maamwi newspaper winter 2015

WE ARE NOW ENTERING a new year. Each of us are at the starting line and there are no crystal balls available to foresee what this year will bring. I encourage you to see this from a per-spective of excitement and anticipation, while knowing the year will also present bumps and trials.

Envisioning the pos-sibilities of what you can accomplish/do in this coming year is a great way to start

2015. According to motivational writer, James Clear, we have all the tools within our-selves to achieve what-ever we put our mind to. More importantly, Mr.Clear does not support setting goals as the way to succeed in achieving both our real and secret desires. He has a point since most people fail or stop working toward their New Year's resolutions within the first three weeks of January!

Instead, James claims that the strength of any success in achieving our dreams

for the year (or lifetime), is to identify a goal but focus, more importantly, on the system or the process you need to take in order to get there.Many of my colleagues have been discussing that they want to get healthier (the goal)

or be more wholistic (the goal) this year.The systems or processes toward reaching these goals are many,and include such exam-ples as eating more nutritiously, taking a yoga class, volunteer-ing, walking with a friend,taking Ojibwe language classes,etc.

If you focus on the goals of being healthier or being more wholistic,

the danger is that with the first setback that many of us tend to give

up. James Clear challenges that if you just focus on the process or system,in-stead,you are more likely to succeed.

So what is the difference between a goal or system? The example used by J. Clear is: "If you're a runner, your GOAL is to run a marathon. Your

SYSTEM OR PROCESS is your training schedule for the month".

Using this example, if your goal is becoming healthier or more wholistic through yoga or eating more nutritious-ly, then, it is the schedule you create, the supports you put in place, and your tenacity to attend yoga classes or practice yoga regularly by oneself, or your preparation and/or selection of healthy food choices,DESPITE the fact that you may miss a session or eat some very unhealthy meals.

Logically, if you keep going and per-sisting despite some setbacks/failures, in the long-term, you will meet your goal and vision anyway. This makes sense,does it not?

My wish for each person who reads this article is that you grab and hold onto this new year with enthusiasm. Believe that what you envision is what you can achieve in 2015, and that your dreams will lead to a healthier and happy you!

New Year Thoughts for 2015INTEGRATED SERVICE / EXELLENCE IN ACTION

BBOON 2015 MAAMWIMAAMWINAADAMADAANAADAMADAA

INTEGRATED SERVICEINTEGRATED SERVICE

MAAMWIMAAMWINAADAMADAANAADAMADAA
































UCCMM

$1.00

Inside MAAMWI News - Bboon 2015"Maamwi

Nadaamadaa” – A message to

our ReadersSEE PAGE 19

Sharing Circle Wellness Model

SEE PAGE 3

What Does It Take To Be A

Police OfficerSEE PAGE 8

Pamela Williamson, Executive Director of Noojmowin Teg

NOOJMOWIN TEG HEALTH CENTRE (NTHC) would like to take this opportunity to say Chi-Miigwetch to Isabelle Simon, who retired from the Diabetes Wellness Foot Care Nurse position on December 30th, 2014. Thank you Isabelle for your years of service and dedi-cation in assisting with the well-being of our commu-nities!

"I started with Noojmowin Teg Health Centre back on June 14, 2010

and I have really enjoyed my position within the Diabetes Well-ness Team. I have had many years experience working in nursing which started back in 1967 to 2014, during which time I also left for a few years to pursue more education. During my retirement, I am planning to spend more time with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have met a lot of clients and staff

through the years and have made lasting friendships that I am thankful for."

Isabelle Simon

Chi-Miigwetch to Isabelle Simon



UCCMM

THE UNITED CHIEFS AND Councils of Mnidoo Mnising have envisioned and initiated many affiliated agencies over the years in Health, Educa-tion, Child and Family Services, Economic Development, Employ-ment and Training and Culture. Affiliate agencies include:• Ojib-way Cultural Foundation

• Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services• Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute• Noojmowin Teg Health Centre• Mnaamodzawin Health Centre• Castle Building Supply• Mnidoo Mnising Employment and Training• Waubetek Business Development• UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service• Mnidoo Mnising Power

The Maamwi Naadamadaa Executive Management Team was formed in 2009. Maamwi Naadamadaa membership consists of

Affiliate executive directors and community band managers. The mandate of Maamwi Naadamadaa is to ensure that affiliates and communities are working together to address issues, close service gaps and strengthen the continuum of care. Maamwi Naadamadaa meets on a monthly basis.

Maamwi Naadamadaa believes that everyone has a role in achieving holistic health and wellness.

Maamwi Naadamadaa means “Let’s work together”.For more information on Maamwi Naadamadaa, contact

Hazel Recollet, CEO, UCCMM Tribal Council at 705-377-5307.

MAAMWI NAADAMADAA IS CURRENTLY seeking 2 (female/male) youth representatives to sit with the Executive Management team serving in an advisory capacity.

DESIRABLE QUALITIES:• Active in the Community • Be a strong confident voice for

a diverse population of young people on Mnidoo Mnising

• Willing to learn about pro-grams and services as well as governance

• Able to participate in sched-uled day-time meetings. Meetings held on the 3rd Thursday of the Month.

• Must be between the ages of 16-24 years old.

The successful applicant will receive an honorarium.

If you are interested please submit a cover letter outlining your interest and two personal reference letters to: Hazel Recollet, CEO

United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising

PO BOX 275 M’Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0Application deadline: Monday, Feb-

ruary 9, 2015 at Noon (12:00 p.m.).*Note: Interviews to be scheduled on

February 12/15 and first meeting on February 19/15.

For more information please contact: Daughness Migwans at 705-377-5307 or [email protected]

UCCMM TRIBAL COUNCIL1110 Hwy 551, P.O. Box 275 M’Chigeeng, Ontario, P0P 1G0 Tel: (705) 377-5307 Fax : (705) 377-5309

MAAMWI NEWS Bboon/Winter 2015

What is Maamwi Naadamadaa?

Attention Youth UCCMM Communities



UCCMM

Bringing in New SeasonsThe UCCMM Elders brought in a new round of seasons with a prayer tie ceremony on January 06, 2015 - Gimaa Giizhgat. The day was set to make some new prayer ties for our communities and affiliates. An invitation went out to the chiefs and the heads of our affiliates to attend this session held at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation in the healing lodge. The day began with the young Mnidoo Mnising Anishinabek Kinoomaage Gamig students coming into the lodge and sharing the Mii Maanda Enweying and also singing two wonderful hand drum songs. The ties were completed and were followed with a feast. While getting ready for the feast, a busload of young students stopped in; they were out doing their New Year’s greetings. It was a nice surprise for the elders to greet all the beautiful faces of the young ones, Miigwech to Lakeview School for bringing the young ones out. This was a great way to ring in the New Year. Happy New Year to family and friends from UCCMM Lands and Resources Department.

MAAMWI NAADAMADAAInvitation to UCCMM Community Membership, Affiliate

Board Members, & Chiefs and Councillors

All Members Annual MeetingThursday, February 19, 2015 10 am M’Chigeeng Community Complex

For more info: please contact Peggy Simon at the UCCMM/TC office: [email protected] or 705-377-5307

WHO: The UCCMM Tribal Council submitted a proposal and was successful in its application for Gwekwaadziwin. Gwekwaadziwin is a short term project funded by Health Canada’s Health Ser-vices Integration Fund (HSIF), ending March 2015. Maamwi Naadamadaa became the steering committee for the Gwekwaadziwin Project Coordinator that worked on developing a new model of service provision.

WHAT: The intent is to initiate an integration strategy recognizing existing services within the UCCMM catch-ment area.

WHY: The goal was to design a cul-turally relevant, wholistic treatment approach to those struggling with mental health and addictions issues. The mobilization of services means that we go to those who are in need instead of waiting for them to come to us. We are taking proactive measures to minimize risk of harm before it becomes reactive crisis response.

HOW: Maamwi Naadamadaa has adopted the definition of integration as: Organizations in the community operating as a single system, under single governance and an under-standing that commits all partners to clear processes for decision making and resource allocation; Those having common values and philosophies, and common program policies and practices; Individuals, families and communities experience seamless, timely and effec-tive supports which are monitored and improved through shared outcomes and quality improvement; and the possibility of some programs being consolidated or re-aligned. Maamwi Naadamadaa partners designed a wholistic services mobilization model using the Clan Structure, based on the 7 grandfather teachings and using a traditional sharing circle approach to addressing high risk situations.

• The Clan structure = multi-sec-torial involvement. This means roles are filled with representation from

Community, Policing, Justice, Edu-cation, Child and Family Services, Culture, Employment/Training and Health & we are operating as a single system. • The Seven Grandfathers = the foundation to the common values, philosophies, program policies and practices. • The Sharing Circle creates a system that allows individuals, fam-ilies and communities to seamless, timely, and effective supports as well as allowing sector and community professionals the opportunity to assess a situation from many differ-ent perspectives ensuring no one is left without the support they need.

WHEN: Implementation is expected to proceed in 2015.

WHERE: Mnidoo Mnising

GCHI MINO NAADMAADWIN TEGWhat does Gchi Mino Naadmaadwin

Teg mean and how did that name get chosen?

Gchi Mino Naadmaadwin Teg means a place where you will get the ultimate level of services and the name was given in a naming ceremony by Elder, Leona Nahwehgahbow. This aligns nicely with Maamwi Naadamadaa Service Excel-lence in Action motto.

