Fax | 807-344-2977
Toll Free | 1-800-463-2249
reception@matawa.on.ca

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 aims 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
For more information on the pilot project please contact Judi Cannon, Matawa’s Animal Wellness Services Lead Coordinator, at 1-807-620-3908.

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.

Follow the Matawa Pets & People page on Facebook for more updates.

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

Animal Wellness Clinics and related events:

Staff

Judi Cannon
Animal Wellness Services Lead Coordinator