friends. The group Paintball in Bonfield and each time this activity has had rave reviews! traveled to Pyramid Paintball in Bonfield each time Theand hasRecreation had rave Program has hosted a couple of paintball activities traveled to Pyramid Paintball in Bonfield each time and has had rave reviews! this year. The event is geared towards youth aged 13 and up and is reviews! a fun-filled day competing as a team against friends. The group traveled to Pyramid Paintball in Bonfield each time and has had rave reviews!

Gym Nights During the school year from September to June, gym night is offered in both Duchesnay and Garden Village. Garden Village gym nights operate at the Band ComplexGym Gym Nights on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Duchesnay DuringgymGymGym nights Nightsthe Nights school operate year from at SeptemberNbisiing High to June, School gym night on isTuesdays offered in bothand DuchesnayDuringDuring the the andschool school Garden year year fromVillage. from September September Garden toVillage toJune, June, gymgym gym nightsnight night is operate isoffered offered atin intheboth both Thursdays fromBand 4:30pm Complex – Gym 630pm. on Mondays During and this Wednesdays time, children from aged4:00pm 6 –– 6:00pm.18 can participate in Duchesnaya Duchesnayvariety ofand plannedand Garden Garden andVillage. Village. sel Gardenf- selected Garden Village Villagephysical gym gym nights activities. nights operate operate at the at the DuchesnayBand Complex gym nights Gym operateon Mondays at Nbisiing and Wednesdays High School from on 4:00pmTuesdays – 6:00pm.and ThursdaysBand Complex from 4:30pmGym on – Mondays 630pm. Duringand Wednesdays this time, children from 4:00pm aged 6 – – 6:00pm.18 can DuchesnayDuchesnay gym gym nights nights operate operate at Nbisiingat Nbisiing High High School School on Tuesdays on Tuesdays and and participThursdaysate in a fromvariety 4:30pm of planned – 630pm. and sel Duringf-selected this time, physical children activities. aged 6 – 18 can Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. During this time, children aged 6:30pm – participate in a variety of plannedDrum and Fit sel f-selected physical activities. 18 can participate in a variety of planned and self-selected physical activities. The DrumDrum FitFit Program was offered to the children’s summer program again in 2015. The Recreation Activator visited on a weekly basis for three age DrumTheDrum Drum Fit FitFit Program was offered to the children’s summer program again in groups.The2015. DrumTheDrum TheDrum Fit Fit ProgramRecreation Fit offers Program wasa funActivator wasoffered alternative offered tovisited the to children’sthe onphysical children’sa weekly summer activity summer basis program by forprogram incorporating three again againage in in the use of2015.groups. exercise2015. The Drum Recreation Theballs, Fit Recreation offers drumsticks Activator a fun Activator alternativevisited and onbodyvisited aphysical weekly movement.on aactivitybasis weekly for by three Thebasisincorporating summerage for groups.three the program age use of exercise balls, drumsticks and body movement. The summer program is splitDrum intogroups. Fit threeoffers Drum agroups fun Fit alternative offers so oura fun physical Recreation alternative activity physical Activator by incorporating activity got by a incorporating thegood use workoutof the by is splituse intoof exercise three groups balls, drumsticksso our Recreation and body Activator movement. got a The good summer workout program by offeringexerciseoffering 3 sessions balls,3 sessions drumsticks in ain row!a row! and body movement. The summer program is split into threeis split groups into three so our groups Recreation so our Activator Recreation got Activatora good workout got a good by offering workout 3 by offering 3 sessions in a row! sessions in a row!

March BreakMarchMarch Events Break Break Events Events EacEachMarchh Year Year Break thethe RecreationRecreation Events ProgramProgram Coordinator,Coordinator, inin partnership withwith Each Year theother Recreation programs works Program to coordinate Coordinator, the dates in partnership and events ofwith the other programsotherEac works programsh Year tothe workscoordinate Recreation to coordinate Programthe datesthe Coordinator, dates and and events events in partnership ofof the the with MarchMarchother Break. Break. programs ThroughoutThroughout works the tothe coordinateweek, week, events events the are aredates offered offered and each eachevents day day forof for the March Break.children Throughout and families the to week, partake events in. This are year, offered the schedule each dayincluded: for childrenMarch and Break. families Throughout to partake the in. week, This eventsyear, the are schedule offered each included: day for children andFamily families Movie to Day,partake Billiards, in. AThis Fun year, Gym Day,the andschedule Bowling. included: Familychildren Movie and Day, families Billiards, to partake A Fun in. Gym This Day, year, and the Bowling. schedule included: Family Movie Day,Family Billiards, Movie Day, A Fun Billiards, Gym A Day,Fun Gym and Day, Bowling. and Bowling. Fitness Centre Fitness Centre TheFitness Recreation Centre Program oversees the general operations of the Fitness CentreThe Recreation Program oversees the general operations of the FitnessThe Centre.Recreation This Program year, Chief oversees and Council, the general with interest operations from theof the The RecreationlandFitnessFitness claim,Program Centre. Centre.eliminated Thisoversees This year, the year, feeChief the Chieffor and fitnegeneral and Council,ss Council,centre operations with memberships. with interest interest fromof from the theBy the Fitness Centre.eliminatinglandland claim,This claim, fees, year,eliminated eliminated it Chiefmay theresult and thefee in feeforCouncil, an fitnessfor increase fitne withsscentre incentre interestphysical memberships. memberships. activityfrom the andBy By land claim, personaleliminatedeliminatingeliminating wellness fees,the fees, itoffee may itour mayfor communityresult fitneresult inss anin members.ancentreincrease increase memberships. in physicalin physical activity activity By and and eliminating fees,personalpersonal it may wellness wellness result of ofinour ouran community communityincrease members. members.in physical activity and Recreation Reimbursements personal wellnessThe Recreation of our community Reimbursement members. was established to assist families and encourage the healthy, active lifestyle and RecreationRecreation Reimbursements Reimbursements promote growth in recreational activities to the children on Nipissing First Nation. In the 2015/2016 year, Chief and TheThe Recreation Recreation Reimbursement Reimbursement was was established established to assistto assist families families and and encourage encourage the thehealthy, healthy, active active lifestyle lifestyle and and Recreation CouncilReimbursements dedicated some funds from the interest of the land claim to open up the recreation reimbursement to those promotepromote growth growth in recreationalin recreational activities activities to tothe the children children on onNipissing Nipissing First First Nation. Nation. In the In the2015/2016 2015/201 year,6 year, Chief Chief and and The RecreationchildrenCouncil Reimbursement residing dedicated off of someNipissing was funds established First from Nation. the interest to assist of the families land claim and to openencourage up the recreation the healthy, reimbursement active lifestyle to those and Council dedicated some funds from the interest of the land claim to open up the recreation reimbursement to those promote growth children in recreational residing off activitiesof Nipissing to First the Nation. children on Nipissing First Nation. In the 2015/2016 year, Chief and children residing off of Nipissing First Nation. Council dedicated some funds from the interest of the land claim to open up the recreation reimbursement to those STUDENT PLACEMENTS children residing STUDENT off of Nipissing PLACEMENTS First Nation. NorthernSTUDENT Ontario PLACEMENTS School of Medicine—The relationship with NOSM continues to build. The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and Nipissing First Nation have a partnership agreement and is now its 10th year where NFN Northern Ontariost School of Medicine—The relationship with NOSM continues to build. The Northern Ontario School hostNortherned two Ontario (2) 1 year School Medical of Medicine—The Learners for a relationship one month placement.with NOSM Incontinues April 2015, to build.Oksana The Motalo Northernth and OntarioSean C. School STUDENT PLACEMENTSof Medicine (NOSM) and Nipissing First Nation have a partnership agreement and is now its 10 year where NFN Thomasof Medicine were (NOSM) welcomedst and to NipissingNFN for th Firste Integrated Nation have Community a partnershi Experience.p agreement and is now its 10th year where NFN hosted two (2) 1 year Medical Learners for a one month placement. In April 2015, Oksana Motalo and Sean C. hostedThomas two w(2)ere 1st welcomed year Medical to NFN Learners for the Integratedfor a one month Community placem Experience.ent. In April 2015, Oksana Motalo and Sean C. Northern OntarioThe Community School of Health Medicine Nurse— actedThe as relationship preceptor for with a 6- weekNOSM placement continues for Misty to build. Arbour The. Misty Northern was a Registered Ontario School Thomas were welcomed to NFN for the Integrated Community Experience. th of Medicine Practical(NOSM)The Community Nurse and workingNipissing Health towards NurseFirst a Nationacted degree as haveas preceptor a Registered a partnership for a 6Nurse-week agreement(RN placement BScN) withfor and Misty Nipissing is Arbournow University. its. Misty 10 wasyear a whereRegistered NFN Thest Community Health Nurse acted as preceptor for a 6-week placement for Misty Arbour. Misty was a Registered hosted two (2) 1Practical year NurseMedical working Learners towards for a degreea one monthas a Registered placement. Nurse In(RN April BScN) 2015, with NipissingOksana University.Motalo and Sean C. Thomas were Practical welcomed Nurse to working NFN for towards the Integrated a degree as Community a Registered Experience.Nurse (RN BScN) with Nipissing University.