How is Gchi Mino Naadmaadwin Teg going to operate?

Gchi Mino Naadmaadwin Teg is best described as a situation discussion table where partners meet on a weekly basis. Gchi Mino Naadmaadwin Teg part-ners come from all sectors (education, policing, justice, health, child and family services, etc.). These partners work in the communities on Mnidoo Mnising with community service providers.

Sometimes, things are happening with an individual, family or community that is putting them at risk. The risk fac-tors of the situation are what forms the discussion and determines who needs to be part of the support services that are offered to keep the situation from

getting worse. What do you mean “Risk Factors”?Risk factors are things like skipping

school, not having a stable residence, neglect, crime, divorce/separation/break up, being a victim of crime, history of court involvement, addictions, mental health issues, being isolated or alone, struggling to make ends meet, high stress or poor coping skills etc. People often struggle with one or two of these

factors over their lifetime and are able to handle it on their own, however, when someone is dealing with several of these risk factors all at once, they may need and want extra supports – people will-ing to lend a hand, strengthening con-nections in the family and community, offer support, resources and hope for the future and this is what Gchi Mino Naadmaadwin Teg will provide.

What about privacy and confidential-ity?

All members are doubly bound by Oaths of Confidentiality taken in Cer-emony led by Elders and those signed in their home agencies. All team members have participated in professional devel-opment (PD) to advance their under-standing of the inherent protocols and teachings attached to the Anishnaabek clan system, the seven grandfather teachings and sitting in a traditional circle. Further, PD has been undertaken to understand the four filter approach to information sharing with respect to provincial and federal legislation. Spe-cific controls include sharing and using information that is “need to know”, rel-evant to the situation being discussed and not used for purposes other than those identified by the support team. Only those identified as the support team will need detailed information. Note taking in circle is restricted and only non-identifiable data is collected by the Coordinator. The coordinator shares the information with Maamwi Naadamadaa to ensure the success of Gchi Mino Naadmaadwin Teg efforts.

What if a person doesn’t want the help or support that is offered?

People have the right to choose – they can say yes, no or not right now to the services offered. Support services are offered – not forced on individuals, family or community.

For more information on Gchi Mino Naadmaadwin Teg or to make a refer-ral, please contact: Project Coordinator, D a u g h n e s s Migwans at 705-377-5307 or [email protected]


Bboon/Winter 2015 MAAMWI NEWS

Gchi Mino Naadmaadwin Teg -Mobilization of Services – Sharing Circle Wellness Model

Figure 1: Procedure Outline



Mnidoo Mnising Children and Youth Service Providers Network (CYSPN) Update

by Dianne Debassige“IF YOU DON’T MAKE the time to work on creating the life you want, you’re eventually going to be forced to spend a LOT of time dealing with a life you don’t want.” Kevin Ngo

This quotation sums up the quandary of youth on probation. When youth are legally bound to meet their probation-ary conditions for a lengthy period of time, it is hard for them to stay focussed on what they are obligated to do, and understandably so when we consider they are going through an especially challenging time during their “wander-

ing and wondering life”. It is a passage in life that everyone must experience for themselves. Young people from the age of 14 to around 21 years are wandering around trying to figure out where they belong, and wondering what makes up who they are. For most youth on probation, accepting the significance of this life stage is not something that is in the forefront of their minds.

As the A.R.I.S.S Program Worker, I am responsible for providing sup-port services that are helpful for youth during this time and of course, remind-ing them that they have conditions to

fulfill before their probationary end date. When the Youth Probation Offi-cer sends a referral to me, there is an area of concern that has been identified to focus on with the young person. The areas specific to the A.R.I.S.S. program are; school support, mentorship, anger management, 1 to 1 counselling, and/or reintegration. The involvement of Youth Probationary Services can range from: reporting on the activity of the youth during the duration of their time on probation, attending youth case management meetings, providing updates on contact information, and

discussing how the efforts of the youth may serve to meet their probationary conditions. However, the needs and supports of young people are multifac-eted and complex in nature and require more community helpers to assist youth who are on probation.

When young people are implicated in the criminal justice system, there is a pervasive sense of negativity that can weigh down the individual. The issues that we must tackle to help young people in trouble with the law

FORMED IN NOVEMBER 2013, the vision of the CYSPN is the enhance-ment of communication and coopera-tion among service providers who serve the Anishnaabek community.

The CYSPN strives to enhance collaboration in planning and service delivery within a holistic vision of well-being, and in accordance with the teachings and understanding of the medicine wheel.

The goals of the CYSPN are to create a network that will assist in identifying common needs of the communities, support and advise on collaborative mental health and addictions initiatives for youth, promote public awareness of issues related to community wellness, create linkages between health and other service providers, and advocate for the enhancement of youth initia-tives.

This team of dedicated service pro-viders has been meeting regularly, participating in collaborative training events and are considering an Island wide Youth and Youth Providers Well-ness Conference. Please keep your eyes and ears open!

For more information, please email Daughness at [email protected]

Aboriginal Re-Integration Support Services Program – UCMM Justice

COMMUNITY/AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES/ALTERNATES

Aundeck Omni Kaning Anne-Marie Corbiere, Health Services Department ManagerStephanie Corbiere, Brighter Futures Worker

M’Chigeeng (Noojmowin Teg) Ed Didur, Child and Youth Addictions and Mental Health Worker (CYSPN Secretary)

Sheguiandah Kari Smith-Agounie, Health and Social Services Team Lead

Sheshegwaning Lance Panamick, Brighter Futures Worker

Whitefish River Vacant

Wikwemikong (Noojmowin Teg) Linda Kaboni, Child and Youth Addictions and Mental Health Worker

Zhiibaahaasing Vacant

UCCMM Justice Program Dianne Debassige, Aboriginal Reintegration Support Services Karen Genereux, Zoongaabwe-Od Eshniig-jik

Mnaamodzawin Health Vacant

Kenjgewin Teg Educational Insti-tute / Manitoulin Secondary School

Tammy Gordon, Student Counsellor

Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services Vacant

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Roberta Oshkawbwisens, Cultural Program Coordinator (Traditional Resource)

UCCMM Daughness Migwans, Project Coordinator, Gwekwaadziwin (CYSPN Chairperson)

The Mnidoo Mnising CYSPN gladly welcomes the participation of other service providers, including:The Children’s Community Network, Child and Family Centre, Youth Probation and Parole, & Manitoulin Family Resources.

Aboriginal continued on page 7



THE UCCMM ANNUAL FALL Hunt 2014 was a success this year! Over the course of a weekend in October, UCCMM members attended the annual hunt.

Prior to the camp being set up and pre-pared, some of the participants joined in a sweat lodge ceremony to start the hunt in a good way. Upon arrival at camp, the attendees were welcomed to the Hunt Camp location by the UCCMM Lands and Resources staff. The camp cooks were awesome; a Chi-Mi-igwech goes to Laura Jean Anwahtin and her crew! When attending the camp the attendees had the opportunity to participate in different events throughout the weekend, such as tradi-tional leather work with Darlene Bebonang, and the youth were involved in a making some art with nature.

This year, a new event was added to the agenda and this was the target shoot. This event was called the Turkey Shoot

(no turkeys were shot in this event). Persons of all ages participated in this event and

everyone had a chance to take a shot at the target. Our best shots were Joe

Panamick, Alma Jean Migwans of M’Chigeeng and Trinity Simon of Zhiibaahaasing. Awesome job every-

one!Over the weekend, the weather was

cold and rainy but that did not hamper the hunters at the camp. They successfully got two bull moose which was the most excit-ing part of the whole adventure. When the moose were being brought into camp, you could hear the cheers of excitement and happiness ring throughout the camp; such a feeling of joy and contentment that the hunt was successful again this year.

When the camp and the weekend of sharing and getting together was complete, the par-ticipants were brought together again, and were treated to a meat giveaway and feast.

To help prepare and improve the annual hunt, UCCMM has developed a survey that you can fill out in order share your com-ments and ideas, which we love to hear. Please feel free to par-ticipate in this survey by visitng us online. Keep your eyes open

for next year’s flyers.

Fall Moose Hunt Success

This moose was brought in by Elder Josh Eshkawkogan, semaa(tobacco) was placed on the moose before being taken out of the bush.

Prospector tents set up for camp

Be safe, check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide(co) alarmsTHE WINTER MONTHS ARE upon us. As the temperature drops, damaged or poorly maintained heat-ing equipment may be used, cars may be warm-ing up in the garage, there may be a lack of ventilation in the home with windows closed for the winter or generators used when electricity is out due to a winter storm. People don’t realize how dangerous these practic-es can be. Any fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, space or portable heaters), portable generators, and chimneys can produce carbon monoxide. Using a gas stove for heat can cause carbon mon-

oxide (CO) fumes to fill the home. And a vehicle running inside a garage is a

danger zone for poisonous carbon monoxide that can also fill the home.

Often called a silent killer, CO is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. It can be created when fuels, such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, and oil, burn incompletely. That is why

CO gas can be so deadly.A change to Ontario’s Fire Code

requires all existing residences and multi-residential units to have working carbon monoxide alarms installed near sleeping areas or service rooms. In rental properties the responsibility for installa-

tion and maintenance falls to the land-lord. This is consistent with the Ontario Building code changes requiring CO alarms in 2001.

