Independent First Nations Alliance
Sioux Lookout P8T 1K6 Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

Get your flu shot and practice these public health measures. We want our families and communities to be strong and healthy through this challenging time. Let’s do it together!

Last month, #IFNA - Home Away Community Student Dwellings’ Residence Manager and Staff had a meeting with the House Parents. It was a morning briefing at the Winks Building to give the parents updates about their student wellbeing and progress.

The contest is open to all NAN members of all ages.

SUCCESS STORIES WHITESAND 6 PLEX UPDATE Last month #IFNA completed the Mechanical Rough-In and Vapour Barrier Inspection at the Whitesand 6 Plex. This inspection makes sure that all joints are sealed in Vapour Barrier, and insulation is installed correctly as per manufacturer instructions and Nation Building Code (NBC). The building was clean to proceed.

SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES IFNA is your Tribal Council and is here to support your community. Join today to get receive updates and see what we are up to! http://eepurl.com/hfimWL

The Independent First Nations Alliance is looking to hire a Student Support Worker. The Student Support Worker supports an IFNA student or students with special needs, while they are attending secondary school in Sioux Lookout. This support can include working with students at school, at a work placement, providing respite care for family or combination thereof. The Student Support Worker is a kind, caring, individual who has some experience supporting children and youth. IFNA will provide the necessary training and certifications that are required to the successful applicant. The Student Support Worker works under the supervision of the Education Manager, who develops the specific work schedule for each position. For more information and to apply go to https://bit.ly/3myGaeA (applications by email only).

#IFNA Technical Services Department provides Waste Management expertise and support through: Assisting in the development of Waste Management Plans; Helping communities set up and manage Municipal Transfer Service Agreements (MTSAs); Monitoring landfill sites and potential contaminants; Assessing contaminated sites and assisting with remediation;... Reviewing and advising on funding applications. See more

The Independent First Nations Alliance is looking to hire a Youth Well-Being Worker. The Youth Well-Being Worker is required to perform a range of duties under the supervision of the Student Support Services Wellness Lead. For more information and to apply go to https://bit.ly/2E7Wodn (applications by email only).

A conversation with Dr. John Guilfoyle on the benefits and risks of returning to school - September 9, 2020 Dr. John Guilfoyle is the Public Health Physician for SLFNHA.

IFNA is seeking a dynamic and energetic individual for the position of Health Services Project Coordinator. Accountable to the Health Services Manager, the Health Services Project Coordinator will work in collaboration with all members of the IFNA Health Services team and communities. The Health Services Project Coordinator will be responsible for managing the day-to-day program affairs and all activities related to project planning, scheduling, and liaising, and monitoring. The Health Services Project Coordinator will play a key role in carrying out the administrative requirements that are necessary to develop and deliver new and existing health services provided by IFNA. For more information and to apply go to https://bit.ly/2RisE0g (applications by email only).

Hey, don't burst our bubble! We hope everyone is aware that the youth in our Home Away programs are settling into their homes and while we usually welcome family visits; we will need everyones cooperation to get prior permission before visiting the students. Please contact the IFNA receptionist at 807-737-1902 for additional information and continue to monitor our FB page.

Connor Howie is a proud Metis from Sioux Lookout and has a bachelors degree in Kinesiology from Lakehead University. Prior to joining #IFNA as a Health Services Manager, Connor worked with the @SLFNHA Primary Care Team. His role involved traveling to many remote communities, conducting a mixture of home visits and appointments out of the nursing stations. Connor also serves as a Firefighter on the Sioux Lookout Fire Department and Councillor for the Municipality of Sioux Lookout. In his leisure time he enjoys hiking, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, finding hidden waterfalls, swimming, biking, cooking, and spending time with loved ones. Please join us in welcoming Connor to the IFNA family!

Our daily lives run smoothly because of the tireless work and service of those we work with and who help move our Communities forward. Happy Labour Day to all of these heroes!