The Community Health Nurse acted as preceptor for a 6-week placement for Misty Arbour. Misty was a Registered Practical Nurse working towards a degree as a Registered Nurse (RN BScN) with Nipissing University.

41 Health Services: Activities Summary – 2015-2016

NFN Health Services Activity Summary—2015-2016 APRIL 2015 May 2015 Gym Night @ Duchesnay—8 Gym Night @ Duchesnay—4 Gym Night @ Garden Village—18 Milk Coupon Program—47 Milk Coupon Program—47 Good Food Box—50 Survival Skills With Norm Dokis—11 Diner’s Club—55 Paint Ball Group Outing—8 CPNP Milk Coupons—12 Good Food Box—45 Foot Care—43 Diner’s Club—44 NFN Chili Cook Off—28 CPNP Milk Coupons—13 Meditation—10 Foot Care—49 Kids Can Cook with Confidence Level 1—6 Let’s Talk Alcohol & Drugs—8 June 2015 July 2015 Milk Coupon Program—46 Milk Coupon Program—45 Geocaching GV—18 Drum Fit/Children’s Summer Program—48 Geocaching North Bay—5 Geocaching @ Duchesnay Falls—53 Bike Rodeo—22 Intro into GPS and Geocaching—12 Lacrosse—25 Good Food Box—49 Good Food Box—49 Diner’s Club—62 Diner’s Club—52 CPNP Milk Coupons—13 CPNP Milk Coupons—11 Foot Care—38 Foot Care—52 Just Move It (Start)—51 Walk Against Impaired Driving—44 Bullying Presentations—43 August 2015 September 2015 Open Water Wisdom—33 Gym Night @ Duchesnay—4 Family Geocaching—7 Gym Night @ Garden Village—22 ATCR/Youth Meet & Greet—83 Milk Coupon Program—44 Milk Coupon Program—44 Good Food Box—46 Good Food Box—46 Diner’s Club—51 Diner’s Club—45 CPNP Milk Coupons—12 CPNP Milk Coupons—13 Foot Care—48 Foot Care—44 Just Move It (wrap up)—40 Elder’s Celebration—50 Integrated Diabetes Care Clinic—8 NOSM Student Visit(1st year)—100 National Suicide Prevention Day—20 Girl/Boy Power—10 ARGS—Staff Lunch & Learn—18 ARGS—Senior Lunch & Learn—10 October 2015 November 2015 Gym Night @ Duchesnay—6 Gym Night @ Duchesnay—8 Gym Night @ Garden Village—20 Gym Night @ Garden Village—13 Paint Ball Event—12 Milk Coupon Program—45 Milk Coupon Program—44 Gestational Diabetes Storytelling W/Shop—4 Pre-Diabetes Group Session—3 Good Food Box—50 Good Food Box—59 Diner’s Club—45 Diner’s Club—61 CPNP Milk Coupons—13 Ontario Works (OW) Community Kitchen (Budget- World Diabetes Day—91 Friendly Family Meals)—8 Health Fair (Diabetes Program)—80 CPNP Milk Coupons--14 Foot Care—48 Foot Care—31 Survivors of Suicide—24 Pre-Diabetes Session—3 MIAW—17 December 2015 January 2016 Milk Coupon Program—45 Gym Night @ Duchesnay—5 Slow Cooker Workshop—8 Diabetes Presentation Diner’s Club—88 Gym Night @ Garden Village—17 Foot Care—41 Milk Coupon Program—48 Good Food Box—44 Diner’s Club—45 CPNP Milk Coupons—14 Foot Care—52 Diabetes “It’s a Family Affair—68 Bell Let’s Talk Day

42 February 2016 March 2016 Gym Night @ Duchesnay—7 Gym Night @ Duchesnay—7 Gym Night @ Garden Village—15 Gym Night @ Garden Village—20 Walking After Hours Club Duchesnay—5 Poker Walk Duchesnay—8 GV Poker Walk—15 Milk Coupon Program—50 Lunch Hour Walkers—6 Billiards Game Day—7 Wellness Dance—58 Walking Lunch Hour—7 Milk Coupon Program—50 OW Community Kitchen (Quick Breakfasts and Kids Can Cook with Confidence—7 Lunches)—6 OW Community Kitchen (Slow Cooker)—7 OW Community Kitchen (Easy Suppers)—7 OW Community Kitchen (Homemade Soups)—5 Nutrition Month Homemade Soups Workshop—7 Prenatal Classes—3 Label Reading Workshop—6 Good Food Box—62 Nutrition Month Taste Test—23 Diner’s Club—53 Vaccine Clinic @ Nbisiing—33 CPNP Milk Coupons—13 Good Food Box—65 Foot Care—49 Diner’s Club—44 A Love for Yourself—15 CPNP Milk Coupons—12 Feb 4 Meditation—5 Integrated Diabetes Care Clinic—11 Feb 8 Meditation—4 Foot Care—55 ARGS/Student Lunch & Learn—54 Blood Glucose Screening (2 day event)—18 Feb 18 Meditation—0 March 3 ARGS Poker Walk for Health—9 Feb 22 Meditation—0 ARGS/Poker Walk for Health—15 Kids Can Cook with Confidence Level 1—7

43 Housing

The Nipissing First Nation (NFN) Housing Department in conjunction with Chief and Council continue to strive towards providing housing programs & services to the Nipissing First Nation Membership.

The Housing Department has provided the following programs and services which assisted First Nation Members with their housing needs:

• NFN Housing Loan Program The total amount of funds that were borrowed through this program, since it was amended in 2005 was $3,951,117.00. These loans assisted First Nation members to construct new homes, purchase and repair existing units which meets the Building Code.

• Royal Bank of Canada On-Reserve Lending Program The Royal Bank of Canada Program was implemented in 2005 since then the total amount of funds loaned through the program totals $7,599,403.26. This program has provided funds to NFN members to construct new homes, purchase and repair existing units which meet the Building Code.

• Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP Grants) Since 1995 through the CMHC RRAP Program the Housing Department has assisted First Nation Members with repairs to their homes to bring the units up to today’s code standards. The total amount of funds approved through this program is $1,296,218.89.

• Repair Loan This program was developed to assist First Nation members with funds to complete repairs to their homes for emergency purposes. The maximum loan amount for this program is $25,000.00. This year seven members qualified for the program to complete various repairs.

• Emergency Repair Loan This program was developed to assist First Nation members with funds to complete minor repairs to their homes for emergency purposes. The maximum loan amount for this program is $5,000.00. This year two members qualified for the program to complete various emergency repairs.

• Senior’s Minor Repair Grant Program This program provides seniors who are over sixty years of age and have a total household income of less than $42,500.00 a onetime grant to a maximum of $5,000.00 to make necessary repairs to their home. A total of thirty-nine grants were approved since the program was implemented 2008.

MESSAGE TO MEMBERSHIP

HOUSING MANAGER

The Housing Department has hired a new Housing Manager to manage and direct the housing program and service functions within the Administrative policies and procedures established by the First Nation. Shawn Anderson was hired as the Housing Manager in July 2016.

If you have any questions regarding Nipissing First Nation Housing programs or Apartment you can call the housing office at (705) 753-6973.

44 Human Resources

The Human Resources department serves as a dual function within the organization, providing advice, and support to both individual employees and to the Nipissing First Nation management team in respect of employee related matters.

Additionally, the Human Resources Manager is responsible for the maintenance of the Human Resources Management Policy by ensuring both the employer (manager) and the employee are knowledgeable and aware of the policy and its provisions.

The Human Resources department works closely with each department on the following areas:

• Employment Opportunities • Attendance Management • Benefits • Pension • Recruitment & Selection • Employee Engagement • Training and Development • Policy Compliance and • Health and Safety.

We have a growing relief list of members, which are called in on a short-term basis in different departments. This helps short-term staff to grow their skill sets, and to keep an updated resume including relief work. It is important for NFN to keep this list, as we will always have someone available to assist the departments, on call. Nipissing First Nation employed 117 Full-Time Salaried Staff and 65 hourly contracts (Part-time and Full-Time), over the 2015-2016 year.

The Human Resources Department administers components of the Summer Student Employment Program, which employs Post-Secondary and Secondary students. This program works on developing the skills and giving them the opportunity to explore different careers. This past summer we hired 32 Students and they were assigned to various departments within NFN where they gained valuable work experience.