The onus sits square-ly on the homeowner to ensure their carbon monoxide alarms are properly maintained. Just like smoke alarms, all CO alarms have a test button that should be pressed monthly to confirm the alarm's cir-cuitry is functioning as it should. Batteries should be replaced at least once annually, and for hardwired or plug-in models, that includes batteries that act as backup in case of a power outage. Check the age of existing CO alarms, and replace any

devices built before 2008. Every carbon monoxide alarm needs to be replaced every 7-10 years depending on the brand.

CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the differ-ence between the sound of smoke alarms and CO alarms. If your CO alarm sounds, immedi-ately move to a fresh air location (outdoors or by an open window or door) and call 9-1-1. Remain

at the fresh air location until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

We all want everyone to be warm and safe this winter. Make sure your home is protected with working CO and smoke alarms.

This is the natural art that was created by some youth at the camp



AANII, IT’S BEEN A busy last few months within our youth program. Most recently we hosted two U-Turn program sessions with the Little Cur-rent Public School and Manitoulin Sec-ondary School.

The U-Turn Pro-gram is designed for Anishinaabek youth ages 12-18 years of age. It is offered to the UCCMM First Nation communities and the schools.

There are ten ses-sions; in each session we discuss different topics that are geared toward living a good life, making positive decisions and learning about our cultural traditions through inviting guest speakers. We also have fun playing games and doing

crafts. Upon completion of the pro-gram, students are treated to a cele-bration where prizes and certificates are awarded.

Students from Little Current Public School who were involved with the U-Turn program were given the opportunity to sew their own drum

bags. They all did a wonderful job, and we’re so proud of them. Chi Miigwech to Marilyn Debassige, Hilda Corbiere and Karen Francis for assisting these

amazing youth.The Zoongaabwe-Od Eshniig-Jik

Youth program has events posted on the UCCMM website. Some of the

upcoming events are:

~ Living a good Life; teachings for youth presented by Mary Elliott at

Whitefish River FN on Jan 20th

~ Youth Game Night, Sheshegwaning, FN, Feb 3rd

~ Winter Photography, Whitefish River FN, Feb 7th

~ Traditional Skirt making, Whitefish River FN, Feb 17th

~ Birch Bark Harvesting, Aundeck Omni Kaning FN, Feb 21

~ Birch Bark Crafts, Aun-deck Omni Kaning FN, Feb 23

~ Birch Bark Crafts, Whitefish River FN, Feb 24

For more details, please call 705 377 5307 ext. 216

News from the UCCMM Justice Zoongaabwe-Od Eshniig-Jik Program

The next U-Turn program will be offered in M’Chigeeng to youth 12-18 yrs of age. It will be hosted at the Gwekwaadzawin House beginning in April 7th, every Monday and Thursday until May 7th.

LONG AGO, THE CHIEFS were usually male and they would wear a bonnet to represent the leadership role that they carried. Later in time, women start-ed holding the role of chief for their communities. The people of the time decided that the women chiefs should not be wearing a man type bonnet; they needed to show that this was a woman chief, so they made one to represent the women. The first known chief in this area to wear one of these bonnets was Florence (Flora) Tabobodung. She was a long reigning female chief for 27 years for her community of Wasauksing. Flora’s Bonnet, being one of the first made for a woman chief, was an example used to create the new women’s bonnets that are being worn today in the Great Lakes territory of the Anishinaabe.

The elders of this area had some discussion around our traditional attire, and felt that the chiefs should be adorned with our traditional gar-ments. Thus the idea emerged to recre-ate bonnets that would be reflective of

our Anishinaabe culture and the tribes within our territories. There are different compo-nents to the bonnet: the band, which wraps around the head, and the bands on top that hold the feathers that the Chief has obtained. The bonnets would feature paintings of floral patterns to represent the wood-

lands Anishinaabe, and a beaded medallion to depict their com-munity logo.

The chiefs would be presented award feathers for their accom-plishments while being in this role. This way, the people can tell who was a long reigning

chief or if he/she had just received this role for their community. If

the bonnet was worn out, then a new bonnet would be produced. The male chiefs would wear their feathers atop the bonnet and the women would tie their feathers down on the left side of

the bonnet. The feathers to be presented to the chiefs are the award feathers; they are about 8-10 inches in length and have a nice little set of plumage on them.

These bonnets will lead a new generation into understanding our roles and the diversity of our people and will show that we are an ever evolving

race and will continue to aspire, while still carrying on the traditions. Miigwech for reading and remember to show kindness in all walks of life.

What is this Bonnet?

UCCMM TRIBAL COUNCIL

KINA GBEZHGOMI CHILD SERVICES

1110 Hwy 551, P.O. Box 275 M’Chigeeng, Ontario, P0P 1G0 Tel: (705) 377-5307 Fax : (705) 377-5309

98 Pottowatomi St Wikwemikong, Ontario P0P 2J0 Tel: (705) 859-2100 Fax: (705) 859-2195


Aboriginal Re-Integration Program,...continued

Information on Becoming a Foster Family

will vary and be dependent upon the networks of support that are shared by family and friends. If the young person has no established circle of care and support, trust issues can be a source of concern. Patterns of behaviour, such as poor communication skills, can lead to frustration and resentment. Resent-ment can trigger anger which lessens one’s ability to use logic and reason. Then people can become embroiled in the vicious cycle of violence yet again.

Issues like these are problematic for everyone. A culturally restorative approach to ‘Justice as Healing’ can help us get to the heart of the matter to ensure that their needs are met.

Within this paradigm, we are guided by traditional customs and values to provide compassionate care to an indi-vidual who is in need of reassurance and comfort; reassurance that the hard-ship they are undergoing is simply a stepping stone because mistakes are a precursor to the gift of learning. It is a time where the traditional roles of

helping aim to offer a sense of com-fort in the face of adversity. We need to understand that young people who are required to face matters in court have had a number of bad experiences, and respect the fact that this does not make them bad people. Getting past the habitual patterns of behaviors of troubled youth is a process of learning and growing that happens when we are living in relationship to one another.

If we look back on our own individual lives, our memories will remind us of a time when life was really hard and

complicated for us. We will remember someone who kindly guided us in that moment of need and realize how that precious gesture made such a positive difference in our life at the time. It is time to ‘pay it forward’ in the best way we can to the young people who are in similar situations now. We need to give them hope, and the power to dream big so that they can become meaningfully engaged in creating a life that their spirit can thrive in.

Miigwech gii nokiiyin.

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED becoming a foster parent? Kina Gbe-zhgomi Child & Family Services is asking our community members and families to give this further thought. We are currently seeking up to 20 foster homes throughout our service area. The Foster Care department is prepared to deliver community and inter-agency presentations, in order to raise aware-ness and provide information about being a foster parent. We hope to bring a better understanding of the foster care program and the home assessment pro-cess to community members by answer-ing common questions people may have about fostering.

Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services foster care is striving to meet the children’s needs. Our vision is to honour and support our families’ and community’s inherent authority to care for their children based on unity, tradi-tions, values, beliefs and customs.

In 2001, Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services received a ministry licence to recruit, assess and service a network of foster homes within the ser-

vice area. In the first year of operations, there was a compliment of 3 foster homes. Today the program operates with 46 foster homes. Kina Gbezhgo-mi Child & Family Services continues

recruitment efforts to meet the needs of every child requiring an alternative care arrangement.

There are different types of foster homes: Regular, Relief, Specialized,

Therapeutic and Customary Care. Children between the ages of new-born - 16 years old need a loving, safe Anishinaaabe caregiver. Many of these children are your neighbours, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and community members. Our commu-nities have the knowledge, skills, and family networks to take care of our children. We need Anishinaabe people like you to become foster caregivers.

For more information on becoming a foster family, please contact the Foster Care Recruitment Coordinator at our Wikwemikong office705-859-1010 or visit www.kgcfs.org.

Contact: Sophie Pheasant, FCRC at 705-859-1010 ext. 2051 Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Ser-vices - Foster Care 19 A Complex Drive Wikwemikong, Ontario. P0P 2J0

...continued from page 4

Current Foster Parent community locations.

What Does It Take To Be A Police Officer?Are you interested in helping your

Community? Are you someone who is self-motivated and has passion to assist others? Are you someone who is outgoing and has great communication skills? Becoming a Police Officer may just be the job that you are looking for.

BEING A POLICE OFFICER can be a very demanding job, but it is also extremely rewarding. Many times, Police Officers are responding to sit-uations where people are either in a crisis or in a conflict situation. A Police Officer must be able to handle many situations with sensitivity and tact, while showing respect and concern for the needs of a person(s) regardless of the person(s) background. A Police Officer is required many times to put aside any personal issues and feelings that they may have regarding the situ-ation and respond from a neutral per-spective. They must be able to show self-control as a Police Officer, have the ability to keep emotions under control, and to restrain from negative actions when provoked, or when under stressful conditions. A Police Officer also has to respond to a situation and see it from all perspectives, and react appropriately. On some occasions, a Police Officer is required to apprehend and charge an offender(s), if the situation warrants. Being a Police Officer is demanding, as they are required to work shift work, including evenings, nights, weekends, and at all times of the year, but the work can be extremely fulfilling.

