Gchi-Mnidoo-Giizis “Big Spirit Moon” January 2020

Regular Council

Monday January 20th @ 10 am

Tuesday January 28th @ 6pm

Antler River Elementary

Thursday Jan 23, 2020—7:30am

Contact Dawn-Estelle Miskokomon—

519-264-2500 or

dmiskokomon@cottfn.com

A demonstration learning event be-

tween collaborative partners: children,

youth, families, elders, COTTFN Circle of

Services (internal and external partner-

ships)

Come play lacrosse with us... The Strathroy Minor Lacrosse Association is proud to offer Competitive Box La-crosse and House League Box Lacrosse teams for boys and girls. No experience required. Registration Opens on-line from January 1st, 2020 to March 22nd, 2020. Graduated pricing, so register early to save $$.

Free Try-Lacrosse Camps 1) Wed. January 15, 2020 - 6:00 to 8:00 - Adelaide PS 2) Wed. February 12, 2020 - 6:00 to 8:00 - Adelaide PS Please visit www.strathroylacrosse.com or FaceBook for more details.

Finance Corner

On December 18th, 2019 Chippewas of the Thames First Nation has received our Financial Management Systems

(FMS) Certification from the First Nations Financial Management Board. Thanks to everyone who helped make

this possible through numerous policy reviews, data requests and records retrievals.

Only a small group of 30 First Nations have achieved FMS Certification to date. COTTFN has demonstrated that we

have put in place good financial practices for the long-term. Getting certified brings confidence to community

members, lenders, business partners, and others that COTTFN runs its affairs well in a transparent and accounta-

ble way. It also opens the door to obtaining low-cost loans by being in good standing with the First Nations Fi-

nance Authority, should COTTFN choose to do so in the future.

New member to the Justice Department

Aanii/ Boozho,

My name is Alanis Deleary, I am 22 years old, and a

proud member of Chippewas of the Thames First Na-

tion. I am a recent graduate from King’s University Col-

lege in the Childhood and Social Institutions program.

Over the course of my post-secondary studies, I have

been able to build and strengthen my knowledge in

areas related to human development and adjustment,

addictive behaviours, family law and politics, chil-

dren’s rights in education, and so forth. I have experi-

ence working for the nation in our youth and recrea-

tion department as a day camp counsellor and day

camp supervisor. Last summer, I was a part of an

amazing day camp team and I am so grateful to be

working with our community in a way that is fun and

fresh. At the beginning of January, I started in my role

as the Community Prevention worker and my goals

will be to provide relevant, consistent, and accessible

programs/services that will support and enhance the

lives our community’s children, youth, adults, and el-

ders. My office is in the community centre (Family Ser-

vices/ Band Rep). I can be reached at 519-298-2622 if

anyone has questions about services and programs

that are offered. Miigwetch and I hope everyone is

having a good start to the New Year.

Women’s Talking/Sharing Circle will be replacing the

Mom’s to Mom’s Group Jan 28th

Call Cynthia @ 519-289-2622

This circle is for those Grandmothers

who are raising their Grandchildren.

This group will be about a sharing of

minds to enhance our roles of Grand-

mother. Creating plans of self care, meal

planning, support and other ideas that

you will bring .

Call Cynthia for more details

311 Jubilee Road, Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0 (519) 289-5577

Alarms 34

Animal Complaints 6

Assaults 29

Attempt/Threat Suicide 0

Bail Violation 2

Breach of Probation 1

B-E bus/res/other 6

Community Service 14

Criminal Record Checks 69

Compliance Check 0

Dangerous Conditions 1

Disturb the Peace 0

Duplicate Occurrences 7

Domestic Dispute 28

Drive While Prohibited 0

Driver’s Licence Suspension 1

Drugs 4

Emergency Response Team 2

Family Dispute 27

Family Law Act 0

Fire 3

Firearms 6

Fraud 1

Harassment 3

Highway Traffic Act 0

Impaired Operation 4

Keep the Peace 10

Landlord/Tenant 2

Liquor Licence Act 3

Mental Health Act 29

Mischief 15

Missing Person 6

Missing Person—Located 7

Motor Vehicle—Abandoned 4

Motor Vehicle Collision 21

Motor Vehicle Compundment 1

Motor Vehicle—Recovered 14

Neighbour Dispute 4

Noise Complaint 1

Other 27

Other Provincial Acts 1

Person Well-Being Check 9

Phone Calls 2

Police Assistance 107

Police Information 5

Police Liaison 23

Possession of Stolen Property 1

Property Damage 1

Property Found 6

Property Lost 15

R.I.D.E Program 5

Request Patrols/ Property Check 7

Sudden Death 2

Suspicious Person 19

Suspicious Vehicle 8

Theft 28

Threats 7

Towed Vehicle 11

Traffic Compliant/Enforcement 22

Traffic Hazard 3

Trespass 3

Occurrences 2019

** Note: the number of calls for service do not reflect the number of charges laid. i.e. a domestic call may result in multiple criminal charges.

