$95,800 OTF Grant Helped Develop New Strategies for the Future

Thunder Bay, ON: On Thursday, MPP Lise Vaugeois met with representatives from the Nokiiwin Tribal Council to hear how a $95,800 grant from the provincial government's Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is making a difference in developing a new five-year strategic plan. The strategic plan will guide the direction of Nokiiwin's services to individuals from the 2023-2028 period and ensure that Nokiiwin's work is in line with community needs in an environment that was changed by COVID-19. The grant is part of OTF's Resilient Communities Fund program, designed to help non-profits and small communities rebuild from the effects of the pandemic.

“As the MPP for Thunder Bay—Superior North, I am proud to see the positive impact of this grant on Nokiiwin's efforts to develop a comprehensive strategic plan,” said Lise Vaugeois, MPP. “This plan will not only guide their services but also ensure they can adapt to the evolving needs of our community in the post-COVID era. Nokiiwin Tribal Council's growth reflects the resilience and determination of the Indigenous communities it serves. I commend their dedication to providing essential services in areas such as Justice, Education, Technical Services, and Community Development. This strategic planning process aligns with our shared values of community empowerment and sustainable development.”

Starting in the summer of 2023, Nokiiwin has been working with a consultant to hold engagement sessions with community members and leadership from the Indigenous communities that it serves. It is now bringing those ideas togethers in a series of sessions like the one held on Thursday in order to create a comprehensive strategic plan.

“Nokiiwin Tribal Council has grown rapidly over the past several years,” said Ian Bannon, Board President of the Nokiiwin Tribal Council. “And we have expanded the range of services we offer in response to community needs. It is important to ensure that we have an up-to-date strategic plan to properly manage that growth.”

Nokiiwin provides services to individuals and advisory services to communities in the areas of Justice, Education, Technical Services, Community Development, and more. It serves five communities in the Lake Superior watershed area: Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon Ojibway), Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay First Nation), Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sandpoint First Nation), Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation), and Fort William First Nation.

The organization caught the attention of the community recently when it acquired the former PUSH Fitness building at 406 Fort William Road.

“It is more evidence of the growth of the organization” explained Bannon. “We're not quite ready to share details of the new location with the public yet, but when we are we'll let you know. In the meantime, the important work of Nokiiwin continues, and that is what this strategic planning process is about.”

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That's why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation's (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada's leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

 

Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Roger Rozon
Nokiiwin Tribal Council
807-474-4230
Roger.rozon@nokiiwin.com