May 2025 Newsletter : simplebooklet.com

Table ofContentsCommunityGarden inthe Works where students are gettingtheir hands dirty in thebest way possible! Fromraising vibrant seedlings tohelping with fertilizingand harvesting in thegarden, their passion andhard work are helping thegarden thrive. Stay tuned— this season’s harvest isgoing to be the best yet!Spring is buzzingwith energy at theNorth BayCommunity Garden!Planning is in fullswing as they decidewhat fresh fruits,veggies, and herbswill fill the beds thisseason. They are proud to continuethe partnership with EcoleSecondaire CatholiqueAlgonquin, 2 . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Garden & Pow Wow 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . Maurice Switzer: Bundle of Sticks4 . . . . . . . . . . . . May Moon5 . . . . . . . . . . . . Family Service Settlement & FASD Support6 . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring Dinner Appreciation7 . . . . . . . . . . . . Easter Hunt8 . . . . . . . . . . . .Indigenous Hub 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . Flora’s Walk & Red Dress Day10 . . . . . . . . . . . . CRC: Birch Water11 . . . . . . . . . . . . Prenatal/Family Support12-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . I Am A Kind Man14-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . Apatisiwin16 . . . . . . . . . . . .Criminal Court Support 17 . . . . . . . . . . . .Indigenous Family Court Support M A A M W I K I N D A A S W I NM A A M W I K I N D A A S W I NJune 7 & 8 th th 2025June 7 & 8 th th 2025POW WOW!Sunrise CeremonyGrand Entry @12PMSunrise CeremonyGrand Entry @12PMLee Park800 Memorial ParkDrive, North Bay, ON P1A 1T6 50+ Indigenous Craft Vendorsmoccasins, earrings, art, clothingand more!Food Trucks/CanteenWater Truck on site 50+ Indigenous Craft Vendorsmoccasins, earrings, art, clothingand more!Food Trucks/CanteenWater Truck on site

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‘Bundle of sticks’ make us strongerBy Maurice SwitzerAanii/Boozhoo/Wachay/Se:kon/Atilehai/Greetings kina waya!Bnesi ndizhnikaaz, Wazhashk doodem Michi SaagigAnishinabek, Wakkwa:ho Kanien’keha:ka Haudenosaunee;Alderville ndoonjibaa. North Bay endayaan. Anishinabek ndaw.Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Ziigwan – Spring!My maternal grandmother, Esther Ann Hill, was raised inTyendinaga Mohawk Territory east of Belleville in southernOntario.That community’s name derives from Thayendanega, theKanienkahaka name of Mohawk warrior Joseph Brant. Brant’swarriors were British allies in the American Revolutionary War,and were forced to relocate north of the Great Lakes, along withUnited Empire Loyalists, after the 13 Colonies succeeded inshedding their status as a colony of Great Britain.Thayendanega has been translated into English as “two stickstied together,” conveying the meaning that a bundle of sticks isstronger and more unlikely to break than an individual piece ofwood. That was the philosophy that led to five Iroquois nationsforming the original Haudenosaunee Confederacy.‘Bundle of sticks’ make us strongerBy Maurice SwitzerAanii/Boozhoo/Wachay/Se:kon/Atilehai/Greetings kina waya!Bnesi ndizhnikaaz, Wazhashk doodem Michi SaagigAnishinabek, Wakkwa:ho Kanien’keha:ka Haudenosaunee;Alderville ndoonjibaa. North Bay endayaan. Anishinabek ndaw.Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Ziigwan – Spring!My maternal grandmother, Esther Ann Hill, was raised inTyendinaga Mohawk Territory east of Belleville in southernOntario.That community’s name derives from Thayendanega, theKanienkahaka name of Mohawk warrior Joseph Brant. Brant’swarriors were British allies in the American Revolutionary War,and were forced to relocate north of the Great Lakes, along withUnited Empire Loyalists, after the 13 Colonies succeeded inshedding their status as a colony of Great Britain.Thayendanega has been translated into English as “two stickstied together,” conveying the meaning that a bundle of sticks isstronger and more unlikely to break than an individual piece ofwood. That was the philosophy that led to five Iroquois nationsforming the original Haudenosaunee Confederacy.Strength in unity seems like an obvious objective, but hasproven an elusive one for many peoples to achieve. Canadiangovernments routinely use “divide-and-conquer” tactics asobstacles for Indigenous nations and organizations. Indigenous organizations are currently attempting to translatethe strength of our collective numbers into appropriate levels offunding required to provide services for our urban populations,which in Ontario now account for 85% of First Nations, Inuit,and Metis citizens. For example, housing issues are a priority for our FriendshipCentre, which is why our board’s vision to create the firstsignificant response to homelessness in North Bay became thebricks and mortar of the Suswin building. Even though our centre’s housing navigators were activelyinvolved serving the city’s homeless population – of whomalmost half are Indigenous men – very little of the millions ofdollars in provincial funding flowing to city housing agencieswas shared with us.Strength in unity seems like an obvious objective, but hasproven an elusive one for many peoples to achieve. Canadiangovernments routinely use “divide-and-conquer” tactics asobstacles for Indigenous nations and organizations. Indigenous organizations are currently attempting to translatethe strength of our collective numbers into appropriate levels offunding required to provide services for our urban populations,which in Ontario now account for 85% of First Nations, Inuit,and Metis citizens. For example, housing issues are a priority for our FriendshipCentre, which is why our board’s vision to create the firstsignificant response to homelessness in North Bay became thebricks and mortar of the Suswin building. Even though our centre’s housing navigators were activelyinvolved serving the city’s homeless population – of whomalmost half are Indigenous men – very little of the millions ofdollars in provincial funding flowing to city housing agencieswas shared with us.