The job allows an individual to inter-

act with many different members of the community, but gives an indi-vidual a great sense of accomplish-

ment and confidence, as many people look to them for safety and guidance in a variety of situations. A Police Offi-cer is very rarely congratulated on the job that they perform. A Police Officer must be self-motivated and commit-ted to continuous learning, as they are required to keep up-to-date with all aspects of their training, and at times will be presented with opportunities to expand on their basic training and specialize in certain policing areas. A Police Officer has a great responsibil-ity to the members of the communi-ties they serve and is a leader within those communities. If all of the above

describes you, and you are interested in working in the communities we serve, then we encourage you to apply.

What it Takes to Become a Police Offi-cer:

In order to apply to become a Police Officer you must meet the minimum requirements. Specifically you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age;

• Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position while having regard for your own safety and safety of members of the public;

• Have successfully completed four years of secondary school education; and

• Be of good moral character and habits, meaning that you are an individual other people would look upon as being trustworthy and having integrity.

In addition, you must: • Possess a valid Class G driver’s

licence with no more than six accu-mulated demerit points; and

• Be able to pass a security clearance

as well as a background investi-gation, and credit and reference checks.

Also, in order to apply to become a Police officer you must successfully obtain an Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Certificate completed through the appli-cant testing services. This certificate is obtained by completing and meeting the standard on the identified tests which include the following:

• Police Analytical Thinking Inven-tory (PATI);

• Written Communication Test (WCT);

• Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP);

• Behavioural Personnel Assessment Device for Police (B-PAD); and

• Meet the Vision and Hearing stan-dards as outlined by the Constable Selection System.

The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Ser-vice also encourages individuals to pos-sess the following skills to work within the UCCMM communities:

• Knowledge of the UCCMM com-munities;

• Ability to demonstrate communi-ty policing theory and philosophy appropriate for the UCCMM com-munities;

• Respectful and sensitive to the his-tory and needs of the Anishnaabe people when dealing with the public and other external partners; and

• Knowledge of the UCCM Anish-naabe Police Service, and why the organization exists.

The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service is recruiting one Police Officer to become a part of the Police Service family, and you may be interested in applying for the job.

UCCM ANISHINAABE POLICE5926 Highway #540, P.O. Box 332 M’Chigeeng, ON, P0P 1G0 Tel: (705) 377-7135 Fax: (705) 377-5583




Retirement Of Ray Corbiere, Senior ConstableAFTER 34 YEARS OF community polic-ing, Senior Constable Ray Corbiere enjoyed his last shift on July 8, 2014 and official-ly retired his badge. Congratulations Ray!

Ray first joined policing on June 16th, 1980 with the West Bay Police, which later became known as the UCCM Anishnaabe Police.

In his 34 years, Ray has seen how the tools of the trade have evolved, from cars and

equipment, to their uni-forms for example - which were plain in comparison to the available policing resources and technology of today.

Is the job of policing easier to do these days vs. early in his career? Proba-bly not! In fact policing and dealing with people is much more complex these days. This is because there is a lot more paper and computer work. Back then, disputes and disagreements were often settled by common

sense and old fashioned mediation and intervention.Ray has always believed in commu-

nity policing – quick to support com-munity events, even when he was off duty! During the course of his career, he made sure to stop in on First Nation Administration offices and the affiliate services just to say “hi” and by doing this, you couldn’t go anywhere on the Island where someone didn’t know him.

Police Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow was honoured to present Senior Con-stable Ray Corbiere with his well-de-served retirement badge. The UCCM Anishnaabe Police is proud of Senior Constable Ray Corbiere and will defi-nitely miss working with him!

So, next time you meet Constable Ray Corbiere in your travels, be sure to thank him for servicing our communi-ties all these years.

Ray Corbiere retired after 34 years on the force.

Rodney Nahwegahbow, Chief of Police presenting retirement badge to Sr. Cst. Ray Corbiere

From L-R: Ray’s daughter Kathryn, Ray, wife Sophie, Mom Melvin, and Dad, Ron.

New Systems CoordinatorUCCM ANISHNAABE POLICE SER-VICE would like to introduce their new Systems Coordinator, Robin George. Robin has been an employee with the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service since July 2011. Previously she was the Administrative Assistant for the organi-zation, and since June 2014 she has held the position of Systems Coordinator.

As the Systems Coordinator, Robin’s role is more technology based with a specific emphasis on the Niche Data-base system. Her main role as a Sys-tems Coordinator includes creating occurrences and supplementary reports for the organization and ensuring all occurrences are complete, correct, and consistent. Overall, Robin has a strong role to play in ensuring data quality con-trol for the organization, as it is very important when sharing information with other police services.

Robin will also be assisting the Police Officers of the organization by prepar-ing Crown Briefs, Warrants, and Crim-inal Record Checks for the purposes of their investigations. Her position was created so that UCCM Police Officers were more visible within the UCCMM communities and could focus on com-pleting their investigations.

We are pleased to have Robin George in her new role, as she will be provid-ing knowledge and support to every-one in the UCCM Police Service with the record management systems, and assisting in investigations in an admin-istrative capacity.

During the week of November 2nd to November 9th, 2014 the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service had our Crime Prevention booth set up at each First Nation on scheduled days.

During that week, our booth display was set up to show visitors how to be safe and how to get involved in the safety of their community.

Our display and information focussed on the following safety con-cerns: Lock it or Lose it Campaign; Getting involved in local Crime Pre-

vention Initiatives; Safeguarding Your Home or Business from Property Crimes; Bullying – Identity Theft and other Cyber Crimes; Vigilance against On-line Fraud; and when to call 9-1-1.

Visitors also filled out our Crime Prevention Survey to help us gather information and gain an understanding of how communities’ perceptions were about the level of safety and crime in their community.

A total of 164 surveys were gathered from all the First Nations.

We are very pleased with the number of surveys received, and the results from them will be circulated to the First Nations once we have reviewed all the data collected.

During the presentation, we also offered participants who filled out our survey, a chance to enter our draw to win a 50 inch LED Insignia Television. The draw was held on Nov. 9, 2014, at

2:00 pm at the UCCM Police Office, and the winning ticket was drawn by two little visitors Naomi and Mia Tomaselli.

The winner of the 50 inch LED TV was Murray McGregor Jr. who came to the UCCM Police office, and picked up his prize on December 11, 2014

Crime Prevention Week Update



EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

1 – POLICE CONSTABLE (CONTRACT)

TERM: Three year Contract Position with possibility of extension. The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service is seeking either a new recruit Police Constable or an experienced Police Constable, with a strong desire to promote and foster community peace and social order within the framework of the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Police Services Commission. Skills:

Knowledgeable and respectful of Anishnaabe customs, culture, and language; Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain professionalism and courteousness to members of

the public and all justice partners; Ability to multi-task in a high stress and time driven environment; Excellent written and verbal communication skills, to resolve and mediate disputes that

arise in the performance of duties; Ability to utilize analytical skills in a variety of environments to identify problems, analyse

options, and determine the best possible solution; Excellent ability to work independently and within a team, and to manage time efficiently; Strong computer skills to learn a variety of software applications for the use of duties; and Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications.

Duties include, but are not limited to: Conduct proactive community patrols in all UCCMM service area communities; Create linkages and integration with other community partners by making referrals to

appropriate service agencies for services needed outside the initial scope of law enforcement;

Knowledgeable of community resources available for victims, witnesses, accused members, and members of the public;

Observe for violations of the law and take appropriate enforcement, mediation, or referral action;

Collect, secure, preserve, and dispose of evidence in accordance with procedures outlined in the Police Orders, Criminal Code of Canada, other Provincial and Federal Statutes, and other investigative manuals as applicable;

Complete occurrence and supplementary reports in a complete, clear, logical, accurate manner using proper grammar, spelling and terminology; and

Complete all other required reports related to investigations: traffic reports, ViCLAS reports, CPIC and other law enforcement forms as per the prescribed standards on a timely basis; and,

Other Important Information A probationary period will apply and a complete background check will be completed. A valid Class G driver’s license, First Aid and CPR certificate required. A valid Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Certificate, completed through Applicant

Testing Services, must be provided prior to interview if selected. Police College Start Date: May 6, 2015, (12 weeks), if a new recruit.

Apply for this position by submitting your cover letter, resume, and a completed application form for

Police Constable found on the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service’s website by March 11, 2015, at 4:00 PM to:

Employment Opportunity: Police Constable

U.C.C.M. Anishnaabe Police Service 5926 Hwy 540, Box 332

M’Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0

New hires, Women, and Individuals of Anishnaabe ancestry are encouraged to apply.

For questions about this employment opportunity and a detailed job description, please contact

Taylor Sayers at 705.377.7135, or visit our website at www.uccmpolice.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Social Navigator SALARY: Salary to Commensurate with Experience/

Per Approved Salary Grid

TERM: Three Year Contract with Possibility of an Extension The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service is currently experiencing growth and change in the organization, and is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to fulfill the responsibilities of the Social Navigator position. The position will work directly under the Chief of Police and will connect and support at risk individuals. The Social Navigator’s goal is to reduce an individual’s dependence on the judicial and hospital systems by navigating an individual to the appropriate community organization for assistance to improve their overall health, safety, and quality of life. This new position is part of a pilot project funded by Public Safety Canada and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. The individual chosen will be responsible for the overall success of the project. Education and Experience

Minimum of an Undergraduate Degree in either Applied or Health Sciences; or a College Diploma in a related field with 5 years of experience in the operational field.