This past year we have had the opportunity to employ 33 contract employees in various positions and have also had great success and hired 17 salaried positions within Nipissing First Nation in the areas of Social Services, Finance and Public Works. To view all job postings for Nipissing First Nation, please visit our website at www.nfn.ca and click on the jobs tab, the NFN job postings are also sent out with the monthly newsletters as well.

45 Lands Management

Land Base Nipissing has been operating under its land code since June of 2003. Previous to the Land Management ActNipissing and thehas Nipissingbeen operating Land under Code, its Nipissing land code operatedsince June since of 2003. 1982 Previous under to Sections the Land 53 Management & 60 of the Act Indian and the Act Nipissing to administerLand Code, Nipissingits land base. operated since 1982 under Sections 53 & 60 of the Indian Act to administer its land base.

Nipissing Land Base as of July 2016 Specific site tenure Total Land Base No. Land Tenure Acres Hectares Acres Hectares 1 Nipissing I. R. #10 15,978.97 6,466.459 2 Repatriation Unsold Surrendered Lands a. Remaining Unsold Surrendered with Nipissing underlying interest: Total Remaining Unsold Surrendered 567.45 229.63 b. Fee Simple Lands Under Corporate Trusts from Specific Agreement Purchased from Ontario Sch. 'J' 958.50 387.89 1,992.00 806.13 To be returned Corp ATR Sch 'I'

Total Corp. Specific Agreement 2,950.50 1,193.630 3 Lands to be returned Additions to Reserve Specific Agreement: 33,798.08 13,677.65 Total Nipissing I.R #10 & Specific Agreement 1995 Lands 53,295.00 21,567.721 Corporate Fee Simple Purchases 1978 Mandate Purchased prior '97 Exempt. Ach. ATR 3,680.21 1,489.328 Purchased after '97 No Exempt. ATR 3,101.30 1255.051 4 Former Railway Lands No Exempt. 265.30 107.363

Pending final Corporate purchases 47.0 19.020

Total Corporate Fee Simple Purchases 7093.81 2,870.762

Total Nipissing Land Base 60,388.81 24,438.484 5 Treaty land base set aside 1853 89,400.00ac Processes of repatriation since 1982 have steadily increased Nipissings' land base but Nipissing Land Base ALL 60,388.81ac remains 67.54% of its former (1853) size.

The above chart includes lands purchased in the townships of Springer and Patterson which are not former treaty lands, but are lands that have attained tax exemption either by Ontario law exemption prior to December 1997 or by use as a ‘burial ground’. At present 15,978.97 acres are subject to the laws enacted under the Nipissing Nation Land Code. When the federal order in council is achieved these lands will be under the self government laws of the Nipissing Land Code. The timeline to completion of the federal order in council is early 2016. The previous timeline date of September 2014 has been delayed due to environmental reviews. Toronto Regional Office of Aboriginal Affairs Canada has at the time of this report commissioned the environmental review to an independent consultant.

Land purchases fall under rules and guidelines as set out in the 'Nipissing Land Selection Criteria'. A draft Land Purchase Policy has been placed before Policy Committee for review and will be placed before Council to set in place the procedures that will govern administrative roles. Nipissing Nation purchases property for repatriation in accordance with a 1978 Land Mandate. The Selection Criteria sets out basic principles on the purchasing and repatriation efforts of Nipissing Nation.

Nipissing Land Laws

Since the enactment of the Land Code in June of 2003, land laws have been developed and adopted under the Nipissing Nation Consultation, Voting and Enactment Law. The Consultation, Voting and Enactment Law, Grants of Entitlement, ATV/off road vehicle, Business Licensing and Matrimonial Law are all laws enacted under the Land Code.

46 Final Law requiring Ratification; Nipissing Zoning and Land Use Law

A requirement for the Zoning Law to correlate to the Nipissing Gichi-Naaknigewin has provided for the language of our Nation to be included in index and definitions. The zoning and land use laws of Nipissing will require ratification and community consultation.

As reported in previous annual reports, once this ‘greater’ law is enacted, laws of general application, regulations and policies will be developed to ensure that the ‘greater protection’ laws are always adhered too. This land law requires greater scrutiny with regard to land use development and must encompass projections contemplated by the Nipissing 'Community Plan' presently being finalized by a consultant under contract.

The mapping for this law is in its final stages. As the law itself is finalized the mapping will mirror the law. The mapping process will ensure that all present day land uses are grandfathered into the law. All efforts are being made to ensure that environmental issues concerning the mapping of wildlife (fauna), medicines, plants (flora) and species at risk are completed in advance of law enactment.

Nipissing Nation Environmental Enforcement Law

Nipissing Nation operates under its Environmental Management Plan. As the Zoning Law is a priority for finalization, other laws must be deferred. The final draft of the Nipissing Environmental Enforcement Law has been completed to final draft stage. This law will be coming forward this fall of 2016 for enactment.

Amendments and Revisions

The Grants of Entitlement is being revamped and updated to review requirements for allotments. Nipissing Land Code is being reviewed for greater certainty clauses. The Land Code is being reviewed also for amendments and updating to suit changes that may be required for the Nipissing Chi-Naaknigewin (Constitution). Conduct and Nuisance Law to be amended to separate out the provisions for noise for greater clarity and the inclusion of timeframes for activities and fines. The Smoking Bylaw is now in its final stages before consultation process. It is expected that once this law has achieved legal review, it will then take place and Chief and Council to enact the law.

Deferred Laws

The Residency Law, Estate Process and Mortgage Law have been deferred. A Landlord Tenant law is being drafted and is on the agenda for review by Land Law Committee. Policy and Rules Regarding Lease Agreements and Land Use Permits have been slated for development. A review is scheduled for fire and fire device procedures and for fines and enforcement inclusion.

New Law for Development

Nipissing Land Staff have drafted a ‘Building Code’. This draft had been resurrected from a draft developed in the year 2000. This law was referred to another outside agency and as no new recommendations have been received, this law will go forward to the Land Law Committee. It is anticipated that Nipissing Housing Staff will participate in this laws finalization.

Mineral Study

A request for funding to a federal authority has been made to conduct an update on a mineral study at Nipissing is ongoing. This is a fact finding study on what class of minerals are on Nipissing lands as well as lands off reserve in the Nipissing land selection area. Nipissing staff have included in the Zoning Law a resource section for rock and minerals. Funding is the key to completion at this study. Until funding is achieved, a Ministry of Northern Development and Mines map has been geo-referenced for use by the Nipissing Land Staff. This project is ongoing and Nipissing Nation is in talks with federal authorities for budgeting of these special needs.

Nipissing Archaeology Summer School Project

This year the 2016 Archaeological Summer School continues on the former trailer park grounds and the homestead of Moses Beaucage at the point will be the focus of this year's study. It is with hope that this study will culminate with government(s) support in upcoming years and the data collected will be utilized in curriculum development for our schools. Seven (7) students participated in this summer employment experience this year.

47 Archaeology contractor Kenneth Swayze, of Kinickinick Heritage Consultants, and Sarah Hazell a Member of Nipissing Nation make up the team of archaeologists providing to the students knowledge, guidance, protocols and processes in conducting, documenting and managing an archaeological study area. Mr. Carl Ralph, Mr. Swayze's assistant and an adult supervisor, usually an accredited professional teacher provides supervision and safety monitoring. Adult supervision was provided by Nipissing Nation Member, Zachary Beaudette.

Nipissing Enhancement funding is being utilized to support and conduct the field study that builds capacity, provide employment and add opportunity for students in choices for a post secondary stream of study. This is a partnership employment opportunity developed, organized and supported by Nipissing Land, Education and Employment Offices. You will find additional information in the Education and Employment Office reports in this Annual Report.

The Nipissing Beaucage Archaeological School has been operating since the summer of 2014. This project was a project initiated by the Nipissing Land Office and this project was conceived and motivated into development for different reasons. Nipissing Enhancement funding was utilized for this project. No other government, department or ministry contributes to the development or management of this summer school. We wish to thank the Chief and Council and the Nipissing People for providing the sole funding to date of this very important building block to preservation of our Nipissing heritage. There were three priorities for achievement. Nipissing Land, Education and Economic Development. Finance Staff participated in the development, planning, organizing and review of the summer school activities. This Committee set strategic goals to ensure that the Strategic Goals of Nipissing Nation were met under the Enhancement Funding Goals. This summer school has met all seven goals cited under the funding requirements. The summer school provided the following:

1. enhance capacity building for the participant students; 2. provide a strategy for sustainable development of the site and surrounding lands; 3. strengthen culture; 4. provided for the development of capacity for education and lifelong learning; 5. provided a broad based communications strategy; 6. enhanced community health and well being by providing historical documentation that our Nation was a proud, caring and vibrant People; 7. promoted responsible stewardship and protection of our lands, waters and other natural resources.