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This is one reason why our Friendship Centre decided totake the lead in forming a coalition of organizationsproviding services to urban Indigenous peoples – to speakwith a united voice to the various levels of government whofund municipal operations.Giisook – “moons” – currently consists of eight memberagencies including: the Indigenous Hub – with its focus onproviding health services, True Self – which promotestraining, education, and employment, and Niijaansinaanik,which offers a variety of supports that strengthenIndigenous families.Giisook is the smallest and newest of seven urbanIndigenous coalitions now operating in Ontario inToronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Barrie, andSudbury, and which include representation by some 60individual agencies.These collectives have demonstrated their members’ abilityto do what we all know Indigenous organizations can dobetter than anyone else-- provide culturally-relevantservices to Indigenous clients.This is one reason why our Friendship Centre decided totake the lead in forming a coalition of organizationsproviding services to urban Indigenous peoples – to speakwith a united voice to the various levels of government whofund municipal operations.Giisook – “moons” – currently consists of eight memberagencies including: the Indigenous Hub – with its focus onproviding health services, True Self – which promotestraining, education, and employment, and Niijaansinaanik,which offers a variety of supports that strengthenIndigenous families.Giisook is the smallest and newest of seven urbanIndigenous coalitions now operating in Ontario inToronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Barrie, andSudbury, and which include representation by some 60individual agencies.These collectives have demonstrated their members’ abilityto do what we all know Indigenous organizations can dobetter than anyone else-- provide culturally-relevantservices to Indigenous clients. It often seems that only Indigenous service providers trulyunderstand the importance of wraparound services thataddress the emotional, spiritual, physical, and intellectualhealth of those we help.In our strategic plan document, Giisook members expresstheir commitment to using our collective voice to ensurethat governments provide us our appropriate share of theresources they receive to service municipal residents. In a way, we are seeking the same resource-sharing in urbansettings that our nations are in treaty settlements on theland. At the same time, we are reminding our municipal hosts ofhow much value they derive from Indigenous presence intheir cities. North Bay’s economy gets a $300 millioneconomic boost from the 7,000 Indigenous peoples who livehere. Organizations like our Giisook members are doing workfrom which everyone in North Bay benefits, not justIndigenous peoples. Our Friendship Centre alone isproviding education, family counselling, employment, andyouth programming, all wrapped in a cultural blanket.It’s time that cities recognize in a tangible way the benefitsthey receive from our bundle of sticks. It often seems that only Indigenous service providers trulyunderstand the importance of wraparound services thataddress the emotional, spiritual, physical, and intellectualhealth of those we help.In our strategic plan document, Giisook members expresstheir commitment to using our collective voice to ensurethat governments provide us our appropriate share of theresources they receive to service municipal residents. In a way, we are seeking the same resource-sharing in urbansettings that our nations are in treaty settlements on theland. At the same time, we are reminding our municipal hosts ofhow much value they derive from Indigenous presence intheir cities. North Bay’s economy gets a $300 millioneconomic boost from the 7,000 Indigenous peoples who livehere. Organizations like our Giisook members are doing workfrom which everyone in North Bay benefits, not justIndigenous peoples. Our Friendship Centre alone isproviding education, family counselling, employment, andyouth programming, all wrapped in a cultural blanket.It’s time that cities recognize in a tangible way the benefitsthey receive from our bundle of sticks.Moons in other dialects andareas: Zaagibagaawi-giizis(BuddingMoon)Gtige-giizis (Planting moon) Waskoone-giizis or waawaaskone-giizis (flower moon)Waabigwani-giizisThe 5 moon of creation isFlower Moon, where all plantsdisplay their spirit sides forthe world to see. This lifegiving energy is one of themost powerful healing medicineson Mother Earth. During thismoon, we are encouraged toexplore our Spiritual essencesthflower MoonMay 12 2025th