Trouble with Youth 22

Unlawfully in Dwelling 0

Unwanted Person 6

Victim Assistance Program 34

Warrants 5

Weapons 0

911 Call/Hang Up 38

Total Calls for Service 782

Anishinaabe’aadziwin

(Language, Culture & Heritage Department)

Mino Solstice everyone! We have renamed the Language, Culture & Heritage department to Anishinaabe’aadziwin which means Anishinaabe way of life and encompass all language, culture & heritage. We are still planning winter activities. Here is an update on the work being done

Anishinaabemowin Toy Bingo

Also, in December, the students held an Anishinaabemowin Toy Bingo which raised $2,956 and will go towards field trips to learn about other language immersion programs. A Chi Miigwech goes out to our bingo volunteers who help and made this toy bingo a successful event. Our volunteers were, Russell Peltier, Warren & Cheryl Huff, Nelson Edmonds, Aakode’eh McGahey, Jason Sakers, and Gene Hendrick, Sandra Briden. Also, a big Chi Meegwech to the many donations we received from the Chippewa departments and suppliers as follow:

Elway Electronic Paradise Bingo Mount Brydges Abattoir

Swish Maintenance Ltd Spriets Associates Forest City Fire Protection

Big Bear Creek Gas Bar Antler River Trading Co. T.E. Wealth

Chippewa Health Centre Employment & Training Chippewa Education

Gloria Doxtator Enji Maajtaawaad Program Chippewa Administration

Ontario Works Union Gas Gary Fields Homes

French Busing Ontario Ltd Thompson & Field Cabinets

Country Estate Fence Inc Sydenham River Concrete Ltd CPE Services Ltd

JL Excavating Strathroy Inc Feasey Painting Ltd Kamar Siding Inc

Eco Insulation Air Resources Ltd McNaughton Home Hardware

Nsitaajgewinan miinwaa edniziying (Treaties, Lands & Environment)

Paswe’ Aatigok Adult Immersion

Currently, we have two Paswe’ Aatogok adult immer-sion students doing mentoring work at Enji Maajtaawaad Program with one student in the Early Childcare Educator program. They are now applying their newly learnt language skills in building resources, teaching language in the classroom, facilitating commu-nity events, as well as, continuing to learn the language.

Evening Language Classes

Monday Evening Languages classes were held from October to December 2019 which was facilitated by the Paswe’Aatigok students to help build language resources. Unfortunately, Monday language classes were not well attended, so we are taking a pause for January and will be restarting evening language classes beginning in February 2020 and ending in May 2020. Classes will be held every 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. During the month of February, language learning will focus on preparing traditional foods. Yum, Yum!!

Storytelling Workshop in February 2020

The Anishinaabe’aadziwin dept along with the Paswe’Aatigok immersion students will be hosting a Storytelling workshop on February 14-15, 2020 at the Community Centre. This workshop will provide interactive activities using storytelling through art and word bundles, as well as, traditional teachings on the “Return of the Anishin-nabe Spirit Horse” There will be an actual Spirit Horses at the event. Also, there will be an interactive session on how to create and tell stories through computer games. Please bring your laptop and/or IPad to the ses-sion.

Anishinaabe’aadziwin Committee The Chippewas of the Thames First Nations are accepting applications until Friday, February 7, 2020 for the Anishinaabe’aadziwin (formerly known as Language, Culture & Heritage) Committee. We are looking for three Chippewas of the Thames mem-bers consisting of an elder, a language learner and a youth. A committee honorari-um will be provided. Please complete and forward application to Chippewas of the Thames Administration Office; attention to Gina McGahey-Director. Meetings will be held once a month to review, discuss and provide direction related to: a) Anishinaabemowin Language Revitalization & Initiatives b) Public Awareness & Cultural Sensitivity c) Community Cultural Events E.g. Pow Wow d) Partnership Relationships with other First Nations/organizations e) Researching of community history initiatives f) Funding & Policy development g) Infrastructure Development

Check out the Language Website Come visit our new language website. There is lot of information regarding the language from Enji Maajtaawaad Early Years, Antler River and the Culture & Language department. It will give you new updates on the Language Challenge, Lunch & Learn sessions, Even-ing Language classes and Anishnabemowin Bingo Nights. Also, just tap on the Quizlet icon and download the App and you can learn new language word phrases each month. Check us out at chippewalanguage.com

Contact Info:

Anishinaabe’aadziwin Department

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

Telephone: (519)289-5555

Gina McGahey, Director

gmcgahey@cottfn.com

Nancy Deleary, Cultural Coordinator

anishnaabekwe@cottfn.com

Monty McGahey, Language Specialist

mmcgahey@cottfn.com

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Anishnabemowin Bingo Monday, January 20, 2020 Antler River Elementary- Cafeteria 5:30pm – 7:30pm

JACKPOT $200 Bring Your Bingo Dabbers!!