Experience and knowledge of Case Management. Previous work experience in a social, health, and/or judicial setting, a definite asset.

Skills:

Knowledgeable and respectful of Anishnaabe customs, culture, and language; Strong policy development and writing skills; Knowledge of Federal, Provincial, and First Nation Government systems and processes; Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills; Knowledge of social and healthcare organizations that case manage at risk individuals; Strong report writing and verbal communication skills; Excellent human relations and interpersonal skills; and Knowledge of applicable legislation and various acts that affect the success of the project.

Duties (Include but are not limited to):

Conduct assessments of individuals with the ability to refer individuals to the appropriate identified community organization;

Provide a point of contact and communication for individuals re-entry into the service system; Provide case management to those participants who are participating in the program; Work in collaboration and consult with community partners including, mental health agencies, the

courts, and non-profit social service agencies which provide outreach and case management services;

Create and maintain a data base for all client information as applicable; Prepare policies, procedures and guidelines for the project as required and conduct periodic reviews

as needed; Develop all forms necessary for the intake and assessment of individuals; Liaise with other agencies, justice and government partners to keep abreast of First Nation policing

national issues; Prepare reports, and assess and analyze data for the project as needed; Represent the Police Service at conferences, seminars, information sessions, as approved by the

Chief of Police; and Ensure UCCM Police Service is in compliance with all related laws and regulations as required.

Other Important Information A probationary period will apply. A background check will be completed. A valid Class G driver’s license required.

Apply for this position by submitting your cover letter, resume, and 3 work related references by January

22nd, 2015, at 4:00 PM to:

Confidential Employment Opportunity: Social Navigator

U.C.C.M. Anishnaabe Police Service 5926 Hwy 540, Box 332

M’Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0

Individuals of Anishnaabe ancestry are encouraged to apply.

For questions about this employment opportunity and a detailed job description, please contact Taylor

Sayers, at 705.377.7135, or visit our website at www.uccmpolice.com

Since the inception of the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, we have had over 50 vehicles rotate through the fleet. The majority of these vehicles are in the field two or three years before they are taken out of service. Our Police vehicles are fleet maintained and usually are in roadworthy shape when they retire. In the past they have been sold off at auctions, local garages, and even used in some movies.

Recently the police service has decided to return these vehicles to the community. Over the past year, our Police Service has donated two police cars to Manitoulin Secondary School – Automotive Program. Students have had opportunity to work on these more

modern vehicles and disassemble them and re-assemble certain components for learning purposes.

In January of 2015 two vehicles were donated back to the communities we serve. Whitefish River received a full

size Chevy Tahoe, and M’Chigeeng received the last Ford Crown Victo-ria. These vehicles will be used by the communities for a function that will serve the entire community. The own-ership of the vehicles will be transferred from the Police Service to the First Nation. As more police vehicles are retired, they will be allocated to all of the First Nations in the UCCMM area on a rotational basis. All of the Police related equipment and Police decals are removed from the units prior to being donated. UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service is proud of this new initiative as they believe that giving back to their communities is very important.



As more police vehicles are retired, they will be allocated to all of the First Nations in the UCCMM area on a rotational basis.

Police Vehicles Donated back to Communities

IT WAS A BUSY year for everyone and we are pleased with the results that our Positive Ticket Campaign has had in the community. Since our Campaign began in June 2014, we have handed out 227 Positive Tickets to M’Chigeeng Youth between the ages of 5 and 18 who have been conducting good deeds and promoting positive actions in the community.

UCCM Anishnaabe Police Positive Ticket Campaign Update

1st Winner – Dallas Corbiere who won an IPod on July 3, 2014 (June winner) Dallas was one of the many students at the Lakeview School Awards Day.

5th Winner – Isiah Anwhatin (right) won an IPod, November 17, 2014 (October winner) Isiah was being a good listener in class.

2nd Winner – Kaleb Genereaux who won a Nintendo DS on August 1, 2014 (July winner) Kaleb was helping out at the church doing yard work.

6th Winner – Tyran Armstrong (right)won an IPod, November 30, 2014 (November Winner) Tyran was being helpful at school and putting down sand at recess time so no one slips.

3rd Winner – Neilah Corbiere who won a Nintendo DS on Sept. 3, 2014 (August winner) Neilah was helping pick medicines.

7th Winner – Kira Panamick (right)won a Nintendo DS, January 8, 2015 (December Winner) Kira was being helpful by volunteering to share her colouring tools to a student who didn’t have any.

4th Winner – Zaagaasagi Corbiere who won a Nintendo DS on Oct. 3, 2014 (September winner) Zaagaasagi was practicing safety and wearing her bike helmet while riding her bike.

UCCM Anishnaabe Police continue to look forward to issuing more positive tickets in the New Year and encourage the youth of M’Chigeeng First Nation to continue to help out in your community and be positive every day. We ask that community members continue to call in the good deeds of its’ junior citizens.

Chi-nishin Everyone!

THE 2014 WINNERS ARE:

MNAADMODZAWIN HEALTH SERVICES48 Hillside Rd., Postal Bag 2002 Little Current, ON P0P 1K0 Tel: (705) 368-2182 Fax: (705) 368-2229


AOK Elders reached their destination in 167,640 stepsOn July 8 2014, Mnaamodzawin

Health Service offered their Person-al Support Workers from the Homecare Program the oppor-tunity to take the Urban Poling Activator Course, taught by Louise Hickey. Urban Poling also known as Nordic Walking is a fast growing fitness trend in North America. It is a fun full body workout that is good for all ages. The activator course is geared to older adults and helps with balance and stability issues.

The P.S.W.’s became certified instructors and the competition began between the Elders of the five (5) First Nations that Mnaamodzawin services: (Whitefish River, Sheguiandah, Audeck Omni Kaning (AOK), Sheshegwaning and Zhiibaa-haasing).

The PSWs calculated how many steps there were in a kilo-meter and then they set their goals to walk to Sudbury which calculated to 167640 steps in total. To keep everyone motivated, there were incentives for each milestone reached, such as: a treat for ice-cream at Farquhars when they reach 9240 steps

to Little Current and then lunch at Tim Horton’s when they reached 73920

steps to Espanola.The Challenge started August 7, 2014

and the goal was completed on January 9, 2015 by the Elders of A.O.K. led

by Mnaamodzawin Personal Support Workers Debbie Shawanda and Sylvia

Dawson Orford.The regular walkers were Albert

Lariviere, Norma Assinewai, Elaine Nahwegahbow, Liz Esquimaux, Joe

Nahwegahbow, Henry Nahwegahbow, Joanne Esquimaux and Shirley Aboto-

ssaway. Andrea Nahwegahbow also came out a few times to help add to the footsteps.

Blowing snow and cold tem-peratures did not deter this group. A crowd of cheering spectators greeted everyone as they crossed the finish line. After the walk, the PSWs pre-sented each Elder with a cer-tificate to recognize their great accomplishment.

Since they reached their tar-geted goal and their destination, this doesn’t mean that they will be putting away their poles. No, this group has agreed and are committed to continue walking on a weekly basis.

On January 13th the group went to Sudbury for a well-de-served celebratory luncheon at Red Lobster. Missing in the photo is Joanne Esquimaux.

Congratulations to the AOK Elders and thanks for sending the message: “You Can Still Be

Active Regardless of your Age”. You are truly an inspiration to everyone!

Quote by Marianne Williamson

The regular walkers were Albert Lariviere, Norma Assinewai, Elaine Nahwegahbow, Liz Esquimaux, Joe Nahwegahbow, Henry Nahwegahbow, Joanne Esquimaux and Shirley Abotossaway. Andrea Nahwegahbow also came out a few times to help add to the footsteps.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s Driven to Quit Challenge (D2Q) is a health promotion campaign that engages smokers and tobacco users in Ontario to make a quit attempt for the month of March 2015. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the free support services of Smokers’

Helpline and Smokers’ Helpline Online to help them with their quit attempt.

Entrants are entered into a prize draw to take place the first week of April 2015. Potential winners must prove that they have remained tobacco-free for the month of March. Participants may

quit smoking or stop using tobacco any time after they regis-ter for the Challenge as long as they quit by March 1, 2015 and stay tobacco-free for the whole month. Those who have recently quit may also be eligible to enter. No purchase is necessary to enter the D2Q Challenge. As smokers who get support from friends and family are more likely to quit1, par-ticipants can earn a second entry into the prize draw by sign-ing up with a support buddy.

GETTING SUP-PORT: Smokers’ Helpline and Smok-ers’ Helpline Online – Registrants and any Ontario tobacco user can get helpful tips, tools and infor-mation about quit-ting and can work with a non-judg-mental Quit Coach to create a personal-ized plan for quitting by calling Smokers’ Helpline toll-free at 1-877-513-5333 or the number on cigarette packages. Through Smokers’ Helpline Online at smokershelpline.ca,

quitters have 24/7 access to cessation resources, a self-directed cessation pro-gram and a robust online community.