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Spring is in full swing and hopefully the sunnyweather is here to stay! It has already been a busyseason at NBIFC and for the FASD and ChildNutrition Program, hosting bi-weekly open gym forregistered clients and joining Wasa-Nabin inproviding nutrition to Wednesday evening programparticipants. I really enjoy offering a supportive recreationalenvironment for the children and youth in ourcommunity, I am grateful they have an accessible andculturally safe environment to feel comfortable in.Parents and caregivers may also benefit from this typeof programming, so we would like to introduce aninformal support group intended to encourage healthyliving within families by incorporating traditionalknowledge, enhancing peer networks and offeringpresentations from a variety of resources. We look forward to having you join us on ThursdayMay 22nd from 1-3pm where we will host an openmeet and greet style event, with nutrition bingo andan opportunity for you to register, ask questions orprovide input about the kind of information you wantto see included in our parent and caregivers supportgroup. Please let us know of any requiredaccommodations or dietary restrictions, see you there!If you would like to learn more about Fetal AlcoholSpectrum Disorder, available programming or toregister for services please feel free to contact theFASD and Child Nutrition Program via email orphone 705-472-2811 ext 205fasd@nbifc.org Have questions aboutthe First Nations Childand Family ServicesSettlement?Have questions aboutthe First Nations Childand Family ServicesSettlement?Learn!Hear about the settlement,eligibility and the claimsapplication processAsk questionsQuestions can be asked in themeeting or forwarded ahead tojmintz@ancfsao.caWhen are the sessions?April 17 10-11 AM (ET)thApril 22 10-11 AM (ET)ndSession oneMeeting ID:Passcode:Session two Meeting ID: Passcode:Join over zoom632 356 80616323568061632 356 80616323568061FASD CommunitySupportFASD CommunitySupportBecky