Three priorities were cited in the funding application. First, a priority to fulfill the requirements of the Nipissing Archaeological Plan to ensure that before any proposed development of land it be subjected to an archaeological survey. The survey would ensure that any land occupation would not destroy heritage sites or in the very least recommend mitigation. Beaucage Park fit the description of a heritage site requiring protection, and it was in transition to be revamped into other proposed uses. Beaucage Point was the site is one of the oldest villages or gathering places of the Nipissing People and was the location of the cabins of Our People, a Church and a school for our children. The Beaucache Village School was built at the request of the Nipissing People that was received by the Indian Affairs Department on August 25, 1885. The school location at the ‘centre’ of their Reserve, ‘to assist us regarding education for our children’. The Nipissing Capital Account which held timber revenue, paid for the $200.00 expenditure for the school.

The memoirs and journals of these first explorers and missionaries related the first description of the Nipissing. The request was signed by 22 of Nipissing’s Principal Men. The school was built in 1888 along with a teacher dwelling house. From the Jesuit Relation of 1636, Orr extracted the following description of Our People; “The members of the Nipissing tribe were strongly attached to each other: they helped one another with generous liberality, and they were all on a common plane of equality. The children of a family were affectionate to their parents and to each other, and among the units of the tribe, there was an admirable solidarity. Their intercourse with each other was always marked by respect and civility. Among them there is an affability and a courtesy almost incredible.” The summer archaeology school has found mortar utilized in the cabins on the site and were probably produced from the stone product found on the islands of Lake Nipissing. In the Geological Survey of Canada published in 1857 the Nipissing cabins were described as “tidy and orderly, and have an air of comfort about them which I scarcely have witnessed amongst Indians anywhere else.”

Our Nipissing Elders have informed us that this site was an important gathering place. Families came from all over our territory and gathered here to exchange news, renew acquaintances, broker marriage alliances and trade. This site has also been recorded in federal government reports of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs or its precursor branch within the Citizenship and Immigration Department, documented this site as being utilized as a place for meeting with the Nipissing, elections and ratification votes and for treaty pay distributions.

48 The second priority was to conduct a summer school where our youth may encounter leading educators and learn about a profession that they may want to pursue in their college or university studies. Two archaeologists, one assistant and a university education student were on staff this 2016 summer to ensure that our youth received the best instructions in archaeological techniques to conducting a survey. The students received instructions in field study, best practices, ethics, cleaning and inventory of the artifacts.

The third priority was to provide employment to archaeologists, teachers, post secondary and secondary school students. This project has provided contracts to local businesses for supplies, transportation and a celebration activity with our Nation Members where our participating youth provide presentations to the public on their artifacts collected. Nipissing Nation Lands Office will continue to seek out new funding arrangement for this summer school. A proposal is now before the federal government to provide financial support under the land management funding arrangement. New provincial interest in preserving culture and heritage may provide an avenue to new relationship building that may provide an avenue of attaining new financial avenues.

On a recent August 2016 field trip with the summer students and archaeological team to the Frank’s Bay Site and the Manitou Islands, one very important glaring omission was seen on the Manitou Island Provincial Park sign. This sign gave a geological significance description of the islands and noted ownership by the Province and a previous land owner. There was no historical significance of these islands to the Nipissing People. The Nipissing Land Office will pursue with the Province a need for an updated study on these islands for the following description requires that the historical, cultural and heritage significance to the Nipissing must be acknowledged.

Nipissing Nation is requesting that a ‘research archaeology program’ be conducted on the Manitous’ to ensure that the history, heritage and culture of their People is safeguarded and properly documented. In the Geological Study of Canada published in 1857 it was reported that, “A group of islands called the Manitous, lying out near the middle of the lake, towards its east end, appear to contain some good hard-wood land; and on them, I was informed, the Indians annually make a considerable quantity of maple sugar. They also procure limestone from these islands for the purpose of building and making mortar.” The Summer School mortar findings and historical documentation by Nipissing Land Staff provides a direct correlation with the Nipissing People.

The Nipissing were an integral part of a vast trade system. Their strategic location on the Lake named for them encountered all four directions of trade routes. It is the ‘trade’ that would lead to devastating results of war. For years, the description of the Nipissing as ‘black magic’ conjurers, sorcerers did abate European interest in the traditional lands of the Nipissing. The Nipissing Land Office will pursue with the Province, an updated study on the Manitou Islands, and Frank's Bay Site: To ensure the sign includes historical significance to the Nipissing People.

Champlain in 1615 reported a two day visit with the Nipissing made reference to the riches of the Nipissing’s’ central position on Lake Nipissing and the vast territory. Of the lake he noted the beauty and abundance of game. He shared the following observations; “During the time I was with them, the Chief of these people and others of the elders treated us to several feasts, as is their custom, and took the trouble to go fishing and hunting in order to entertain us as kindly as possible. These people numbered at least seven or eight hundred souls, living ordinarily on the lake, where there are a great number of very pleasant islands, and among others one of which is more than six leagues long and has three or four fine ponds, a number of beautiful meadows, with very beautiful woods surrounding them, and where there is an abundance of game which resort to these small ponds where the Natives catch fish. The north side of this lake is very pleasant as there are fine grasslands for pasturing cattle and several small streams which flow into the lake… This lake (Lake Nipissing) is some eight leagues across and twenty-five long, and into it flows a river from the northwest up which they go to barter the goods we give them in return for their furs with those who live up there….” The French Regime the Upper Country, Page 95, Jaenen, (Sieur de Champlain, Voyages et Descovvertures faites en la Nouvelle France, depuis l’annee 1615 jusques a la fin de l’annee 1618 (Paris: Claude Collet, M DC XIX), pp. 17-35v.)

The Manitou Islands are and were a part of the Nipissing traditional teachings of Our People. The Late Lawrence Commanda’s account of the Legend of the Manitous’ was described by Leatherdale in his book Nipissing “From Brule to Booth.” This legend gained prominence after the Nipissing Iroquois wars in the 17th century (1641-1652) as a deterrent from these islands being developed. These islands are remarkable in their location and as a strategic battle position. From these islands, the LaVase, Silver Creek, French River and Sturgeon River could be access monitored. This strategic position, the stronghold of the Nipissing became their burial ground during the Nipissing Iroquois battles over the French trade that ensued shortly after the visit with Champlain.

This first contact began the removal of the Mohawk Iroquois as the eastern middle men of the vast network of trade routes. Reports such as Champlain’s of the bounty, beauty and resources abundance did lead to a change in alliances and ultimately end in war, destruction and devastation. The Manitou’s became a burial ground during these native battles over trade.

49 Research

On-going research is conducted by Nipissing Land Staff. The Land Office has been conducting research on treaty 'pay lists' before 1911. Census and employment research on Nipissing Nation Members prior to 1911 have been completed. Other research are on-going. Sensitivity of research topics curbs detailed reporting and for more information on these research projects, please contact the Lands Manager.

Beaucage Mine Site and Radon Impacted Lands

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the Ministry of Environment have set in place budgets to contract AMEC to provide studies on the utilization of a sorting system for remediation. Joint feasibility studies were conducted in Fall Winter of 2014-2015 for a Soil Sorting System as a Remedial Action. This soil sorting is one avenue for remediation.

The AMEC Study has been completed. This study’s completion provided recommendations for certain contract work to be completed before remediation takes place. A contract was awarded to Nipissing Nation for a new road constructed in the Winter of 2016 to avoid the remediation site. Another contract was provided to Nipissing Public Works to uncover the cement foundations. These foundations were constructed pre processing at this site and no radon was found near the foundation areas. Another contract is being reviewed as two bids have been received from local Nation Member businesses for the removal of the foundation to appropriate approved site. This work is scheduled to be completed late summer early fall 2016. A contract for tree removal from site is contemplated to be awarded in the future once foundations have been removed. A tentative but not yet finalized plan to to remediate the Beaucage Mine site and the Provincial site located next to the land leased to the Union of Ontario Indians within the same time lines. These contracts require completion for pre remediation activities whether it be soil sorting or extraction of all soils.

This contemplated joint remediation will be subject to Federal and Provincial funding and processes. Federal funding has been approved and we are awaiting provincial approvals. There are two reasons for this joint effort. First, to ensure that all lands requiring remediation are finalized; and secondly, to implement cost sharing and cost saving for remediation for both sites.

Grants in Lieu & Payments in Lieu

Permits for easements for utilities have existed since 1930 and the major easements that cross our lands number 9. Meetings have taken place with regard to the values under the Grants in Lieu provided by Hydro One. Both parties have exchanged land appraisals in June of 2014. Mapping of areas under consideration for lease and grants in lieu were completed in 2015. Values for lease rentals and grant in lieu payments were put forward by both parties in June of 2015. A new lease agreement has been drafted and is awaiting appointment by Hydro One for their legal advisor. Nipissing has commissioned Denton Associates as their legal advisor on this file.