Quitlines, such as Smokers’ Help-

line, greatly increase the chances that a smoker will quit successfully. Quitline

Driven to Quit continued on page 14


NOOJMOWIN TEG HEALTH CENTREHwy 540, 48 Hillside Road, AOK First Nation, Little Current, Ontario P0P 1K0 Tel: (705) 368-2182

Driven to Quit Challenge: Canadian Cancer Society

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Main Office Telephone

(705) 368-2182

Pam Williamson Ext. 200

Debbie Francis Ext. 235

Peggy Wassegijig Ext. 219

Melissa Biedermann Ext. 201

Darrell Assiniwe Ext. 204

Tammy Maguire Ext. 223

Brenda Beaudry Ext. 232

Nicole Sokoloski Ext. 233

Ruth Guy Ext. 218

Barb Erskine Ext. 215

Brad Hempel Ext. 203

Melanie Stephens Ext. 222

Roberta Oshkawbewisens Ext. 209

Sherri Renwick Ext. 1514

Craig Abotossaway Ext. 1517

Ed Didur Ext. 1515

Linda Kaboni Ext. 1501

Sarah Seabrook Ext. 1516

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Satellite Office Telephone

(705) 368-2919

Natalie Hastings Ext. 200

Barb Recollet Ext. 201

Mark Peltier/Melanie Francis Ext. 202

Crystal Morra Ext. 203

John Wakegijig Ext. 204

Janet Fathers Ext. 205

Angela Shawanda Ext. 206

Charlene Corbiere Ext. 207

Cody Leeson Ext. 209

Agnes Kanasawe Ext. 210

Julie Rochefort Ext. 211

Hwy 540, 48 Hillside Road, AOK First Nation, Little Current, Ontario P0P 1K0 Tel: (705) 368-2182


NOOJMOWIN TEG HEALTH CENTRE

If you or someone you know would be interested in having the Noojmowin Teg Health Centre monthly newsletter

delivered to your mailbox/home or email, please forward your name and mailing address/email address to:

Melissa Biedermann, Administrative Program Support either by calling (705) 368-2182 ext. 201 or by email at

[email protected].

Please identify your preferred method of delivery.

Miigwetch/Thank you!

SAVE THE DATE Monday, June 29, 2015 @ 9:30am

NOOJMOWIN TEG HEALTH CENTRE

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held in the community of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation (exact event location to be confirmed)

Lunch will be provided. Look for the posters in your communities at a later date or visit the Noojmowin Teg Health

Centre website at www.noojmowin-teg.ca or find us on Facebook.

The Diabetes Wellness Symposium Article submitted by Natalie Hastings

Hosted by the Manitoulin Diabetes Health Network, the Diabetes Wellness Symposium took place on November 28th, 2014. Sixty seven individuals attended the event at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre in Little Current for the day to hear an array of guest speakers, to visit booths and to participate in physical activity workshops. The goal of the conference was to look at Diabetes Management in a holistic way; some topics that the speakers presented on included: mental health, raising the spirit, kidney health and laboratory values. The physical activity component included: Zumba, Theraband exercises and all got to participate in a Traditional Round Dance. Each activity was spread throughout the day to keep everyone active and engaged. The Manitoulin Diabetes Health Network plans for this conference to be an annual event.

Pictured L to R: Natalie Hastings, Bonnie Akiwenzie, Ivy McLean, Colleen Mailloux, Valerie Beaudin, Eleanor Debassige, Laurel LeConte, Angela Shawanda

counselling can more than double a smoker’s chances of quitting and quit-line support combined with medication (such as nicotine replacement thera-py) can more than triple the chances of quitting.2 Coupons for Nicotine Replacement Therapy – Every person who registers for the Challenge will receive a $5 dis-count coupon for e i ther Nicorette® and Nicoderm®. In addition, any person who is registered for D2Q and calls Smokers’ Helpline for support will have the option of receiving an addi-tional $6 discount coupon. Quit Centre - D2Q participants will have the abil-ity develop a public profile on Driven-ToQuit.ca, which they can share with friends and family to support them in their quit journey. It includes tools such as e-mail templates and social media sharing to encourage others within their social networks to join the Challenge. These tools will also allow participants to publically declare their intention to quit, and to ask family, friends or other supporters to pledge their support by making a financial donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. Creating a profile, online social sharing and

getting pledges are all voluntary ele-ments of D2Q. Participation or lack thereof will in no way influence Chal-lenge outcomes, or increase or decrease quitters’ chances of winning a prize. HISTORY: This is the ninth time the Canadian Cancer Society has presented D2Q. Since 2006 D2Q has inspired more than 213,000 quit attempts by Ontario tobacco users including more

than 13,000 in 2014 . Most smokers are dependent on nicotine making quit-

ting difficult. It often requires several attempts to beat tobacco addiction for good3. Every quit attempt is import-ant. Research shows if smokers can stop for one month they are 5 times more likely to be able to remain smoke-free for good.4 Driven to Quit has had a significant impact on the number of smokers receiving cessation support from Smokers’ Helpline increasing both call volumes and registrations to the online community. To speak with a Canadian Cancer Society spokesper-son, contact: Zoë Siskos 905-387-4322 ext. 5627 [email protected]

...continued from page 13

Driven to Quit Challenge: cont'd CHECK FOR FALL 2015POST SECONDARY PROGRAMS @w w w . k t e i . n e t

by the New Beginnings FASD & CNP Program (Charlene Corbiere & Cody Leeson)

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre sub-mitted a proposal to Health Nexus, and was successful in securing the fund-ing. The Breast Feeding Initiative (BFI) has been underway since the spring of 2014. There is so much happening in the background to carry though the pro-posal requirements—meetings with our funder and BFI team; ensure direction and progress is happening, scheduling of activities to ensure compliance with the proposal, locating and securing the appropriate trainer; finding a family to help with poster development, and You Tube videos. Miigwetch to Joy Simon and Family for your Pride and Courage. (poster family)

It is not without our team that this project has seen successes. The team here from Noojmowin Teg extends into the First Nation Communities. G’Chi-Miigwetch, to everyone that has agreed to support and participate in this BFI endeavour. We had three young families attend the training in Birch Island at the Rainbow Lodge for our two (2) day training. The training session was to provide motivation, information and encouragement to begin and maintain breast feeding to Community members /Aunties/friends that are easily accessed in the First Nation Communities whenever the

Mom and baby needs arise.G’Chi-Miigwetch to Stephanie

Macdonald (Anishinabe Midwife and Lactation Consultant from Six Nations); Shirley and Stephanie Corbiere; Melinda Sampson; Beverly Endanawas; Bobbie Sue Kells-Riberdy; Rita Corbiere; Alma-Jean Migwans; Christy Taibossigai; Mary Buie; April, Sophie & Alyssa; Barbara Peltier; Crystal Morra; Julie Rochefort-Wood; Natalie Hastings; Cindy Trudeau & Dena Beaudin.

If there are any questions or resources that may be needed to fulfill the next step in the proposal – Breastfeeding workshops/support group, please con-tact: New Beginnings FASD & Child Nutrition Program Coordinators at Noojmowin Teg Health Centre by call-ing (705) 368-2919 ext. 207 (Charlene Corbiere) or 209 (Cody Leeson) or by visiting www.noojmowin-teg.ca.


NOOJMOWIN TEG HEALTH CENTREHwy 540, 48 Hillside Road, AOK First Nation, Little Current, Ontario P0P 1K0 Tel: (705) 368-2182

NOOJMOWIN TEG HEALTH

CENTRE AGING AT HOME VAN

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Did you know that there is FREE transportation services available?

If you are 55 years and/or older and are a Manitoulin Island resident, then you are eligible to access this transportation service. Transportation can be booked for medical appointments, home management activities (such as banking /shopping) as well as group outings. However, priority will be given for medical appointments.

The Aging at Home Vans are available 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) and available on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis. The Aging at Home Van service is available to each client for a maximum of three bookings per month. Please note that the service provides pick-up and drop-off transportations services only and is not intended to provide medical escort assistance.

There is also a 24 hour cancellation notice requirement so the van can be made available to another client in need.

Please note: The Aging at Home Van Transportation services are not intended to be used when other means of transportation are available and when other transportation costs are available (ie. FNIHB medical transportation, Northern Travel grants, etc.)

If you would like to book the Aging at Home Van or to find out more information, please contact:

Melissa Biedermann at (705) 368-2182 ext. 201

Aanii! I’m pleased to introduce myself as the new Foot Care Nurse with Nogdawen Dissun Diabetes Program here at Noojmowin Teg Health Centre.

I’ve been working here 5 years in the role of Aging at Home Liaison, so have come to know some of you already, and I am looking forward to getting to know others! I’m excited to be working with the Diabetes Wellness Team, and in a more “hands-on” role with clients.

Miigwech & Baa Maa Pii!