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Call UsTel: 705-995-0060Email Usinfo@gmghub.caThe project will develop andimplement culturally responsivehealthcare service pathways forIndigenous People with Indigenous andnon-Indigenous healthcare providers inthe Districts of Nipissing and ParrySound.The project will develop andimplement culturally responsivehealthcare service pathways forIndigenous People with Indigenous andnon-Indigenous healthcare providers inthe Districts of Nipissing and ParrySound.The project will provide sector-wideIndigenous Cultural Safety (ICS)training for non-Indigenous healthcareagencies, build capacity, and engagewith Indigenous and non-Indigenouscommunity to determine the livedexperience of Indigenous peopleaccessing healthcare services (past,present, and future).The project will provide sector-wideIndigenous Cultural Safety (ICS)training for non-Indigenous healthcareagencies, build capacity, and engagewith Indigenous and non-Indigenouscommunity to determine the livedexperience of Indigenous peopleaccessing healthcare services (past,present, and future).The project will work with healthcareservice providers to work towardsensuring cultural safe pathways areimplemented and sustained within ownagencies/organizations moving forward.The project will work with healthcareservice providers to work towardsensuring cultural safe pathways areimplemented and sustained within ownagencies/organizations moving forward.The North Bay Indigenous Hub was awarded funding toundertake a 2 year project to establish culturally safe healthcare pathways for the Indigenous community in theDistricts of Nipissing and Parry SoundThis project will enhance access toservices and improve the quality ofhealthcare services for Indigenouspeople while also strengtheningrelationships, partnerships, andcommunication between Indigenousand non-Indigenous service providers.This project will enhance access toservices and improve the quality ofhealthcare services for Indigenouspeople while also strengtheningrelationships, partnerships, andcommunication between Indigenousand non-Indigenous service providers.The project will increaseunderstanding of Indigenous history,culture, and the impacts ofColonialism on Indigenous healthand wellbeing among serviceproviders to build the capacity ofagencies and frontline providers tooffer timely, accessible, culturallyappropriate, and trauma-informedhealthcare to Indigenous people(children, youth, and families) in agood way.Non-Indigenous and Indigenouscommunity engagement sessionswith agencies/organizations forunderstanding the unique needsof Indigenous PeoplesIndigenous communityengagement sessions withIndigenous Peoples to captureexperiences and input forculturally safe pathways whenaccessing health servicesCommunity-wide training forICS to refine service pathways Journey mapping and PilotingCare Pathways foragency/organizational andsystems level improvementsEducation conferencesLorraine Sutherland – Project LeadIvory Towegshig – Health CarePathway ActivatorMina Linklater – Child and FamilyEngagement AssistantOne Kid’s PlaceHandsTheFamilyNetworkCAS Nipissing & Parry SoundNBRHCCommunity Living North BayService providers in theDistrict of Nipissing and ParrySound who serve Indigenouspeople (children, youth, andfamilies)

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Aniin all my relatives,As the maple sap begins to slow down (maybe itsstopped in some places by now), its time to take part inone of my favourite little spring activities, and I thoughtI’d share it with you.Spring is a time when we start collecting and harvestingplants that are not only delicious, but also help ourbodies recover and re-energize after a long winter.Fiddleheads are a well-known spring snack that shouldbe popping up soon, and wild leek patches will bevisited, although everyone I know who harvests is verysecretive about where their favourite patch is hidden. No,I won’t tell you where my patch is, but I might sharesome dried wild leeks if you ask nicely.My favourite thing to do is harvest some wiigwaas (birch)water, it starts just after the inaatig (Maple) sap stops.Maybe it's in my head, maybe not, but I don’t think I’veever had anything so delicious or clear to drink before. Ifspring has a flavour, to me that is it, even more so thanmaple. There’s canned birch water out there, but it is notthe same as asking the tree and harvesting it yourself.Drinking this deliciousness invariably leads me to thinkof the importance of wiigwaas to our people, forcontainers, canoes, coverings for shelters, ceremony, andits importance in our teachings. So, every time I drinkthat medicine water, I thank the tree for its incrediblegifts and feel connected to a long line of our peoplewhose survival depended on this beautiful tree. I took a picture of one of my neighbours who had aden not far from my house, who really enjoyed allthe birch saplings over the winter but seemed toenjoy them even more in the spring. Maybe theyenjoy the taste of the sap just as much as I do.Now, because that tree has given me such awonderful gift each year, I do my best to help it outby encouraging people to plant it and picking up afew seeds in the fall and scattering them around.The white birch flowers from late May to early June.The male catkins are yellow, long, and droopy, whilethe female catkins are green and more upright.Anything that helps support our wild pollinatorsshould be encouraged, rather than foreign cultivarsthat are useless to native species.So, if you get a chance to harvest some birch water,be sure to thank this incredible tree for all the giftsit provides and continues to give all of us. Maybefind some bark and make some earrings! Have a wonderful month! SandraCRC