Another lease arrangement will be set in place on the remaining 356.07 acres of land on three transmission lines once federal authorities transfer the land to Nipissing Indian Reserve No. 10 under the provisions of the federal Additions to Reserve Policy.

A blanket permit on distribution lines to our communities of Nipissing will be negotiated and set in place once the leases for the transmission lines have been finalized. The obtaining of fair and equitable lease arrangements are a priority of our Nation Chief and Council, Administration and Land Staff.

Nipissing Land Office Employees

Nipissing Land Office employment numbers 6 positions and is as follows: Lands Manager, Assistant Lands Manager, Registration and Records Clerk, Land Membership Clerk, Lands GIS Clerk and Reception File Clerk. Two contract positions have been provided in the spring of 2016. A contract for the Membership position to replace staff on leave and the other contract for the Trans Canada Pipeline’s engagement process and co-ordination for Nation Member input.

The Nipissing Land Office prides itself in its relationship with the owners of the land, the Nipissing people. The staff at all times endeavors to make any land project a continuing education experience heavily weighted with a strict conscience to protection of the Nipissing People, their land and resources.

For more information

Nipissing Land Office Staff may be contacted by telephone at 705-753-2922 or by facsimile at 705-753-5762. The following Land Staff email addresses may also be utilized to obtain information or receive comments. Staff may be contacted as follows: Joan McLeod, Land Manager at [email protected]; Cathy McLeod, Assistant Land Manager [email protected]; Leda McLeod, Lands Registration Clerk at [email protected]; Joanne Giboleau, Lands Technician at [email protected], Juliette McLeod, Lands Membership Clerk at [email protected] and Diane Lachapelle, Reception and File Clerk at [email protected].

50 Natural Resources Department

Natural Resources

The Natural Resources Department is committed to the management of the Nation’s resources and the sustainability of those resources. The following report will summarize a few of the responsibilities carried out by the Natural Resources Department in 2015. Although the responsibilities mentioned on the list below are very important to our membership and to the Natural Resources Department the majority of our work is focused on the sustainable management of the Lake Nipissing Fishery and protecting Treaty rights.

• Meeting conditions of our Sustainable Forestry License with Nipissing Forest. • Shoreline Work Permits. • Hunting Permits for on-reserve and Inter Treaty Harvesting Permissions. • Conducting and reporting on Species at Risk Projects. • Operating the Fish Processing Facility and Meeting Fish Food Safety Standards. • Protecting Treaty Rights. • Conducting and reporting on a variety of fish assessment projects on Lake Nipissing.

On Reserve Forestry

The Natural Resource Forestry Department also manages the forestry operations that occur on Nipissing First Nations Lands. We are currently working with a band member to “clean up” different forest stands located within the First Nation. This work consists of a forester evaluating the stand, and writing a prescription regarding maintenance that can take place within the stand. The area is then tree marked and thinned or harvested. This work will help lower the competition for prime species, as well as help a First Nation businesses keep its band members employed during slower periods.

Hunting

The Natural Resource Department manages the implementation of the Hunting Policy. Permits and reporting are required by anyone hunting with a band member. Furthermore, our office processes all inter-treaty requests and the activities of those requests are monitored to ensure the sustainability of the resource. The natural resources department with Chief and Council make recommendations on all inter-treaty requests.

Commercial Fishery

As a result of community consultations, Chief and Council have approved the following changes to the Nipissing Nation Fisheries Law and attached Regulations.

• Spear fishing temporarily closed. • Open season coincided with sports fishery. • Fishing season closed August 22, 2015 (3 months early). • Reduced number of nets permitted from 5 panels to 3 panels. • Changed the mesh size to 3.75 inches. • Mandated negotiates with MNR to find a mutually acceptable approach to managing the fishery, and • Continue to seek legal advice to use the Chi-Naaknigwewin to strengthen our fisheries laws and regulations.

Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN)

FWIN is an Ontario standardized method used to assess the health of the walleye population and provides valuable information on the health of other fish populations. Every year the Natural Resources Department assists the Ministry of Natural Resources in efforts to collect data needed for this annual project. In total there were 48 nets for FWIN set in Lake Nipissing for 2015.

FWIN nets are made up of different mesh sizes and completed in the fall when surface water temperatures have cooled to 15ᵒC. All fish caught are removed from the nets, counted and identified. Biological data is recorded from walleye and all other sportfish. Measurements includes: fork length, total length, and round weight. In addition, scales and at least one other structure are collected for ageing and growth rates. The sex and maturity is also determined. All data is then entered into a software program and analyzed so that results are provided.

51 Data from FWIN has been collected since 1998 on Lake Nipissing. Having data over a long period of time allows us to compare changes over time. Data can be organized into different groups to help determine the characteristics of the population. e.g. adult and juvenile or male and female.

Shoreline Permits

Shoreline permits continue to be issued to all resident (e.g. members and non-members) when working in or around water within Nipissing First Nation. The purpose of permits for shoreline work is to guarantee that no harmful alterations are being made to shorelines that interfere with spawning fish habitat and the development of eggs and fry.

Shoreline applications are available at the Natural Resources Department or Lands Department: (705) 753-2922

52 Social Services: Daycare

Nipissing First Nation Child Care Services Both the Couchie Memorial Daycare Centre in Duchesnay and the Nipissing Ojibway Daycare Centre in Garden Village offer quality child care for children aged 18 months to 5 years of age. Opportunities for children to learn through play, and to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually in a safe, nurturing and cultural environment are offered. Both Centers are non-profit organizations, operated by Nipissing First nation. Both Daycares are licensed by the Day Nursery Branch of the Ministry of Education. The daycare centers promote and encourage the learning of First Nation culture, language, art, and legends.

Highlights

• Professionally trained Registered ECE (Early Childhood Education) staff. • Field trips, special activities and guest invitees. • Age appropriate social skills, spiritual, physical and emotional development activities. • Nutritious hot lunches, morning and afternoon snacks. • Ojibway language and cultural components. • Celebrations: Including Naming Ceremony, Kindergarten Graduation and Aboriginal Day, and • Fundraising Events.

Couchie Memorial Daycare/Nipissing Ojibway Daycare

Each Daycare Center offers space for 5 toddlers and 16 preschool children each.

The children had a busy year of learning about self-care, dental hygiene, eating healthy, learning the aboriginal culture through our native language teacher. All staff enjoy working with all our little people, making fun lasting friendships and memories.

HiMama is an electronic application that allows us to update parents/care-givers in real-time on the progress of their children throughout the day. It provides an easy platform for parents to access what their child has eaten, how long they’ve slept, their bathroom schedule, activities, and care providers can let parents know if their child needs supplies. Both the parent and the provider can enter notes on the child’s day/progress or any other important information. HiMama has been a great way to reinforce a child’s in-program learning at home by providing inside into what they’ve been learning throughout the day.

Duchesnay Daycare is scheduled to connect to Union Gas soon, and repairs will be made on the daycare kitchen and in the toddler play space. Two staff attended the annual Native Early Childhood Education conference held in Sault Ste. Marie this year. As a result of the networking, prior to any new plans and improvements we will be touring some different daycares. The Duchesnay Daycare held two pizza fundraisers, earning $500.00 each time. The Christmas dinner penny sale and 50/50 draw combined, earned $342.00. The money was used to cover some of the costs of the family Christmas dinner.

Both Daycares participated in Aboriginal Day and held a trip to Santa’s Village in the summer.

53 Social Services: Ontario Works (OW)

Nipissing First Nation Ontario Works department follows the regulations of the Ontario Works Act to provide Financial and Employment components for its service delivery catchment area. The program is designed to address the needs of community members both status and non-status, who are facing hardships of financial and employment barriers.

Application for Ontario Works Assistance The Ontario Works Department has specified Monday and Wednesday from 8:30am – 3:30 p.m. as intake Days. This is to ensure full review of the file and processing of the application. Every second ednesday,W the Union of Ontario Indians Satellite Office is available for Intakes and Updates. By appointment only.

Applications are given a timeframe of one hour for single applicants and a family benefit unit is 1.5 hours timeframe to complete all necessary documentation. It is necessary for applicants to provide personal identification, bank information, shelter costs for rent and utilities, any earnings or income documentation, 12 month employment and address history information, previous taxation year documents and school registration for dependent children.

Financial / Income Assistance • Assists individuals to cover the costs of basic needs and housing costs; • Provide emergency assistance e.g. waiting for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits; • Transitional Support Fund>Housing related arrears e.g.: based on household income; • $200.00 new exemption implemented for earnings, plus additional 50% (3 months consecutive of OW entitlement to receive the exemption rate) and/or; • Temporary Care Assistance.

