Moving Forward.
At Niigaaniin we are trailblazers who like to lead. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at Niigaaniin Services. We Are Stronger Together!
By utilizing the existing knowledge and strengths of each community, we will create a culturally safe space for healing, recovery, learning and reconciliation.
In 2005, Niigaaniin received its name and officially began talks about funding by the Provincial Government citing the 1965 Welfare Agreement between the Federal Government and Ontario. In 2006, after about a year of negotiations, Niigaaniin received designation as a 3-year pilot project and opened its doors on April 1st, 2007.
Niigaaniin became designated as an official social services agency in 2010. This has made Niigaaniin, the first and only First Nation Social Services agency of its kind in Canada.
Since setting this historical precedent, Niigaaniin has been active in changing the lives of the community member that it services. Niigaaniin continues to work towards devolution and self-reliance for First Nation Communities and its people.
Niigaaniin has developed programs that allow community members to seek help or relief with financial troubles, find employment, life skills, and connect to culture and community as well as mental health and addiction services. Niigaaniin has been innovative and active when finding ways to help the communities that it services and will continue to do so moving into the future.
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Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council
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Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council (NSTC) represents seven First Nations (FN) . They are Batchewana FN, Garden River FN, Thessalon FN, Mississauga FN, Serpent River FN, Sagamok Anishnawbek and Atikameksheng Anishinawbek.
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All First Nations are located along the North Shore of Lake Huron within the Robinson-Huron Treaty area. The North Shore Tribal Council Secretariat is the corporate arm of this collective of First Nations. It is responsible for the delivery of services to our member First Nations and their community members.
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The Tribal Council provides technical advisory services to communities in the areas of health services, second level education services, administration, financial management, economic development, employment and training services. The Head Office is located on the Serpent River FN in Cutler, Ontario.
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The services provided to the communities are supported financially by various government departments and agencies, including the Department of Indian Affairs, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Ontario Ministry of Health through the North East Local Health Integration Network, Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy and the Northern Diabetes Health Network, the Union of Ontario Indians and Service Canada. The Tribal Council’s strategy is to continue to provide quality service to the First Nations. As the needs of the First Nations change, the Tribal Council is ready to evolve and adapt to meet the new demands of an aspiring Nation.
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The Mandate of Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council is to assist and facilitate the activities of the member communities of The North Shore Tribal Council. This is done in a manner that promotes the cultural, spiritual, political, economic, environmental and social well being of the member First Nations.
The Tribal Council will act to serve three primary functions:
i) Research, develop and deliver regionally based products and services to member communities when directed by NSTC member communities.
ii) Provide advisory services to member communities.
iii) Provide collective political support to advance the betterment of First Nations people.
Program History / Background
OUR COMMUNITIES
