MATAWA AWASHISHEWIIGIIHIWAYWIIN TO CELEBRATE ANOTHER MILESTONE IN DELIVERING SERVICES TO MATAWA FAMILIES AT RISK OF CHILD WELFARE INVOLVEMENT IN THUNDER BAY
MEDIA ADVISORY
August 19, 2024 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MATAWA AWASHISHEWIIGIIHIWAYWIIN TO CELEBRATE ANOTHER MILESTONE IN DELIVERING SERVICES TO MATAWA FAMILIES AT RISK OF CHILD WELFARE INVOLVEMENT IN THUNDER BAY
THUNDER BAY, ON: Matawa Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin will celebrate the grand opening a new playground during its fourth annual Back to School Bonanza on August 21, 2024. This playground was made possible by Indigenous Service Canada First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Post-Majority Support Services capital program for eligible First Nation youth and young families.
The ceremony will include an opening prayer/blessing and ribbon cutting. Families of the Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin program, attendees of the Back to School Bonanza and other dignitaries will join to mark the special occasion.
Media is cordially invited to attend.
Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Location: Playground Area (to the rear and left of building) Matawa Training and Wellness Centre, 523 Algoma Street North, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Time: 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
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For more information, please contact Charnel Anderson, Communications Generalist – Matawa First Nations at (807) 621-9405 or by email at canderson@matawa.on.ca.
Background:
In 2019, Matawa First Nations Chief’s Council created the Matawa Child and Family Services Framework establishing the Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin (Ah-WAH-shi-SHEE-wee-gee-HE-way-win) program in Thunder Bay. Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin supports Matawa families at-risk of involvement with the child welfare system through the principles of prevention, planning, and goal setting, using community-based, culturally appropriate and responsive care models, with a focus on prevention and family reunification. The program also provides opportunities for caregivers and children to participate in traditional parenting programs, life skills, cultural, and other group programs. The program makes its home at the Matawa Training and Wellness Centre at 523 Algoma Street North.