Janet Fathers, Registered Nurse

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Main Office Telephone

(705) 368-2182

Pam Williamson Ext. 200

Debbie Francis Ext. 235

Peggy Wassegijig Ext. 219

Melissa Biedermann Ext. 201

Darrell Assiniwe Ext. 204

Tammy Maguire Ext. 223

Brenda Beaudry Ext. 232

Nicole Sokoloski Ext. 233

Ruth Guy Ext. 218

Barb Erskine Ext. 215

Brad Hempel Ext. 203

Melanie Stephens Ext. 222

Roberta Oshkawbewisens Ext. 209

Sherri Renwick Ext. 1514

Craig Abotossaway Ext. 1517

Ed Didur Ext. 1515

Linda Kaboni Ext. 1501

Sarah Seabrook Ext. 1516

Noojmowin Teg Health Centre Satellite Office Telephone

(705) 368-2919

Natalie Hastings Ext. 200

Barb Recollet Ext. 201

Mark Peltier/Melanie Francis Ext. 202

Crystal Morra Ext. 203

John Wakegijig Ext. 204

Janet Fathers Ext. 205

Angela Shawanda Ext. 206

Charlene Corbiere Ext. 207

Cody Leeson Ext. 209

Agnes Kanasawe Ext. 210

Julie Rochefort Ext. 211

Health Nexus Breast Feeding Initiative Update

www.noojmowin-teg.ca

Noojmowin Teg on the

Web

KENJGEWIN TEG EDUC. INST.374 Highway 551, P.O. Box 328 M’Chigeeng, ON, P0P 1G0 Tel: (705) 377-4342 Fax: (705) 377-4379


Immersion approach brings new hope to studentsBY R. HOPKINS

MY GREATEST WEAKNESS IS not knowing my native lan-guage; an immersion approach is the way I need to learn,” says AIP student Lynn Migwans.

Lynn is currently a student of the Kenjgewin Teg Edu-cational Institute’s (KTEI) Anishinaabemowin Immer-sion Program. The Anishi-naabe Immersion Program (AIP) started in September 2014, partnering with Sault College, and will run through until April 2015.

Lynn Migwans is a student who entered into the program with a goal of acquiring her language before she receiving her Anishinaabe spirit name. Holding true to this goal has provided her with the commitment needed to see her vision come to fruition.

Lynn believes education is import-ant to everyone and that learning never stops. “The more you know, the more you have to offer your community,” says Lynn.

Lynn enjoys being involved with her community through encouraging others to become active, physically, mentally and spiritually. Encouraging youth to be physically active is one of her favourite pastimes. She achieves this by providing native dance, softball and hockey opportunities to others.

Lynn provides regalia making lessons to anyone who has an interest, and she strongly feels that what she has learned is a gift, and that sharing her knowledge allows everyone to grow.

Among her many accomplishments, Lynn has graduated from the Fitness & Leisure Management program, Mas-sage Therapy, and has also completed the Personal Support Worker Program.

Lynn strives to achieve the goals that she has set for herself. At this time, her focus is to become proficient in Anishinaabemowin. She uses many tools to assist with her language acqui-sition including listening, reading, writing, and engaging in conversation.

She is proud to utilize resources in her commu-nity, including Elders, peers, and children. Lynn’s understanding of the language has grown, and she is eager to use her language through-out the Anishi-naabek territory.

As part of being enrolled in the A n i s h i n a a b e -

mowin Immer-sion Program, it is encouraged that a student seek a lan-guage mentor to converse with out-side the classroom. Lynn has recruited quite a few mentors, and when she finds herself at a commu-nity event she will seek out speakers who will share the language. At times, when she doesn’t know the speakers

well, she will place herself strategically near them in order to listen and acquire the Anishinaabemowin. Lynn has vis-ited speakers in their homes, and offers her assistance to wash dishes or help around the house just to have an oppor-tunity to hear the language and use it.

Lynn is admired by her fellow stu-dents for her success in acquiring the language, in and out of the classroom. Lynn always finds the time to help her classmates and the instructor. She has made herself available to tutor students, and helps with pre-planning activities that can be carried out during the Immersion Camps. The Language

I m m e r s i o n Camps are held 4 ½ days per semester at Anderson Lake, for the AIP stu-dents.

Lynn has plans to further her education by becoming a teacher of Anishinaabe-mowin as a Second Lan-guage. Lynn has set her path, and with pure determination, success is sure to follow.

No english is used in the classroom. AIP students are conversing in Anishinaabemowin.

Lynn Migwans embarking on her journey to Anishinaabemowin.

2015 Migwewin ConferenceLeft: Approximately 140 educational professionals attended KTEI's annual Miigwewin Conference in Sudbury on January 30th. The theme chosen for this year’s event was “Embracing Change…..Inspiring Minds.” Miigwewin in the Ojibwe language means “gifting.”

MAMAWMATAWA HOLISTIC EDU-CATION CENTER in Constance Lake First Nation has an ambition – to build a strong sense of community and stu-dent self-identity by offering its stu-dents a land based program that com-bines traditional teachings and culture with modern learning.

In 2014 the school started a pilot project called ‘The Youth Trapping

Program’ where community elders taught students about North Amer-ican fur bearing mammals and about traditional First Nation trapping prac-tices. After several educational sessions, students ventured out with community members to put their knowledge into practice. “The students really loved it,” said Martin MacPherson, teacher at Mamawmatawa Holistic Education

Center. “We caught martin, mink, fisher, beaver and weasels.” There were a total of 18 students enrolled; three quarters of them were first time trap-pers. Two groups of students would alter-nate every Monday and Thursday to set their traps and claim their game. After-wards, they would head back to prepare the fur. “The elders would come in and show us how to skin and stretch them on the stretching board,” explained MacPherson. Students also went on a field trip to the Annual Trap-pers Convention in North Bay to expe-rience the fur trade in full swing. “It was very educational,” said MacPher-son. “They had a very complete picture of the fur economy….. they were able to see the commercial side or the after-market portion of it.”

The school’s trapping pilot project was a complete success and the school’s

Student Success Leader Patrik Lowen is now designing an outdoor education course based on traditional practices from the Constance Lake First Nation

area. The course is set to start in February 2015. “It’s more than tradition, it has to do with involving the elders and com-munity members, and building a sense of community that spans generations,” Mr. Lowen says. “It’s very important for our students to have

a good knowledge of their history and culture; this gives them a greater sense of self-identity and enables them to venture into the future with greater confidence”. Students that successfully complete the land based program will earn two credits towards their second-ary diploma.

CHRISTOPHER MOORE GRADUATED IN June 2014 with a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in manu-facturing at Mamawmatawa Holistic Education Centre in Constance Lake First Nation, Ontario. A SHSM is a Min-istry of Education approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. It also assists students in their transition after gradu-

ation to apprenticeship train-ing, college, university or the workplace.

Chris’ dedication to his edu-cation is exceptional; Chris had a perfect attendance record during his grade 11 and grade 12 year and was active within the school community. Chris also excelled at his coop placement and learned valuable skills in the workplace that will help him transition into the workforce. “Chris has been a role model to other students and the SHMS program has

helped him identify a clear pathway to a career and given Chris’ valuable experience,” said Patrik Lowen Stu-dent Success Leader at MHEC. Chris was supported by an IEP, due to his dedication and willingness to learn, he developed learning skills enabling him to have success in the classroom. In addition Chris participated in many First Nation cultural activities at the school which helped Chris develop a stronger sense of self-identity as a young Anishnabe man. MHEC pro-vided Chris with a pathway but much of his success was realized through his perseverance and hard work.



Youth Trapping program, 2014 MHEC, Constance Lake First Nation.

Christopher Moore, Specialist High Skills Major at MHEC, Constance Lake First Nation.

Mamawmatawa Holistic Education Centre, Constance LakeMHEC Land Based Program Success Story

Success Through Perseverance, Support and Hard work; Graduating with a Specialist High Skills Major

ANISHINAABE ODZIIWIN - EVERY OTHER FRIDAY @ KTEI



“N'BISIING S.S. IS AN excellent place for establishing a direction in life through an educational celebration of our youth. Each grade is like finishing a stepping stone of a path for the future. With Anishinaabeg culture at its core this facility sets identity first as a funda-mental building block to learning. I am a proud father of two graduates, that being said I've believed in this school from the first day their doors opened to our people.” ~ Rodney Commanda

Tyler Eagle and Mackenzie Ottereyes Eagle are Cree brothers from Waswani-pi Quebec. They came to Nbisiing Secondary School from another local high school: Tyler was in grade ten and Mackenzie was in grade eleven. Their parents are residential school survivors who adopted the broth-ers along with five other children; Erika, Nadine, Patrick, Thomas and Toryn. The decision to come to Nbisiing was the result of difficulty transitioning into an urban mainstream school; the content. They were falling through the cracks. The Ottereyes-Eagle family first language is Cree, second language is French, and their third language is English.

Tyler and Mackenzie are truly connected to their cul-ture; upon arrival at Nbisiing, they quickly immersed them-selves in the cultural program-ming and ceremonies. It didn’t take long for the brothers to join the morning drumming group, basketball team, daily

circle and smudg-ing. Tyler received the honour as Eagle Staff carrier for the school.

Contrar y to Tyler and Macken-zie’s confidence in sports and cultural activities, their aca-demic demeanor is self conscious, timid and shy. Tyler and Mackenzie’s attendance is exempla-

ry; however, they had difficulty maintaining four courses and the Student Success team decided the boys should go to the resource room for one period a day. They quickly found comfort in the resource room and the support of the Student Success Leader, Lacy Farrell. Tyler Eagle commented, “I would have never passed grade 11 English without the support of the resource room, I’m taking grade

12 English next semester and I am confident that I will pass because I know I will get the support I need, when I need it”.

