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 that best this interests Annual of ourReport nation 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