Ex. 1: Single Person receives max of $681/month Ex 2: A parent with one child receives a max (With income earnings). entitlement of $951.00 (with income earnings). Net Monthly Income $500.00 Net Monthly Income $800.00 Flat Rate Earning Exemption Flat Rate Earning Exemption -$200.00 -$200.00 $300.00 $600.00

Earnings after Flat Rate Exemption Earnings after Flat Rate Exemption $300.00 $600.00 50% Partial Exemption 50% Partial Exemption - $150.00 - $300.00 Total Deductions $150.00 Total Deductions $300.00

Ontario Works Max Entitlement $681.00 Ontario Works Max Entitlement $951.00 Total Deductions Total Deductions $150.00 $300.00 Total Entitlement $531.00 Total Entitlement $651.00

Total Ontario Works Entitlement $531.00 Total Ontario Works Entitlement $651.00 Total Monthly Earnings Total Monthly Earnings $500.00 $800.00 Total Monthly Income $1031.00 Total Monthly Income $1451.00

This indicates the client benefits from securing employment. As their earnings increase, the amount of Ontario Works decreases which eventually leads to client exiting the program and attains self-sufficiency.

54 Employment Assistance • Assist individuals to prepare for and find employment, and • Focus on assisting clients with training, education, upgrading, referrals to substance abuse programs and offering support and assistance to secure employment. Through the Ontario Works Employment Assistance program recipients can gain employability credentials within the local labour markets. This includes all Nipissing First Nation departments and services. Working together with all internal and external agencies will act as a catalyst for change. Nipissing First Nation will refine the current delivery strategies as the program continues to provide the implemented services within the community. The program primarily operates on a referral basis and will only provide services which are not currently available to community members.

Employment Service Delivery Profile/Seminars or Workshops Workshops and Seminars are intended to assist clients in building and developing both Life and Work Skills in order to better prepare them to gain and maintain employment/education. Workshops and Seminars are mandatory to employable clients however are recommended and encouraged to all Ontario Works clients as well as the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) clients.

Work Skills Workshops Attendance Learning Style Inventory 12 OW clients/ 1 NFN community member Changing Directions ‘who do you blame for your life?’ 7 OW clients/ 1 ODSP Financial Literacy 09 OW clients Ontario Works Information Session 16 OW clients Community Kitchen- Healthy Living 9 OW clients/ 3 NFN community members/ 1 ODSP Kid’s Back To School – Healthy Snacks/Lunch Session 14 Children / 2 OW clients

Life Skills Training Attendance Chainsaw Safety Training 4 Employment Experience clients Occupational Health & Safety 10 OW clients/ 4 Employment Experience clients First Aid, CPR & AED Training 10 OW clients/ 3 Employment Experience clients WHMIS Training 16 OW clients NFN Resource Session 7 OW clients/ 1 ODSP Contact North: Online Learning 13 OW clients Employment Preparation Workshops - “Resume & Cover Letter Writing” 16 OW clients - “Job Searching & Interviewing Skills” 17 OW clients

Social Assistance Transfer Funding - 4 Workers hired with NFN- Beautification and Maintenance - Partnership with Employment & Training, and Facilities Departments

All services will be provided with the end goal of assisting Ontario Works clients to become more employable. To successfully implement the strategies the program will need to communicate the intent and objective of the program to the local community. This will occur through Employment Information Sessions and individual discussion while updating the Participation Agreements with Ontario Works clients. Individuals will be encouraged to update their Participation Agreements every 3 months or sooner and to follow a progressive, goal-orientated action plan to increase employability.

55 The use of case management strategies will help to measure the increase to employability. AD Morrison software will also provide data entry that will allow for our Ontario Works department to measure and track.

Supports to Employment Program (STEP) The intent of Support to Employment Program is to encourage and assist Ontario Works clients towards financial independence. This is made possible by providing financial incentives for participants to earn income through employment and training in the form of exemptions and recognition of child care costs.

Success Stories Statistics show that Ontario Works has helped community members exit the program through employment and educational goals.

April 1, 2015 to March, 31 2016 6 clients secured permanent full time employment. 6 clients returned to post-secondary education. 2 clients secured full time employment for more than 6 months’ time frame. 4 clients exited for other income sources e.g.: government benefits. 4 clients were granted ODSP.

Transitional Support Fund stats for fiscal year Ontario works clients received assistance = 50 Non – social clients = 7 Highest average months – October to December 2015

56 Social Services: Nipissing First Nation Food Bank

Nipissing First Nation Food Bank gathers and provides grocery products and clothing to community members in need.

Our Objectives:

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY Our most important objective is helping everyone that walks through our doors. Individuals and families are provided with food that will help them through a couple days of meals. We are open to help our community, Mondays 1pm to 4:30pm and Fridays 8:30am to 12pm. We have also started to deliver to those in the other areas of the community that need access but have no means of transportation to Garden Village. Statutory holidays are posted in the Nipissing First Nation newsletter.

PROVIDE HEALTHY MEALS We provide families with a wide variety of canned, fresh, and frozen foods. Children’s lunches are provided for a week, as well as breakfast. With the help of our donations we also have a baby food cupboard available. Baby food, Pabulum, formula, diapers, wipes, etc. are provided free of charge to community members of Nipissing First Nation.

PROVIDE CLOTHING & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS We have a good selection of clothing for everyone. Families are welcome to look through the selection of gently used clothes and household items and take what they need.

GOOD FOOD BOX PROGRAM Our clients also receive a monthly Good Food Box. The box is at a value of $10.00 and provides healthy choices to our community members. The Good Food Box can be picked up on the third Thursday of each month by Garden Village residents at the Lawrence Commanda Health Centre, and is delivered to all other areas of the community.

FUNDRAISING & DONATIONS In 2015-2016 the Food Bank was able to raise $11,000.00 plus 1,443.8 LBS of non-perishable food. This was made possible through many individual donations from community members, as well as various company donations, and hosting a number of different fundraising events, such as: • Spring Raffle • Staff Food Challenges • Penny Sale • Donation Bins at various community events • Food Bank/Lil NHL Fundraiser Golf Tournament • Thanksgiving Basket • Movie Nights • Scratch Ticket Tree

57 Native Child Welfare and Prevention Services The Child Welfare Program provides family and child support as well as advocacy to the community members on and off reserve with home visiting, office visits, and court attendance in our district. The Child Welfare Program also helps Socialin the recruitment ofServices: new foster parents within the community as an important step in keeping Nipissing member Nativechildren within Child their home Welfare community. Theand Prevention Prevention Program provides Services children and youth with programs in the community to enhance the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our children and youth utilizing a holistic approach.

Youth Cultural Retreat Educating youth on violence affecting families is strategic in ending or preventing the cycle Native Child Welfare and Prevention Services Theof violence Child Welfare in our com Programmunity. provides The approach family and taken child was support in the formas well of asa youth advocacy cultural to theretreat community members on and offthat reserve consisted with of home male visiting,youth of office Nipissing visits, First and Nation. court attendance The Youth inPrevention our district. Retreat The Child also Welfare Program also helps inprovides the recruitment a professional of new development foster parents opportunity; within the thatcommunity supports as our an youthimportant to develop step in intokeeping Nipissing member childrenactive, healthy within theircontributing home community. members within The Prevention our community, Program and provides to encourage children youth and to youth make with programs in the communityhealthy life- styleto enhance choices. the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our children and youth utilizing a holistic In the 2015-2016 year, youth from Nipissing First Nation had the pleasure of taking cultural awareness training with approach. George Couchie, learned how to make a pair of winter leather mitts, went snow shoeing, and participated in self- Youthesteem Cultural and self -Retreatidentity exercises. Youth also had the opportunity to practise using an opening and closing in circles asEducating well as acquireyouth on the violence appropriate affecting teachings families. is strategic in ending or preventing the cycle of violence in our community. The approach taken was in the form of a youth cultural retreat that consisted of male youth of Nipissing First Nation. The Youth Prevention Retreat also that“I Saw, consisted I Shall of Speak” male youth Family of NipissingRetreat First Nation. The Youth Prevention Retreat also provides a professional development opportunity; that supports our youth to develop into Thisprovides program a professional promotes developmentan opportunity opportunity; for children that as wellsupports as their our mothers youth to and develop fathers into to explore their thoughts, active, healthy contributing members within our community, and to encourage youth to make behaviours,active, healthy and contributing physiological members responses within to ourchalleng community,ing relationships and to encourage experienced youth or tohave make been exposed to healthy life-style choices. aggressivehealthy life- stylerelationships choices. in their home or community. This culturally based program supports traditional, cultural, and In the 2015-2016 year, youth from Nipissing First Nation had the pleasure of taking cultural awareness training with therapeuticIn the 2015 -opportunities2016 year, youth for families from Nipissing in need. First Nation had the pleasure of taking cultural awareness training with George♦ Couchie,Program learnedis free and how voluntary to make. a pair of winter leather mitts, went snow shoeing, and participated in self- esteem and self-identity exercises. Youth also had the opportunity to practise using an opening and closing in circles esteem♦ andChi ldself and-identity parent’s exercises participation. Youth is alsovoluntary. had the opportunity to practise using an opening and closing in circles as well as acquire the appropriate teachings. as well♦ asWithin acquire a therapeutic the appropriate setting teachings participants. experience the program according to the depth of involvement they choose. “I Saw, I Shall Speak” Family Retreat “I Saw, I Shall Speak” Family Retreat This program promotes an opportunity for children as well as their mothers and fathers to explore their thoughts, behaviours, and physiological responses to challenging relationships experienced or have been exposed to aggressive relationships in their home or community. This culturally based program supports traditional, cultural, and therapeutic opportunities for families in need. ♦ Program is free and voluntary. ♦ Child and parent’s participation is voluntary. ♦ Within a therapeutic setting participants experience the program according to the depth of involvement they choose.