Tyler is eighteen, will be graduating in June, and plans to apply to Nipissing University’s Advantage

Program and hopes to become a teach-er. Mackenzie is a natural leader and a role model for our youth; his persistence, dedication and advocacy skills will be the reason for graduating in the spring. Mackenzie is working with the student success team to become a volunteer fire fighter with Nipissing First Nation Fire Department. It is Mackenzie’s dream to become a firefighter and to work with youth in the culture.

Nbisiing is fortunate to have a Stu-dent Success Leader who manages the resource room. The room is a warm,

homey and w e l c o m i n g area where there is a full time dedicated teacher avail-able to sup-port students academically and emotion-ally through unavoidable life challenges. The

resource room provides students with

access to support throughout the entire school day as well as after school hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students are able to use the phone for personal use (to call support workers, probation offi-cers, doctors, counselor, band office, food banks, caseworkers, financial institutes etc.), use computers to work on résumés, apply for jobs, or to research and/or

apply to colleges and universities. Macbooks and Ipads are avail-able to sign out for the night or weekends.

“Sometimes students need more than just academic sup-port, Lacy gives me rides when I need to go to Ontario Works, the Bank, or Post Office, she will even come in with me because sometimes I have a hard time understanding

government workers when they talk, they talk really fast and use words that I do not understand. Nbisiing is an amaz-ing school, you find your spirit in the culture that helps you find your path in life”. ~ Tyler Eagle

AANII KINA WIYA! Exams: For those parents who have

students attending MSS, January and February are busy and stressful months for your high school student. Starting on Friday January 23 until Wednesday January 28, 2015, MSS students will be writing exams. Please encourage your son/daughter to study in advance, and to be on time.

Exam Prep Tips to help students be successful: students should study for exams at least one week in advance, spending a minimum of 60 minutes studying daily; read-recite & review

(read the text/notes, put aside and recite the material out loud, review the same material again); make a study outline (or flash cards) with main points; write sample questions/problems (or re-do those from previous tests/quizzes); take breaks when needed but do go back; finally, stop studying when you feel confident and can understand all the information for your exam.

On-line Tutoring – MSS students registered on the Homework Help site are able to access live online help in math and other subjects from certified teach-ers. Encourage your teen to access tutor-

ing at: www.homeworkhelp.ilc.org (stu-dents will require their OEN number) or http://resources.elearningontario.ca User Id: rdsbstudent Password: oerbs

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test - This Grade 10 test is based on the reading and writing expectations in all subject areas up to the end of Grade 9. These skills are the basis for learn-ing in all subject areas throughout both elementary and secondary school. All Grade 10 students are expected to write the test. The test will take place on Thurs-day March 26, 2015 from 9am-12pm. Please ensure your student is well rested

and on time. Progress Reports – expect your son/

daughter to bring home progress reports. This is a great opportunity for you to see how your teen is managing in his/her new courses. Should you have any questions or concerns, your student’s teachers’ email information should be on the report; please do not hesitate to contact them. The progress reports will be sent home on March 11 & May 20, 2015.

Grade 8 - Parent Information Night

Mackenzie Ottereyes Eagle

Rodney Commanda

Tyler Eagle

Nbisiing Secondary School, Nipissing First Nation

From the desk of Tammy Gordon: Secondary School Counsellor

From the Desk ontinued on page 20



"Maamwi Nadaamadaa” – A message to our ReadersWITH MARCH 31 JUST around the corner, one month away, many of us non-profit organizations and First Nation administrations will be gear-ing up for another year of rampant - some may say even excessive - report-ing. [And don’t forget all those same mad-writers who do proposal writing at this time of the year too!]. So as March approaches, we begin compiling our data and statistics to report to our funders our successes and challenges. And yes, many of us also do our best to report equally well the work we do directly for our community members within our Annual General Meeting formats. But what about reporting and communicating during all those times in between old and new fiscal year-ends?

Real and relevant stories and facts

about our success and challenges as organizations and First Nation admin-istrations need to be heard by those we serve – after all, it is you, our readers, our community members, who are the reason we exist and have jobs; we are your public servants, so to speak. Reporting and communicating to our members is a goal that Maamwi Naadamadaa strives for in this publi-cation all year round, in its four issues per year. But we do admit, it is still a work-in- progress, because amidst all of that government reporting and all of the day to day things we must take care of in each of our organizations and administrations, we often are left with insufficient quality time to do this thing called ‘communications’, well. So this is what we are trying to do in this news-letter – at least get a good start on it as

a collective group. But did you know we’ve been at this for several years now? As regular contributors to this publi-cation for several years now, many of us wonder in the Naadaamadaa group about this question: How many of our community members actually really know about what we do as Maamwi and why?

Here’s the shortened, and truthful version of an answer: it’s still a work in progress! After five years (give or take), we too ask ourselves at the Maamwi table; how well are we really doing at this thing called, ‘working together’? Are we really ‘working together’ as first envisioned, or are we still just ‘getting together’ after five years? To boot, how do we know if we’re better off now in serving our communities than we were compared to five years ago? These are tough, but certainly fair questions, for any community member to ask of each and every one of us as community service providers – and perhaps – also asking these same questions to those

who may or may not be active ‘Maamwi’ members yet.

So to you as community members , we ask this; become involved and ask us questions - we want you to hold us to a higher standard of service; don’t be afraid to ask us on a regular basis how we are working together – it will show us that you care about your com-munity and that you have compassion and kindness for fellow Anishinabek by asking for enhanced and improved services. Your questions will help us collectively bring our creative ideas and energies to the forefront when we meet, so that we may serve you better, and ultimately support safe and healthy communities . In fact, we actually need you to demand this of us: to think better, to plan better, and to work better together.

And so in the meantime, we will continue reporting on what we do, and what we plan on doing, within this quarterly publication known as the Maamwi Naadamadaa newsletter.

Maamwi NaadamadaaIntegrated Service / Exellence in Action123

Published quarterly by UCCMM through Kenjgewin Educational Institute (KTEI) Graphics Department.

Inquiries can be delivered to the UCCMM office C/O Peggy Simon: [email protected]

Submissions directed to the KTEI Graphics Dept.: [email protected]

Printers: Sunmedia / Sudbury

678

Staff:

Editor/Layout & Design: Patrick Kiley

Editors: Beverley Roy-Carter, Connie Freeman

Contributors: Maamwi Naadamadaa Partners

Karen Carrick, RPN TOP Coordinator

Ann Cranston, RN TOP Nurse

705-377-4088

Teleophthalmology (TOP) Diabetic Eye Clinic

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ Place: ________________

Please bring prescription glasses, sunglasses, and your health card.



Indian Residential Schools SETTLEMENT RECIPIENTSN E W D E A D L I N E S !

Indian Residential Schools SETTLEMENT RECIPIENTSN E W D E A D L I N E S !Did You get a Notice that you have up to $3,000 in Personal Credits?• Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute• Ojibwe Cultural Foundation• United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo MnisingAre on the approved list of Educational entities and groups to use up to $3,000 in learning credits?

We Would be Honored….If you chose a local Mnidoo Mnising organization to enrol and use your Personal Credits.

Quick Facts About Your Credits!• Can be used by spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling; the spouse of a child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling • Your Acknowledgement Form designating your chosen educationalinstitution must be postmarked by NEW DEADLINE MARCH 7, 2015• Your chosen education entity will then submit a Redemption Form postmarked by NEW DEADLINE JUNE 7, 2015• Payments Finalized – NEW DEADLINE AUGUST 7, 2015

Contact Us About Programs:KTEI 705.377.4342 OCF 705.377.4902 UCCMM 705.377.5307

Did You get a Notice that you have up to $3,000 in Personal Credits?• Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute• Ojibwe Cultural Foundation• United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo MnisingAre on the approved list of Educational entities and groups to use up to $3,000 in learning credits?

We Would be Honored….If you chose a local Mnidoo Mnising organization to enrol and use your Personal Credits.

Quick Facts About Your Credits!• Can be used by spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling; the spouse of a child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling • Your Acknowledgement Form designating your chosen educationalinstitution must be postmarked by NEW DEADLINE MARCH 7, 2015• Your chosen education entity will then submit a Redemption Form postmarked by NEW DEADLINE JUNE 7, 2015• Payments Finalized – NEW DEADLINE AUGUST 7, 2015

Contact Us About Programs:KTEI 705.377.4342 OCF 705.377.4902 UCCMM 705.377.5307

at MSS. On Wednesday February 25, 2015 @ 6:30pm parents and guardians are invited to attend the Grade 8 parent Information night at Manitoulin Sec-ondary School. If you have questions and want to find out what it will be like for your son/daughter when they attend MSS, please come out and visit

the school and teachers.Post-Secondary Applications are due!

If you have a Grade 12 student who is planning on attending College or Uni-versity in September 2015, they have the additional stresses of choosing a Post-Secondary Program. Often stu-dents feel uncertain about what to do or where to go, while others may choose to return to MSS to complete a ‘Victory

Lap’. Please take the time to speak and listen to your teen about their future; your input is important to them!

Post-Secondary Funding Applications are also due! Please remind your son/daughter that they must apply annually for post-secondary funding. The due date is different for every First Nation,

so please contact your Education Coun-sellor to ensure your student has applied.

If you have any questions about your high school student, please do not hes-itate to contact me at MSS at (705) 368-7000 ext. 6721. Until next time, Baa maa pii!

From the desk of Tammy Gordon: Cont'd...continued from page 19

maamwi newspaper winter 2015

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