The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference

Matawa Chiefs Council services provides logistical, technical, policy and political advice to the Matawa First Nations Chiefs both individually and collectively. It also provides support to Program Managers within Matawa First Nations Management and liaises with external organizations to support the Matawa Chiefs Council and First Nations members.

For AGM Resolutions from 2012 to the present, go to: Chiefs Council in ‘About Us.’

Community Reintegration Planning supports release planning at Thunder Bay Correctional Centre and Thunder Bay Jail | July 20, 2023

A new partnership between Ontario and the Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee aims to create a person-centered approach to release planning for high needs individuals leaving custody. The approach/plan will include considerations for housing, financial status, mental health, addictions, health care and safety and vulnerability.

The partnership will support the development and operationalization of joint ministry-community led Community Reintegration Planning Tables (CRPTs) that will ensure a proactive, collaborative, and inclusive plan is in place for those consenting individuals who require multi-agency supports upon their return to the [insert name] community.

As one of the first sites for this program, the following organizations will sit at the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre and Thunder Bay Jail CRPT:

• Thunder Bay Counselling
• Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
• Kairos Community Resource Centre
• Alpha Court
• John Howard Society
• Indigenous Friendship Center
• CMHA Thunder Bay
• Thunder Bay Police
• Elevate Nwo
• District Of Thunder Bay Social Services Admin Board
• Nokiiwin Tribal Council
• Brain Injury Services Northern Ontario
• Beendigen
• Salvation Army
• Thunder Bay District Health Unit
• Elizabeth Fry Society Northwestern Ontario
• Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services
• Ontario Native Women’s Association

CRPTs will enable stronger relationships and collaboration between the province, justice sector and community partners to improve system coordination, streamline referral processes and support mutual understanding of practices. This approach to community reintegration is intended to ensure high needs individuals at select adult correctional facilities, are provided with access to resources upon release from custody, including mental and addiction services, transitional housing, and culturally appropriate supports.

Matawa Chiefs Council Homelessness Strategy

With an average 66% of those experiencing homelessness in Thunder Bay identifying as Indigenous and with an estimated population of over 5,000 people off-reserve, the Matawa Chiefs Council is in the process of developing a Homelessness Strategy for Matawa members in Thunder Bay. They have passed resolutions in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

While some preliminary work has been done to address gaps (like: Project Brown Bag, street outreach, development of transitional housing units, provision of units geared-to-income through the Matawa Non-Profit Housing Corporation, a potential Tiny Home Pilot Project in Thunder Bay)—the Matawa Chiefs Council feels there is much more to  do to address Indigenous homelessness.  In July 2022, they initiated a project called ‘Matawa Homelessness: A Cultural Kinship Responsibility.‘ This project will run until December 31, 2023. Some of the areas this project will address include (but will not be limited to):

• Engagement with tenants/clients (see Project Speak Up/Storytelling below)
• Project management and support
• Indigenous Homelessness Trends Analysis & Advisory
• Collaboration and Networking with Internal/External Partners

Speak Up/Story Telling

Are you a Matawa member that has experienced homelessness (or their family member) and do you have a story to tell?  If you do, we would love to hear it a respectful, safe and non-judgemental environment. Contact us at: pmagiskan@matawa.on.ca

Matawa Chiefs Council Youth, Women and Elder Councils

The Matawa Chiefs Council wants to have these Councils established to assist in advising them in their deliberations. On July 27, 2022, they conducted a Standing Vote to ensure they get established. Here are some of the reasons why they are important:

• they help promote civic mindedness and participation gives an invested interest in Matawa Chiefs Council issues;
• they will help the Matawa Chiefs Council be more aware of issues these populations face in our communities;
• they assist these populations in helping each other in their own communities;
• they facilitate communication;
• they give an opportunity for leadership and encourage active participation in decision-making processes;
• they promote education, training and apprenticeship (in some cases, to some extent) in the decision-making and nation-rebuilding processes of the Matawa Chiefs Council for the betterment of the First Nations in the Matawa region

More information on these Councils to follow.