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“Every happymemory created for achild is anothertreasure of a lifetime”- Homafy.comKayla & Cindy705-472-2811 ext 210/212Prenatal/Family Support ProgramA Week Full of Culture, Community & ConnectionWhat an incredible week it's been! On April 22, our students rolled up their sleevesfor Earth Day, giving the back parking area and corner block of the school groundsa much-needed spring clean. The next day, they gathered to enjoy a delicious springham dinner together — a well-deserved treat!April 24 brought the aroma of tradition to our space as students prepared Bannockand brewed Labrador Tea, connecting with culture through hands-on learning.Looking ahead, on May 5, students will take part in Red Dress Day, showing theirsupport and solidarity. The very next day, May 6, they’ll head to West FerrisSecondary School for a special opportunity to meet former NHL coach and authorTed Nolan, who will share insights from his powerful memoir Life in Two Worlds.Then, on May 15, our students will join the Moose Hide Campaign march, walkingfrom the school to the turtle, Miskwaadesi — standing together against violenceand walking in the spirit of healing and change.What an amazing season of learning, leadership, and community spirit!Aanii, Hello,We have had some great activities inthe Prenatal/Family Support Program.Some of these included our RibbonSkirt workshops, Tye Blankets and theEaster Hunt.Our participants did a magnificent jobat their ribbon skirts.Wow, you ladies are talented!We also had a great turn out for theEaster Hunt. Chi-Miigwetch toeveryone who could attend.We are also excited to be able to bringsome great activities to you. Pleasewatch our Facebook pages forupcoming events which will be posted(we have some exciting trips planned).Also, remember to follow theinstructions on the poster to registerfor activities.Family Support and Prenatal clientsneed to call to register for activitiesstarting Jan 1/2025.We will start our walking program onMonday mornings, watch for details onwhere we will be walking.Aanii, Hello,We have had some great activities inthe Prenatal/Family Support Program.Some of these included our RibbonSkirt workshops, Tye Blankets and theEaster Hunt.Our participants did a magnificent jobat their ribbon skirts.Wow, you ladies are talented!We also had a great turn out for theEaster Hunt. Chi-Miigwetch toeveryone who could attend.We are also excited to be able to bringsome great activities to you. Pleasewatch our Facebook pages forupcoming events which will be posted(we have some exciting trips planned).Also, remember to follow theinstructions on the poster to registerfor activities.Family Support and Prenatal clientsneed to call to register for activitiesstarting Jan 1/2025.We will start our walking program onMonday mornings, watch for details onwhere we will be walking.Indigenous AlternativeSecondary SchoolCoordinator

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Aanin,It has been a busy winter season for the KizhaayAnishinaabe Niin, I am A Kind Man programparticpants! Kizhaay Anishnaabe Niin is an initiativecreated to provide an opportunity for communitiesto engage Indigenous men and youth inunderstanding violence against Indigenous womenand support them in joining together to end theviolence. At a time when violence is invading wholecommunities “I Am a Kind Man” reminds us thatviolence has never been an acceptable part ofIndigenous culture. Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niinworkers and facilitators embrace the SevenGrandfather Teachings (wisdom, love, respect,bravery, honesty, humility, and truth) to work towardending violence against Indigenous women.The participants had a AMAZING 12 week groupfilled with sharing, growth and building supportiveconnections, on top of all the exciting group workand sharing, we also had a Ribbon Vest Workshopwhere the participants, many never having touched asewing machine, made their very own Ribbon Vests,Thank you to Shelley B and Jane Vester for yoursupport, patience and teaching everyone how to usethe sewing machines!On April 2, we held the graduation ceremony for TheWinter Session, there were 22 Graduates from theWinter Program! We had a mix of in person andVirtual group members and myself and everyonefrom NBIFC wish them all the best on their paths asgraduates of the I am a Kind Man Program and lookforward to seeing our Kind Warriors out in thecommunity in their jackets!I am a Kind Man:Growth and reflectionClient TestimonialsClient 1:My time Was very beneficial to me, first of all I was comingout of the red road program and the 12 steps, and it wasbeneficial to me to keep the momentum going. To discoveranother step forward. I found that the things we talkedabout helped me to look inside myself, to see the person thatI have always wanted to be. I had a good upbringing, wasalways about values and morals, and you know I gotsidetracked along the way for various reasons andinfluences, its nice to come back t the center, and come backto myself. To help me realize and identify the areas that Imaybe was very aware f or attune too. It made me moreaware of where I wanted to make changes, I felt accountablebecause of that. And I’ve been able to put those teachingsinto practice. I am enjoying the world around me more. There is also a men's Sharing circle everyWednesday from 4:00pm-5:30pm, open tomen, boys 13+, we would love to have youdrop in if you are seeking support, and if youwould like to be a Kind Warrior, reach out toKris the Kizhaay at 705-472-2811 x216.