IFNA History: Prior to the establishment of #IFNA in September 1987, the five First Nation communities of Whitesand, Lac Seul, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Pikangikum and Muskrat Dam were independent from any existing Tribal Council. While each community is recognized as an autonomous entity with individual needs and aspirations, their association with IFNA allows them to be interconnected and to build strength and unity with one another. #IFNA was incorporated in 1989 in order to provide technical advisory and development support programs to their communities. Upon the guidance of the people, the IFNA Chiefs direct the affairs of the Tribal Council based on customary norms and traditional consensus building.

Last night, in Sioux Lookout, people joined together in prayer as clergy bestowed blessing at various gateways throughout the city. They prayed for the protection and safety of Sioux Lookout and our Northern communities. Thank you to Chief Donny Morris for reminding us to always think of each other and to Pastor Carter Krahn and Minister Stewart Nanokeesic from Big Trout who led last nights mission.

At the request of Chief Donny Morris, Pastor Carter Krahn and Minister Stewart Nanokeesic from Big Trout will be traveling throughout Sioux Lookout tonight to give blessings to points throughout the city. The prayers are to ask for the protection and safety of travelers from our Northern communities and to keep everyone safe during these uncertain times. Feel free to join in prayer if you see them. Although it is difficult to give a precise schedule, they will start their jou...rney at 6:00 p.m. and visit the following locations: 1. Causeway North of Sioux Lookout 2. Sioux Lookout Airport 3. Sioux North High School 4. SLFNHA. 5. Tikinagan 6. IFNA

IFNA ready for Back to School.

Darrin Spence is our new Field Operations Lead at #IFNA. Located in Sioux Lookout, Darrin works with the Emergency Operations Team to support the IFNA communities by enhancing the Emergency Operations capacity to respond to emergencies by assisting with training & emergency plan development and exercises at the community level. Please join us in welcoming him to IFNA.

A Conversation with Dr. John Guilfoyle - Public Health Physician Back to School. Dr. Guilfoyle is the Public Health Physician for Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority

The #IFNA Technical Services Department provides expertise to member communities on all housing matters including: Executing complete plan reviews for new housing construction and renovations, including changes and recommendations; Interpreting building codes and providing recommendations for application in First Nation communities; Performing compliance inspections on new construction and renovations; Providing housing assessments including guidance on planning ac...tivities such as budgeting, renovations and improvements, determining new construction vs. renovation, and maintenance; Reviewing, analyzing, developing and/or administering community housing policies; Assisting in contract administration for new construction and renovation projects; Guiding communities through construction tendering including procurement of materials and professional services; Supporting member First Nations with the following housing programs: - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); - Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Homeowners; - Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for persons with disabilities; - Home Adaptions for Seniors Independence (HASIS); - Loan Insurance Program On-Reserve with a Ministerial Loan Guarantee (MLG); - Section 95 Rental Housing Program; - Indigenous Service Canada (ISC) housing initiatives See more

Some reminders about masks

The Home Away Safety Team at IFNA has prepared an Information Package and Letter of Understanding for parents and students attending the IFNA Home Away Student Dwelling or boarding in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay. All parents and students are asked to read through the information and sign and return the Letter of Understanding by Wednesday, August 19, 2020. The form and information on the program are available at http://ow.ly/cmy350AZQXo.

#IFNA consistently strives to better support each of their member communities and takes a proactive approach to addressing concerns, solving problems and achieving growth within each First Nation. IFNA continues to develop new services and programs in support of their member communities, adapting to emerging needs and concerns. Learn more about IFNA Services and Programs at http://www.ifna.ca/

The successful candidate will work with the SSSP Team and assist in providing after-hours emergency mental health and wellness support to IFNA secondary students. The On-Call Worker interacts with the students, parents, and guardians, boarding parents, house parents and IFNA staff. Please go to https://bit.ly/3ixs8Hq for more information and to apply.

Look at what our youth are doing. Great work Maddy!

