The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference
To report suspected rabid wildlife to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The Wildlife Health Information Line is: 1-888-574-6656). More info is as follows:
There are two types of animal laws:
1 – To protect pets from people
- Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act
- Animal cruelty
- Animal neglect
- Animal abandonment
- Standards of care
- Can be enforced by Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS), APS, NAPS, and OPP
- To report call Provincial Animal Welfare Services AND your local police services
- Provincial Animal Welfare Services phone: 1.833.926.4625 https://www.ontario.ca/page/animal-welfare
2 – To protect people from pets
- Dog Owner’s Liability Act
- Dangerous dogs
- Restricted breeds
- Can be enforced by APS, NAPS, and OPP
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- Community Dog Book by Tasha Epp & Jasmine Dhillon – University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine
- Animals North Collective Sept 2023 Survey – Veterinarian Services in First Nation Communities
- MPP Sol Mamakwa Debate in Ontario Legislature – Apr 4, 2024 – Bill 171 Enhancing Professional Care for Animals Act, 2024
- FWFN passes new dog control bylaw – TBNewsWatch.com
- Pilot program for stray dogs could expand to Treaty 3, but organizations need to lead the charge – Kenora Miner Apr 3, 2025
- First Nations pursue options to get bylaws enforced
Animal Wellness Clinics and related events:
• Webequie First Nation Animal Wellness Clinic – May 1-4, 2024 (last one prior to this was in 2016)
• Eabametoong First Nation Mini Animal Wellness Clinic and Listening Circle – June 3-4, 2024
• Ginoogaming FN Animal Wellness Clinic and Listening Circle – June 24, 2024
• Long Lake #59 Animal Wellness Clinic and Listening Circle – June 25, 2024
• Aroland First Nation Animal Plans Listening Circle – June 26, 2024
• Constance Lake First Nation Animal Plans Listening Circle – June 27, 2024
• Constance Lake First Nation Animal Services August 8-11, 2024 (with OSPCA and PetSmart Charities Canada)
• Eabametoong Animal Wellness Clinic – October 16-20, 2024
• Constance Lake FN Animal Wellness Clinic (with OSPCA and PetSmart Charities) – May 22-25, 2025
• Long Lake #58 and Ginoogaming FNs Animal Wellness Clinic (with PetSmart Charities) – May 22-25, 2025
- Support for a 2-Year Pilot Project on a New Animal Services Community-of-Practice and to Reclaim the Cultural Practice of Dog Sledding in the Matawa First Nations – May 12, 2023
- Support for a Business Plan – Oct 2, 2024
- Support for Implementation of an Overall VCPR Throughout Matawa FNs as a Herd-Health Model – December 11, 2025
Media coverage:
- Listen to the CBC Listen segment on the Parvovirus Outbreak in Nibinamik published April 4, 2024 here
- Read SN Newswatch article ‘Webequie spay and neuter clinic shines a light on a new pilot-project’ here
- Read the Matawa Chiefs Council Submission to Ontario’s Proposed Bill 171, An Act to Enact the Veterinarian Professionals Act, 2024 and to Amend or Repeal Various Act here
- Read Aroland First Nation Building on its Success of Sustainably Decreasing Stray Dog Population here
- Read First Nations in Greenstone and Constance Lake First Nation Collaborate with Partners on Animal Services Activities here
- Listen to Judi Cannon’s interview on Superior Morning with Mary-Jean Cormier on June 26, 2024 here
- Read the CBC article ‘Constance Lake First Nation to hold first animal wellness clinic in at least 10 years’ published July 27, 2024 here
- Read the Globe and Mail article ‘A healthy rez dog means a healthy community: Advocates working to bring vet care to Indigenous communities dated August 19, 2024 here
- Read Matawa Media Release ‘Matawa Chiefs Council Point Out Inequities for First Nations on World Rabies Day’ published September 27, 2024 here
- Read Matawa Media Release: MFNM Welcomes Indigenous Services Canada Investments on Continuation of Animal Services Pilot-Project dated here
- Read Joint Indigenous Services Canada and MFNM Media Release ‘Matawa FNs Management Animal Services Pilot Creates Healthier, Safer Communities for People and Animals’ published October11, 2024 here
- Read Eabametoong First Nation Media Release ‘Eabametoong FN Collaborate with Partners on Spay/Neuter & Vaccine Clinic and Transfer of Stray Dogs’ published October 24, 2024 here
- Read TVO article ‘Pilot Project brings veterinary ‘magic’ to northern First Nations’ published October 24, 2024 here
- Read SN Newswatch article ‘Veterinarian and team come to northern First Nation’ published October 24, 2024 here
- Listen an Update on Animal Wellness Services aired on Wawatay Radio on January 14 & 28, 2025 here
On February 5, 2024, Matawa First Nations Management commenced a pilot project to establish an Animal Services community-of-practice. It’s the result of Matawa Chiefs Resolution passed in 2023 during the Matawa Chiefs Council’s regular business meetings. The pilot project concluded on March 31, 2025.
The pilot project aimed to:
- Improve education on animal wellness in Matawa First Nations
- Improve animal wellness, reduce fertility rates and create safer and healthier communities using the ‘One Health Model’
- Provide Wnimal Wellness and Spay/Neuter Clinics in seven of nine First Nations in Matawa (starting March 2024)
- Collect feedback from community members and leadership to gauge how they want to see the animal situation, and complete an animal population survey and sustainability plan (for when the pilot project is completed)
- Work with online veterinarians to learn rudimentary first aid, give basic vaccines and medications as required
- Contribute to the Matawa Pets and People Facebook page to educate the public on what other communities are doing, etc.
- Advocate with all levels of government on animal issues in the First Nations in Matawa
- Complete a Final Report on a Community-of-Practice to be used as a model for other road-access and remote First Nations in Canada
The pilot project recognizes that the relationship with our animals (especially dogs) has changed as a result of colonization. For example, the cultural practice of dog sledding has almost disappeared, and we also have new animals that we didn’t have traditionally. In some cases, this has resulted in poor animal health and dog overpopulation, which negatively impacts the community through instances of dog bites, pack aggression, dog mauling deaths, and increased potential for zoonotic disease transmission. The pilot project also recognizes that there are a lot of responsible pet owners in our communities, as well as wonderful volunteers who are helping to address these issues.
It is always a difficult decision to rehome your pet. Choosing the right rescue is important.
Northern Reach Network is the hub of the north. It is all volunteer-run and can help families with requests. Please understand that their resources are limited and they cannot work quickly in some cases. Contact Northern Reach Network via Facebook Messenger. Give them your name, address, name of pet, age, if spayed or neutered, when last vaccines and a picture. Once they receive all of the information, they will start working for a placement. They can be reached via FB Messenger here: https://www.facebook.com/northernreachrescuenetwork.
The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society is the only animal shelter in Thunder Bay. Connect with them over the phone, complete their surrender form to get on their surrender waiting list. Their number is: (807) 475-8803
Telemedicine:
- REMOTE NORTHERN ONTARIO VIA ALLANDALE VETERINARY HOSPITAL – Indigenous-safe telemedicine veterinarian service – (etransfer or credit card) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568407524859
- SMARTVET – (credit card only) https://smartvet.ca/
- VETSTER – (credit card only) https://vetster.com
Emergency Clinics
- Hillcrest Animal Clinic in Dryden https://www.hillcrestanimalclinic.net/
Currently, Thunder Bay clinics are not accepting new clients. Call Hillcrest to arrange your appointment. They will pick up your pet at the Sioux Lookout airport. Or fly pet into Thunder Bay and bus on Kasper to Dryden. Northern Reach Network provides overnight fostering services.