The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference

The word ‘Matawa’ is an abbreviation of the Cree word “Mammamattawa” meaning “a place of many rivers coming together” — a name the Chiefs and Elders decided was fitting of the organization to recognize that rivers have been, and continue to act as our lifeline and existence.

Established in 1988, Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM) is a non-profit Tribal Council. Tribal Councils are institutions established as, “a grouping of bands with common interests who voluntarily join together to provide advisory and/or program services to member bands.”

MFNM membership includes eight First Nations in Treaty 9 and one First Nation in Robinson-Superior (though not a signatory to this Treaty). Five Matawa First Nations are accessible by air and winter road while the other four are accessible by all season roads. The combined population of Matawa is over 10,000.

MFNM provides a variety of advisory services and program delivery to our member First Nations. For the past plus 30 years, it continues to thrive and expand services that cater to the needs of the Matawa First Nations including the establishment of four umbrella organizations (to view them, go to Corporations).

PURPOSE

Matawa provides advisory services/programs to nine member Ojibway and Cree First Nations (eight First Nations in James Bay Treaty No. 9) and one First Nation in the Robinson-Superior Treaty area (though they are not a signatory to this Treaty). We are committed to quality assurance and are responsive to our communities’ needs.

VISION

Matawa First Nations will be prosperous and enriched First Nations both individually and collectively. By creating enhanced social and economic opportunities for everyone, the Matawa First Nations will reach their maximum potential and have confidence in the future.

MISSION

We are committed to supporting each other and focusing our collective efforts on core strategic priorities. By working together as a regional community, we will use our combined knowledge and resources in order to champion the social and economic vitality of our First Nations and invest in community and people building.

VALUES

Matawa First Nations Work Together

We have opportunities to grow and reach our maximum potential as a regional group. The diversity within our regional communities is valued and is a source of local and regional pride. We are proactively involved in the economic, social, cultural and political development of the Matawa territory.

Matawa First Nations are Dynamic and Sustainable Communities

We integrate modern social and economic development practices with our traditional culture and heritage. We build capacity and economic wealth for present and future generations and are well positioned to succeed in the national economy.

Matawa First Nations Updhold Quality of Life

We invest and protect our quality of life–socially, economically, culturally and environmentally and ensure that the Matawa First Nations are prosperous and healthy communities in which to live, work and raise a family.