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Client 3:I want to say thank you Kris, this course has made memore present, focusing on the present and future, whatwe can do to be in the moment. Its made me realizemore self reflection, looking at myself in the mirror andnoticing I am not as good as I thought I was. I need towork on the self improvement, its scary admitting youneed to do something different, change is scary and canbe, but this has opened my eyes and and I look forwardt giving back.Client 2:I just wanted to start by thanking you for putting on the program,you are the best guy they could have picked for the program, youare kind and helpful. You come in early to make sure we get thecourse done and never complained. So before this course started, Ireally didn’t think I needed the course, I was full of myself I guess,not much self reflection. Since the curse went on, I learned that Ihave a lot to work on myself, I have worked a lot and feel goodabout taking the course, it was very helpful. Moving on with theseven grandfather teachings is something I am going to be doing, toteach my children. There are other courses I want to take, self-improvement is very important now, and will l continue thatjourneyClient 4:I have actually learned so much from this group, one would begrowth, I never thought I would empower a lot of things in mylife. Learning a lot of patience, when to use your words in abetter manner, that I was a red flag at one point, the groupactivities on flags really opened my eyes, but its ok I’ve learnedto change my ways to be happy and learn from it. A big thankyou to everyone, for listening t my shares, I loved hearingeveryone else shares. Chi MiigwetchClient 5:I couldn’t thank you enough kris, going into this programopened my eyes a lot, learning about the seven grandfatherteachings, and never being fully exposed to that, learningand hearing everyone stories I was able to reflect a lot onmyself. Moving forward I was able t apply it on my day today life, with friends, families etc. showing them supportwith boundaries, not criticizing like I used to do, allowingthem o figure it out and be supportive. Hearing everyoneelse’s stories, it was a big reflect, that I was selfish, how Iraise my daughter, to be supportive. I learned a lot and amgoing to continue pushing forward with everything, tocontinue on and take some more programsI have more patience with everyone in my world, ithas been really beneficial to me. I can believe it’sbeen 12 weeks, it feels like 6, like we started not thatlong ago. Accolades to everyone that got involved,wanted to get involved and showed faith inthemselves to make a change, and trusted themselvesto make a leap forward and make that difference. Iam a little older than everyone here, but its nice tohear everyone talking and sharing about theirsituations and experiences and be open minded, tonew experiences as well. I am glad I got to getinvolved again, thanks to the Centre for being hereand providing all these supports to us. Miigwetch.

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REGISTERED CLIENTPROGRAMS Pre-CareerDevelopment &Exploration Securing paid on thejob trainingopportunitiesSelf-EmploymentSupports Employment SupportsStudent Summer JobsFunding for TrainingStay in School InitiativeYouth InternshipsApprenticeshipsApatisiwin is an Indigenous employment and trainingprogram that offers skills development and trainingopportunities to eligible participants living in North Bay andsurrounding areaYour paragraph textLet us help you find a path to success!RESOURCE CENTRESERVICES Pre-EmploymentTraining Access to local joblistings & job boardTelephone, Internet,& Computer AccessPhotocopy & FaxServicesResume & CoverLetter Support Job Search SupportAccess toWorkshopsResource MaterialsNetworkingOpportunitiesapatisiwin@nbifc.org apatisiwin2@nbifc.org Your paragraph text(705) 472 2811 Ext. 202 or 243 Your paragraph textAPATISIWIN PROGRAMBreakfast Meet &Greet COME OUT AND MEET THEAPATISIWIN PROGRAM STAFFAND JOIN US FORBREAKFAST!“WHILE QUANTIES LAST”PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFOMay 3, 2025 | 9:30 AM to 12 noon North Bay Indigenous FriendshipCentre980 Cassells Street North BayOntario