After School Kids Social After School kids Social is a program that runs throughout the school year once a week. Children will have the chance to socialize with other community children in a setting that offers opportunities to learn; develop and explore their community, culture and friendships. The After School Kids Social also provides a safe, educational place for children while their parents are working.

Roots of Empathy Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. In partnership with Our Lady of Sorrows School, this past year we had After School Kids Social After School kids Socialthe pleasureis a program of learning that runs and throughout watching thebaby sch Finnelyool year Beaudette once a week. grow Children(son of Zach will haveBeaudette the and chance to socialize withLee otherGalsworthy community). children in a setting that offers opportunities to learn; develop and explore their community, culture and friendships. The After School Kids Social also provides a safe, educational place for childrenOther Programming while their parents included: are working. ♦ Babysitting Course; Roots♦ ofOperat Empathyion Hope; ♦ March BreakRoots activities of Empathy; is an evidence-based classroom program that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children while raising social/emotional competence ♦ Youth Programmingreducing levelssuch as of; aggressionNerf Wars, Girlsamong Night school In, Glowingchildren thewhile dark raising Bowling social/emotio, outdoor movienal competence nights; and increasing empathy. In partnership with Our Lady of Sorrows School, this past year we had ♦ Family Programmingand increasing such empathy.as; moccasin In par making,tnership Shakerwith Our & LadyRattle of making Sorrows; School, this past year we had the pleasure of learning and watching baby Finnely Beaudette grow (son of Zach Beaudette and ♦ Youth cultural drive for Pikangikum Youth; Lee Galsworthy).

The Native Child Welfare Prevention Program continues to facilitate and develop special projects while working with Other Programming included: Otherother community Programming programs included: in various educational activities throughout the year. ♦ Babysitting Course; ♦ Operation Hope; ♦ Welcoming Babies with Lawrence Commanda Health Centre (LCHC); ♦ March Break activities; ♦ National Aboriginal Day Celebration; ♦ Youth Programming such as; Nerf Wars, Girls Night In, Glowing the dark Bowling, outdoor movie nights; ♦ Movie Nights with NFN Foodbank. ♦ Family Programming such as; moccasin making, Shaker & Rattle making;

♦ Youth cultural drive for Pikangikum Youth; ♦ Youth cultural drive for Pikangikum Youth; 58 Ojibway Woman’s Lodge Respect, Security, Harmony

The Ojibway Women’s Lodge (OWL) provides women and their dependents a safe, secure and confidential shelter stay. Services include: 24 hour crisis line, counselling, grief groups, safety planning, women’s circles, ceremonies, traditional healers, court support/accompaniment, and transportation to access services, advocacy, and assistance in securing safe long term accommodations. Visit our web site www.ojibwaywomenslodge.ca for more information. th On August 21, 2015 we celebrated our 30th Anniversary with an Open House. The theme of the celebration was “Healing”. We commemorated the anniversary with the unveiling of a jingle dress which is now on display in the lodge. A sacred obligation is carried by women who wear this dress. Jingle dress dancers are called upon to dance for community members or families in need of healing. The spiritual power of this dress is said to originate as an energy emanating from the sound of the cones which ‘sing out to the spirits’ as the dancer moves in time with the drum.

We began the celebration with an opening ceremony conducted by elder Lorraine Liberty. It began with a smudge, followed by a teaching about the significance of the jingle dress. A special miigwech to Brenda Lee for making the jingle dress. Christina Beaucage danced beautifully to the sound of the drum wearing her jingle dress. The drummers were from Nbisiing Secondary School. The open house included a tour of the shelter, traditional feast, cedar tea, and giveaways.

In attendance were Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) representatives Warren Hutchings, Kelly Huntington and Lisa Graham, Chief Scott McLeod, former Chief Marianna Couchie, and Council Members Cathy Bellefeuille and Brian Couchie, Elder Banakonda Kennedy-Kish Bell, and community members.

Highlights from the past year at OWL include: Summer Family BBQ, Sisters In Spirit Candlelight Vigil for MMIW, Kanawayhitowin Community presentation, International Women’s Day Tea, Full Moon ceremonies and Outreach also provides education/public awareness in community.

“Everyone should be able to live without fear of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, verbal or elder abuse. Abuse of any kind is wrong. Aboriginal Women have the right to live in peace and harmony, be secure and respected, and be honoured as cultural carriers, life givers of our nations. This message has been brought to you by the Ojibway Women’s Lodge. Be part of the solution to end violence against all women”. (Ongoing local Radio Ad)

59 True Self/Debwewendizwin Employment & Training

True Self/ Debwewendizwin Employment & Training True Self/ Debwewendizwin Employment & Training mic independence. mic independence. to develop an individual- to develop an individual- ized plan of growth. ized plan of growth.

–– M Maarch 2929,, 2016 2016

This pThroisj eprcot jiesc td iisr edcirteecdte atd atem empopwoweerinringg yyoouth aanndd a adudult,lt, w womoemne ann da nmde mn wenit hwini tthhien N thoret hN Boayrt har Beaya w arhoe ara we hoom areleess ho, umnemlessplo, yuende omr pundloyeerdem oprl oundyede, remployed, port Servicpeso,r 36t S ervnroicllesed, 36 enrolled for thfoer AthBeC A’sB tCo’s Htoe alHe Yalo Yuoru Lri feLife w woorkrksshhoopp,, 27 ggraradduuaateted,d 21, 21 w owmoemn efonund found em pelomymploenymt aennd t14 an rdet 14urn reedt tuor nscehdoo tol. school.

In theIn ftahlle ofafll 2015 of 2015 Tru Teru See Slfe lhf ihreirded t wtwoo ne new conttrraacct ts taﬀstaﬀ a ndand la ulanuchnecdh etwdo t wneow ne prwoj epcrtos jdeesctisg ndeesd itgon eemdp towo eemr ipndowiviedur alinds aivis tdhuealy ms aosv et hfoerwy marod voen ftohrweir ard on their

True Paths True Paths or are struggling with or are struggling with

“Tuesd ay is our special day Laughing yoga is a hoot

“TuTresued Saelfy iiss our osnplecy wiaaly d ay Laughing yoga is a hoot

TrThuee S gelfirls i sa roeu frr ioendlyly w, ﬁanye and true It’s good for your heart, soul and mind

ThThe geyir tels aacrhe u fsr iweneldl laynd, ﬁ abnes oalndute. t rue WhIte’ns ygooou cdo mfoer, yifo yuoru haerea rdt,e psroeussl edand mind

ThYeoyu te’ll alecahv eu hs ewreel flu all ndof habappsoinluess.”te. When you come, if you are depressed Evelyn Gibson

You’ll leave here full of happiness.” Evelyn Gibson

I just wanted to say that the Men’s group held at True Self in North Bay has so far been useful in my everyday life. It has been helpful with my self-esteem . Marc Jodoin is a knowledgeable and pa ent facilitator and I’m looking forward to working with him in the upcoming sessions as the course con nues. Alanah is also friendly and help- I just wanted to say that the Men’s group held at True Self in North Bay has so far been useful in my everyday life. It has been helpful with my self-esteem ful and adds insight to our group discussions. Thank-you for oﬀering this course as I’m sure it will be helpful to other men in the North Bay area. . Marc Jodoin is a knowledgeable Tarnude pSealf Debweent facweilitndatoizrw ainn dW Io’m elon'osk Cinhrgistmas forwa Fredast to working with him in the upcoming sessions as the course con nues. Alanah is also friendly and helpful and adds insight to our group discussions. Thank-you for oﬀering this course as I’m sure it will be helpful to other men ine thhare dN woortrhk oBfa tyw aor ea. Nipissing University Student Placements approximately Twenty-nine women and thirty- dinner and receive a True Self Debwewendizwin Women's Christmas Feast

e hard work of two Nipissing University Student Placements approximately Twenty-nine women and thirty- dinner and receive a