Making Rawhide For Big Drums

The Anishinaabe’aadzziwin department have been fortunate to secure two buffalo hides and we are looking for community members interested in learn-ing how to make rawhides to create big drums for the community. If you are interested, please contact Nancy Deleary asap. Location, date and time TBD.

Secondary Student News

Secondary lunch days:

H.B.Beal- January 7& 21, 2020

SDCI-January 8 & 22, 2020

Saunders- January 9 & 23, 2020

Do you need help with Math, English or any other subjects?

Or to complete assignments, come on out to the Home-work

hang-out on Wednesdays 3:30-6:oop.m. A teacher will be on

hand to assist students.

EXAMS START JANUARY 24-30, 2020

PA DAY

JANUARY 31, 2020

SEMESTER 2 STARTS

FEBRUARY 3, 2020

Grade 8 Parent Information Nights

January 16, 2020

SDCI 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.

Saunders 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m.

Letter was sent home with your child

Natasha Kechego

Chippewas of the Thames Board of Education

324 Chippewa Road

Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0

T: 519-289-0621

F: 519-289-0633

Email-nkechego@chippewa-ed.on.ca

Please update any new information if it has changed such as phone numbers, addresses. If you have any

questions regarding your son/daughter academics,

please feel free to give me a call at the education of-

fice.

For more info Contact

Amy Henry—519-476-9855

Transportation Coordinator

January 20-21, 2020 - First Aid/CPR 9am– 4:30 pm

January 30, 2020 - Safe Food Handling 9am— 4:30

Seating is limited so please register with Sonya

@ 519-289-5555 ext 256

The Guild of Indigenous Arts January 2020

I don’t know about the rest of you but I am so glad that 2019 is over! I am looking forward to the workshops and other pro-grams that the Guild is introducing in 2020. WOW Drop-In Program: Work on Whatever projects you’ve been trying to finish: sew-ing, beading, workshop projects, whatever! Other than a few dates there are no classes in Portable #1 this winter so we are starting a drop-in program. Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm (on dates that I am in the office). Sewing machines are available to those that have taken previ-ous workshops and know how to safely use the machines. Call for artists: The Guild is looking for local artists that are interested in shar-ing their knowledge and skills to lead workshops. The Guild will pay for materials. Instructors are paid an honorarium. Guild consignment fee: As of January 1, 2020 The Guild of Indigenous Arts changed the consignment fee to 25%. The Guild uses this money to help cover materials and honorariums.

Workshops: January workshops included Moccasin Making with Maxine Hendrick, and a rescheduled Regalia Belt class with Mitch Ri-ley. Workshop registration fee: Unfortunately the Guild has had to introduce a fee for the workshops. We are asking $5 to help cover materials and hon-orariums. If you are unable to pay this fee please contact me and we can make arrangements. If there is a workshop you are interested in (teaching or as a participant) please let me know and, hopefully, we can ar-range something. Check out our Facebook page: Guild of Indigenous Arts Instagram: guildindigenousarts (will be updating soon) Website: www.tgia.ca (will be updating soon) The Guild store is open 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Our phone number is: (519) 962-9707. We are located at 320 Chippewa Road, portable #1 (beside the Community Centre). Thanks, Keithera Riley Guild store facilitator

By Pass Line 519-289-5241 then Enter Extension #

Toll Free Line—1-866- 550- 5539

Chief Jacqueline French 228

Executive Administrator Mike Deleary 234

Council Secretary Candace Doxtator 227

Policy Analyst Jennifer Mills 236

Communications Coordinator Ashley Albert 244

Human Resources Manager Annette Howlett 230

Finance Director Brenda French 247

Comptroller Greg Graham 238

Jr Finance Clerk R. Shane Fisher 231

Finance Assistant Leona Grosbeck 246

BBC Trust Admin Courtney Riley 222

Indian Registry/Estates Administrator Beulah Kechego 273

Membership Assistant Skloud Riley 237

Housing Manager Frank French 245

Housing Intern Brittney Kechego 242

Economic Development Dwayne Kechego 240

Culture Director Gina McGahey 235

Culture Coordinator Nancy Deleary 225

Maintenance for the Seniors Centre Thomas French (p)519-264-3293 (c)519-319-4609

Public Works Director Allan Farrell 243

Public Works Assistant Eldon French 229

Director of Employment & Training Angela Fisher 239

Office Manager Kim Smith 224

Client Care Coordinator Sonya Henry 256

Transportation Coordinator Amy Henry 226

Facilitator for the Artists Guild Keithera Riley 1-519-636-2786

Special Projects: Tobacco Rolanda Elijah relijah@cottfn.com

A/Lands & Environment Director Kelly Riley 249

Interim Lands Manager Theodore Albert 250

Consultation Coordinator Fallon Burch 251

Consultation Coordinator Rochelle Smith 252

Treaty Research Brandon Graham 248

Treaty Research Coordinator Victoria Deleary 253

Sr. Environment Officer Emma Young 254