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Meet the ApatisiwinTeam!Aaniin, Boozhoo, Wachay, Greetings!Your paragraph textYour paragraph textghghghghghgCRIMINALCOURT WORKERPROGRAMThe goal of the ICCW Program is to helpIndigenous People who are in conflict withthe Criminal Justice SystemThe Criminal Court Worker Programprovides various court related supportsand assists clients navigate the legalsystem. We advocate in order that ourclients receive fair and equitable treatment. SERVICES.Deliver services to all Indigenous Peoplein strict confidenceProvide information regarding criminalcourt proceduresProvide details regarding an arrest andensure that individuals are aware of theirlegal rights and obligations Guide clients through the various stageswithin the court systemObtain Indigenous language & culturalinterpreters when requiredProvide surety information Diversion advocation Victim assistance Define and outline bail specfication andwhat this means for clients Provide referral services and interactionwith community partners to ensureseamless transition to resourcesWork closely with NILO support serviceswhen required Attend jails to provide information andmorale supportLiason between clients and their famliesin prepartion for release planSamantha Cooper:Sam has been employed with NBIFC since2020. She is originally from ColemeanTownship on the Montreal River and is aproud member of Temagami First Nation.She received designations in Mental Healthand Addictions Prevention andAdministration. When Sam is not workingwith clients, you can find her spending timewith her daughters, painting, and enjoyingnature. Steven Guilbeault: Steve has been employed with the NBIFCApatisiwin program since 2018. He isorginally from Mattawa Ontario and has tiesto the Oijbwe and Mi'kmaw Nations. Aftergraduaion with an a honours degree fromNipissing University in 2004, he entered theemployment and training counselling field.When he is not working with clients, you canfind him painting, playing guitar, rockcollecting with his family, and enjoyingnature. (705) 472 2811 Ext. 246 Cell: 705 358 3421 ccw@nbifc.org

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Conduct public education/prevention workshops for theIndigenous Community relevant to Indigenous families,children, and youth justice related issues. Provide referral services and interaction with communitypartners to ensure seamless transition to resourcesPartcipate in the development and implementation ofprevention programs that focus on youth crime reductionEducate the Judiciary to increase their awarness andundertanding of Indigenous cultureThe Indigenous Family Court Program provides variouscourt related supports to Indigenous youth involved inthe criminal justice system, separating couples involvedin family court, and Indigenous families dealing withchild welfare matters Deliver services to all Indigenous People in strictconfidenceAssist Indigenous parents , guardians, relations and/oryoung persons who become involved with the FamilyCourt or Child Protection court matters or processes. Provide Guidance to Indigenous Youth, parents, guardians/relations who become involved with The Youth CriminalJustice Act. Guide clients through the various stages within the courtsystemObtain Indigenous language & cultural interpreters whenrequiredSERVICES: The FCW program goals include the advocation for fairtreatment, and ensuring that clients understand theirrights, responsibiltites, and options while navaigatingthe Judicial ssytem Your paragraph textINDIGENOUS FAMILY COURTWORKER PROGRAMINDIGENOUS FAMILY COURTWORKER PROGRAM(705) 472 2811 Ext. 245 Cell: 249 358 3347 fwc@nbifc.org Your paragraph textWE DO NOT: Provide legal adviceSupervise Bail, Probation or ParoleAct as Language InterpreterProvide or Select Legal Counsel (can provide a list of availablelawyers) CMH&A WITHINTERNET SAFETY ANDCRITICAL THINKINGArtificial Intelligence can be a great tool,but it’s important to understand thepossible risks and harm that can occurwhile using it. AI doesn’t always shareinformation that is correct or even real,this can include altered images or writteninformation. This can result in the spreadof misinformation and disinformation.Misinformation is false or inaccurateinformation but not created with theintent of causing harm. Whiledisinformation is deliberately created tomislead, harm, or manipulate. Criticalthinking skills are important for stayingsafe online, for adults, adolescents andchildren. Some helpful tips for developingcritical thinking in regards to informationpresented online include:Considering the source and checkingmultiple sources to understand astory from all anglesResearching further if somethingseems too good to be trueReading beyond the headline todetermine what is really beingdiscussed and whether it’s sharingthe full storyQuestioning whether something is anopinion or a factConsidering whether it is satire orsponsored content.Having conversations with kids from ayoung age can help them to developthese critical thinking skills, which willhelp to ensure their safety in anincreasingly digital world. The Children’sMental Health and Addictions program isworking in a workshop for youth to learnmore about internet safety, keep an eyeout for future announcements!

May 2025 Newsletter

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