#IFNA communities now have a Water and Wastewater HUB that provides 24/7 Technical Support and First Response Program, a Circuit Rider Training Program in which Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has funded service providers to deliver in the Ontario Region, and water and wastewater capital project management. The goals of the Water and Wastewater Management Department at IFNA are: 24/7 monitoring and oversight via an Overall Responsible Operator (ORO); Maintain and colle...ct water quality data; Develop operator capacity by coordinating/delivering training, offering mentoring and support them maintain or acquire the appropriate licensing requirements to meet the current Federal and Provincial water quality standards for the systems operated (whichever is the more stringent); Develop and\or improve or update Maintenance Management Plans (MMP) and Emergency Management Plans (EMP) for the respective water/wastewater systems See more

#IFNA Health supports and works together with IFNA Communities to continuously improve health and social services. We serve the First Nations' health staff, Chiefs and Councils, and community members through the following services: Research on health matters; Assistance with program reporting & funding proposals; Assistance with program management; Dissemination of health information, funding opportunities, training opportunities, etc;... Advocacy; Crisis intervention (NAN, Nodin). http://ow.ly/gD6a50ANupz See more

Sharing this video from Mary Day in Whitesand First Nation. Great idea to hold a virtual Pow Wow considering the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. Mary is encouraging #IFNA and all First Nation Communities to do the same. What a great way to keep everyone together while we're apart. https://www.youtube.com/watch

@SLFNHA has created a series of videos about COVID-19. During the COVID-19 crisis, it is important to remember to focus on Mental Health. The video offers support and resources for the wellbeing of yourself and your loved ones. #staysafe #stayhealthy https://vimeo.com/403427720

IFNA is committed to support our students success during COVID-19. When we heard our new Home Away residences could not be built in time we came up with a different solution. We moved out of our IFNA offices at 98 King St. on Wednesday July 22 in order to turn it into our newest Home Away Community student dwelling to house IFNA high school students from KI and Muskrat Dam. Learn more at http://ow.ly/sjrS50AJ88E.

#IFNA Emergency Operations aims to be prepared and accessible to each member community in the event of a crisis. Strategies, procedures and programs have been developed to deploy Emergency Response teams to support and manage all community-level operations. 24/7 Emergency Response Operations Operational Support & Training Strategic Operations & Research http://www.ifna.ca/emergency-operations

Transformations are being made to rejuvenate and revitalize the work that supports IFNAs 5 communities through forward-thinking and visionary modifications to operations, staffing and programs. #IFNA is proud to support its communities in the areas of Health, Emergency Operations, Economic Development, Education, Technical Services, Water & Wastewater, Financial Management, and Governance.

Keep social distancing but stay connected. It is important to stay informed. #IFNA also provides current Coronavirus information on their website at: http://www.ifna.ca/corona-virus-updates. Stay up to date. #staysafe #stayhealthy

#IFNA is undergoing a comprehensive Strategic Plan for its programs and the organization as a whole. One of the areas being developed currently is a New Brand Identity. Visit us at http://www.ifna.ca/new-ifna-logo and learn about the story behind the new logo.

#IFNA is proud to be part of the construction process for the Whitesand First Nation 6 Plex by providing Building Code Compliance Inspections and Project Management support. Building is now underway to be completed in the Fall of 2020 and will provide new housing for Elders of Whitesand First Nation.

In times of change and as restrictions start to lift, some things to remember:

Considerations when it comes to cloth masks:

Things to consider when using a cloth mask:

COVID-19 Update with Dr. John Guilfoyle June 29, 2020 John discusses Contact tracing, as well as other terms followed by the COVID-19 Update

The deadline to apply to the Community Sport Fund is July 15, 2020. Visit www.iswo.ca to learn about this funding opportunity.

CONTEST TIME :: SHARE & participate . Send us a picture of how you've been physical distancing for a chance to win a fishing package of gear for 2 people .... Send your photos to [email protected] OR DM us on this page! Remember to include: 1) your name & age 2) your community name 3) a short description of your photo & we'll feature your photo on our page! . Photos due : : July 8 at 12pm . Questions? Send us a DM! See more

Some reminders about wearing a mask:

First Nations Housing Conference 2021 will be held in Thunder Bay, Ontario on February 9th, 10th & 11th. Information, insights, agenda details to follow. #FNHC2021