The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference
Technical Services
Matawa Technical Services assists Matawa First Nations in the development and maintenance of community infrastructure. This includes assisting them with all aspects including the environmental component an Indigenous Services Canada capital approvals process. The services it provides varies according to individual community needs, level of individual capacity, technical proficiency and management expertise. They can include:
- Project planning, development and reporting
- Operation and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure
- Coordination of water and Wastewater Operator training
- Environmental remediation project support
- Housing inspection and programming
- Fire safety and protection
- ACRS and CAIS reporting
Initiatives
Matawa Technical Services provides the service of an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) certified through the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors. The goal of the Matawa EHO is to protect, promote and enhance the health of Matawa First Nations through environmental public health programs and services in in the areas of:
- Communicable Disease Control
- Drinking Water
- Health and Housing
- Food Safety
- Solid Waste
- Public Buildings
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Risk Assessment
- Environmental Contaminants Research
- Wastewater Disposal
- Pest Management
The Matawa EHO works alongside other Matawa technical units including: Nibi Services, housing, environment and the Matawa Fire Marshal; and, Matawa health units including the MHSMB and the MHC.
Matawa Technical Services provides the service of Fire Prevention & Protection Consultants, also known as Fire Marshals (FM). Two FMs are on had to provide advice and assistance to Matawa First Nation in this area. FMs assist Matawa First Nations in developing programs to enhance community emergency service plans and fire inspection services. They also provide information and training for fire fighters, fire chiefs and officers in the Matawa First Nations, including critical incident stress de-briefing.
The Matawa FMs provide advice on emergency services, fire protection and acts of terrorism, and fire prevention in the home.
For resources on fire safety, please visit: Amber’s Fire Safety Campaign
Some fire prevention and protection reminders:
In partnership with Municipality of Greenstone, six First Nations hosted a Rights-Holder Information Session on March 20, 2023 for off-reserve members to learn about the Waste Management Environmental Assessment (EA) currently underway. The objective of the EA is to provide a community consultation process for a future plan to address the management of garbage through the next 100 years for the communities of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake 58 First Nation, and the Municipality. The outcome of the process will result in new development to address waste diversion and landfilling waste.
KGS Group and Scatliff + Miller + Murray have been engaged by the Municipality of Greenstone as the project consultant to evaluate different options and methods of managing waste (ie. a new regional landfill, new waste transfer stations, incineration, landfill expansions and various waste diversion/recycling systems in response to approaching capacity limits of the existing municipal landfills. Each option will be evaluated in consideration of criterions like natural, social, cultural, economic, and built environments.
The consultation process is structured over three phases. The first stage of the planning process is underway to inform all participants of the project and gather feedback. The second phase will provide engagement on preferences and explore appropriate waste management systems. Phase 3 will determine a preferred project outcome for the establishment of a regional waste management system for the long-term.
For information on the project, visit https://www.greenstone.ca/en/shared-content/greenstone-waste-management-environmental-assessment.aspx.
See also, the latest news: https://www.netnewsledger.com/2023/03/20/greenstone-waste-management-environmental-assessment/
Project Contact can be made through the following:
- GreenstoneEA@kgsgroup.com
- Lindsey Jupp, Matawa First Nations Management, ljupp@matawa.on.ca
- Meagan Hindman, Nokiiwin Tribal Council, environment@nokiiwin.com
In the fall of 2017, Matawa Technical Services established Nibi Water Services originally as a HUB pilot project supported by Indigenous Services Canada. The goal of Nibi Water Services is to provide ongoing water and wastewater support to Matawa First Nations and their Water and Wastewater Operators (WWOs).This support includes 24/7 emergency services and training to ensure required certification in accordance with Ontario Drinking Water Regulations and Federal Guidelines for Operations. Nibi Water Services also monitors and collects water quality data in the Matawa First Nations includin overseeing the calibration of water treatment equipment including filter media replacement, reverse osmosis repairs, and chlorination.
Nibi Water Services staffs a Class 4 Water Plant Operator, a Class 2 Water Treatment Operator and a Class 1 Wastewater Operators to provide these services to the Matawa First Nations. It also assists Matawa First Nations in developing Preventative Maintenance and Emergency Response Plans.
The following is information that is available for the 2021/2022 winter road season for this network only. It will be open at various times in January/February 2022. The dates of closures will be determined at a future date (and will be noted on this page and on social media).
For other information, go to: Facebook Page: MATAWA – 808 Winter Road Network via Nesk, Fort hope, Nibinamik, & Webequie (note, this is not a Matawa First Nations Management page).
This information should not be used to determine whether road conditions are safe for travel. We strongly encourage all travelers to contact the First Nation for the most up-to-date information on the winter road status prior to travelling, including whether roads are open for travel as temporary closures do take place on the roads, even when at full load capacity.
**CONTINUED** this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic – all 808 winter road network communities have made a decision to set up a CHECKPOINT. As of January 22, 2022 the checkpoint will be setup at the 808 entrance from Pickle Lake to monitor, screen and track traffic entering and exiting the network. It will be manned 24/7 until the winter road closes. Click here for the latest Public Notice (updated on March 11, 2022). See also, the NWO Logistics Pickle Lake COIVD-19 Testing Facility Information Sheet: here.
** NEW for 2022 ** All commercial travelers must show proof of double vaccination & booster (if eligible) with dates and negative PCR/Molecular COVID test results (within 72 hours prior to entry).
All documentation must be sent to the First Nation to receive entry approval. This includes vaccination certificate with dates and negative COVID results. Any traveler without authorized paperwork at the Checkpoint will not be allowed to enter. Paperwork must also be presented at corresponding First Nation checkpoints. Access will be denied without approval forms that will be available through your First Nation contact (see below). They are also available here for travel to:
Eabametoong:
- Eabametoong First Nation Pandemic Travel Request Form 2022
- 2022 Eabametoong COMMERCIAL Approval to Enter
Nibinamik
Webequie
- Approval to Travel on the Winter Road Network – Webequie FN 2022
- 2022 Webequie – COMMERCIAL Approval to Enter
Neskantaga
CONTACTS
Eabametoong First Nation: 1-807-242-7221
Neskantaga First Nation: 1-807-479-2570
Nibinamik First Nation: 1-807-593-2131
Webequie First Nation: 1-807-353-5271
Click here to view news articles:
CBC Thunder Bay | Cold Snap Contributes to Winter Road Openings | February 22, 2021