FIRST NATIONS IN GREENSTONE COLLABORATE FOR A 2ND YEAR WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL SERVICE CHARITIES
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday May 29, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRST NATIONS IN GREENSTONE COLLABORATE FOR A 2ND YEAR WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL SERVICE CHARITIES
GREENSTONE, ON: Today, Ginoogaming First Nation (GFN), Long Lake #58 First Nation (LL58FN), are kicking-off the start of a four-day collaboration with the Northern Reach Network (NRN) and the Global Alliance for Animals and People (GAAP) to provide an animal services clinic. Taking place for the 2nd time in GFN, the clinic runs from May 29 – June 1 for animals in both LL58FN and GFN who have been pre-registered with Matawa Animal Wellness Services who is assisting in coordinating the partners. Services include spay/neuter surgeries, internal/external parasite control and microchipping. The NRN said, “This weekend isn’t just a celebration of the profound bond between pet families and their animals; it’s also incredibly exciting for us at Northern Reach Network to mark the second consecutive year we’ve been able to (with the help of PetSmart, Matawa, and GAPP) provide veterinary care to those in need.”
This ongoing commitment empowers these two communities to effectively manage their animal populations and, crucially, safeguard their residents from zoonotic diseases like rabies.”
The clinic is supported by a PetSmart Charities of Canada® (PSCC) incubator grant to GFN and LL58FN in partnership with NRN. Over the next 3 years, the grant will assist in continuing to address challenges in accessing veterinary care, planning for future sustainability, and pet supplies. “Most people today consider pets family, yet nearly 1 in 5 Canadians face challenges in accessing even basic preventative care such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and annual exams,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants & initiatives at PetSmart Charities of Canada. “While this issue affects families in nearly every community, those who have been historically excluded from human social services are most in need of pet services. We’re proud to be contributing to care that meets the unique needs identified by those living in the communities themselves.”
The First Nations participating in the clinic highlighted the need to have veterinary care on a continuous basis in order to control the pet population. “Ginoogaming First Nation welcomes this 2nd clinic to our community, it’s so important to have them to ensure our pets have their shots and medical care and also for our community members to get the education or their questions answered about their pets so, as a whole, we keep everyone safe,” said GFN Chief Sheri Taylor. LL58FN Chief Judy Desmoulin said, “Healthy pets contribute to the wellness of the family and community. With a clinic like this, families are less stressed when they have the opportunity to spay or neuter their pet. Spaying and neutering is important to control the population of pets that could lead to neglect and violent behaviour. These clinics increase the safety/security and provide opportunities for great conversations about pet care in general and greater respect is displayed for pets and pet owners.”
Judi Cannon, Matawa First Nations Management’s Indigenous Animal Services Specialist said, “This weekend is a celebration of pet families and their bond with animals. It’s also exciting that this is the second year in a row that we are able to provide consistent vet care supporting these two communities manage their animal population and protect their Peoples from zoonotic diseases like rabies.”
During last year’s collaboration, 148 surgeries were performed, 204 exams were provided, 408 vaccines were administered, 3 dogs were transferred out of the GFN and LL58FN communities and 2,000 lbs of pet food was provided. The year, the clinic is expected to see close to 300 animals for surgery, wellness exams, vaccines and parasite prevention.
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PetSmart Charities of Canada® is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the country, PetSmart Charities of Canada helps thousands of pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities of Canada also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter, and emergency relief. Each year, thousands of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities of Canada directly at PetSmartCharities.ca, while shopping at PetSmart.ca, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities of Canada efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in Canada, granting more than $35 million since its inception in 1999. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered Canadian charity. To learn more visit www.PetSmartCharities.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Matawa First Nations Management 24-Hour PetSmart Charities
Judi Cannon, Indigenous Animal Services Specialist Media Line: 623-587-2177
(807) 620-3908
Email: jcannon@matawa.on.ca