—”Join Us on the Bridge” Marc Jodoin Empowering Paths Support Services

—”Join Us on the Bridge” Marc Jodoin Empowering Paths Support Services 60 In the Words of the Women

“My name is Louise, in April of 2015 I enrolled in the True Self workshop, this workshop provided me with the ABC’s of life skills and a computer course too. I was so grateful to have been given this opportunity to go to such a safe environment while I learned and healed. I completely believe that had I not been given this opportunity; I would still be struggling to get my life together. This is such a vital and important part of our healing and learning, and we are so lucky to have this available in our community. It is a safe place to go and be able to heal, learn and grow. Furthermore, after taking this workshop, I gained the confidence to go and get my high school diploma and I am enrolling in university for Sept 2016 admission. I hope this wonderful place keeps getting True Self Supports Education Partners through student the much needed funding it so richly deserves. placements Thank you again the wonderful angels of True Self

Sincerely

Louise”

My journey at True Self

“My name is Ginette and I’m a mature woman that has been given a second chance at life.. Before starting my time at True Self I was very depressed and not sure where I was going. My life had no direction. The event that led me to True Self was the unfortunate incident of being a victim of rape. After charging my aggressor, he then became my stalker. Consequently my life was in danger, and I was left with no choice but to leave my place of employment, my home and the life I had built for myself.

At True Self I learned how to set goals, deal with painful issues such as Forgiveness, Anger and Self Esteem which are valuable tools I use in my life today. Despite great tragedy in my life. True Self has help me reconstructed my life and have found happiness and freedom once again by working on the trauma crated by emotional and physical abuse of the event. I have established a personal support system with True Self, returned to school, I work part-time, volunteer and achieved all my individual goals; in fact, I have rebuilt a new life for myself. Without True Self none of this would have been possible.

I know what it means when someone says that the potential of the human spirit is unmeasurable. For although faced with personal challenges, I am now, with the help of True Self, determined to succeed. I truly believe that when someone is given a second chance, the outcome is definitely unmeasurable.

Yours truly,

Ginette”

Honouring and Celebrating Women and Culture Teaching Circles with George Couchie

Women and Children enjoy the craft table with our Visiting with Santa Dress for Success Staff and volunteers serving 61Dinner Financial Audit

NIPISSING FIRST NATION Exhibit A - Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

March 31, 2016, with comparative information for 2015

2016 2015

Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,639,682 $ 5,194,792 Short-term investments (note 3) 3,078,527 3,029,698 Accounts and grants receivable (note 4) 4,053,660 1,977,658 Housing mortgages and other long-term receivables (note 5) 4,687,304 4,622,822 Restricted assets - Nipissing 2013 Boundary Claim Trust (note 6) 87,787,921 85,824,864 Funds held in trust by the Government of Canada (note 7) 290,779 290,779 107,537,873 100,940,613

Financial liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 8) 5,031,709 2,726,320 Prepaid leases 150,101 159,186 Deferred program revenue (note 9) 3,281,271 3,130,963 Long-term debt (note 10) 6,074,411 6,259,379 14,537,492 12,275,848

Net financial assets 93,000,381 88,664,765

Non-financial assets: Tangible capital assets (note 11) 37,125,855 36,451,309 Prepaid expenses 62,842 99,601 37,188,697 36,550,910

Commitments and contingent liabilities (notes 12)

Accumulated surplus (note 13) $ 130,189,078 $ 125,215,675

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Approved:

Chief Chief Executive Officer

1 NIPISSING FIRST NATION Exhibit B - Consolidated Statement of Operations

Year ended March 31, 2016, with comparative information for 2015

2016 2015

Revenue: Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (note 14) $ 9,759,777 $ 8,489,817 Other 5,414,191 5,710,498 Health Canada 1,469,959 1,640,892 Ministry of Community and Social Services 1,690,704 1,663,432 Ontario First Nations Limited Partnership 1,139,394 1,131,558 Ministry of Education 415,072 443,039 Other Provincial 1,004,596 1,198,876 Union of Ontario Indians 552,277 717,605 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 316,003 200,824 21,761,973 21,196,541

Expenses: Education 6,120,556 6,360,641 Other 3,139,679 2,971,539 Community Operations 3,889,897 4,144,710 Health Services 2,590,800 2,834,816 Social Services 2,426,758 2,392,779 Capital 1,544,851 1,574,117 First Nation Enterprises 772,986 604,110 Housing 673,370 447,933 21,158,897 21,330,645

Annual surplus (deficit) from operations before the undernoted 603,076 (134,104)

Gain (loss) on sale of tangible capital assets 14,522 (1,793) Vacation (expense) recovery 36,274 (18,688) 653,872 (154,585)

The Nipissing 2013 Boundary Claim Trust: Investment income 5,477,165 3,332,835 Per capita distributions (594,699) (569,090) Other expenses (562,935) (975,236) 4,319,531 1,788,509

Annual surplus 4,973,403 1,633,924

Accumulated surplus, beginning of year 125,215,675 123,581,751

Accumulated surplus, end of year $ 130,189,078 $ 125,215,675

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2 NIPISSING FIRST NATION Exhibit C - Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Financial Assets

Year ended March 31, 2016, with comparative information for 2015

2016 2015

Annual surplus $ 4,973,403 1,633,924

Acquisition of tangible capital assets (2,357,951) (2,302,324) Amortization of tangible capital assets 1,627,930 1,501,347 Loss (gain) on sale of tangible capital assets (14,522) 1,793 Proceeds on sale of tangible capital assets 69,967 19,000 4,298,827 853,740

Change in prepaid expenses 36,789 15,610

Change in net financial assets 4,335,616 869,350

Net financial assets, beginning of year 88,664,765 87,795,415

Net financial assets, end of year $ 93,000,381 $ 88,664,765

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

64 3 Department Contact Position Phone Number Administration Dwayne Nashkawa Chief Executive Officer (705) 753-2050 ext. 1222 Administration Freda Martel Director of Administration (705) 753-2050 ext. 1223 Bingo Patricia Fisher Supervisor (705) 753-2180 Building Maintenance Brian Stevens Supervisor (705) 753-2050 ext. 1252 Child Welfare Debbie McLeod Supervisor (705) 753-2050 ext. 1322 Communications Shayla Brunet Communications Officer (705) 753-2050 ext. 1270 Community Liaison Tyler Couchie Community Liaison Officer (705) 753-9184 Couchie Memorial Daycare Jill Beaucage Supervisor (705) 474-9860 Culture & Heritage Glenna Beaucage Manager (705) 753-2050 ext. 1232 Economic Development Michael Harney Manager (705) 753-2050 ext. 1264 Education Nancy Allaire Director of Education (705) 753-2050 ext. 3013 Emergency Services/Fire Hall Melvin McLeod Manager (705) 753-4319 Employment & Training Thomas Lambert Manager (705) 753-2050 ext. 6985 Facilities Patrick Stevens Manager (705) 753-2050 ext. 1220

Family Resource Centre Suzanne Director (705) 472-3312 (emergency) Ojibway Women’s Lodge Goulais-Deering (705) 472-7828 (inquiries) Finance Tamara Saulis Chief Financial Officer (705) 753-2050 ext. 1281 Finance Renee Commanda Finance Officer (705) 753-2050 ext. 1228 Food Bank Lisa Vega Coordinator (705) 753-2050 ext. 6972 Health Services Kimberly Lalonde Manager (705) 753-3312 ext. 2223 Housing Shawn Anderson Manager (705) 753-2050 ext. 1246 Human Resources Jennifer Lalonde Manager (705) 753-2050 ext. 1253 Lands Joan McLeod Manager (705) 753-2922 ext. 1225 Library/Literacy Library Workers Librarian (705) 753-2050 ext. 1256 Natural Resources Jeff McLeod Manager (705) 753-2050 ext. 1224 Nbisiing Secondary School Monique Sawyer Principal (705) 497-9938 Nipissing Ojibway Daycare Julie McLeod Manager (705) 753-4052 Ontario Works Ginger Penasse Administrator (705) 753-2058 Public Works Terry Lariviere Manager (705) 753-2050 ext. 4001 Social Services Debbie McLeod Manager (705) 753-2050 ext. 1230 Annual Report 2015-2016

Nipissing First Nation Administration

Nipissing_FN

Nipissing First Nation, 36 Semo Road, Garden Village, ON P2B 3K2 Tel: (705) 753-2050 • Fax: (705) 753-0207 • www.nfn.ca