The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference
Matawa Emergency Services
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) 24/7 Client Navigators
Matawa’s Health and Social Meno Biimadeswin program has Client Navigators who are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to help Matawa members access NIHB services. Client Navigators support and advocate for Matawa members who are currently accessing NIHB services while out of their home community. Matawa’s Client Navigators are:
Elizabeth (Liz) Wapoose who can be reached by phone at 1-807-631-5829 or by email at ewapoose@matawa.on.ca.
Cheryl Suganaqueb who can be reached by phone at 1-807-630-1331 or by email at csuganaqueb@matawa.on.ca.
Matawa 24/7 Regional Crisis Intervention Program
Provides free, confidential crisis support and follow-up 24-hours a day, seven days a week, for Matawa members regardless of their residence. The program provides the following:
- Crisis assessment and intervention
- Crisis counselling and debriefing
- Outreach calls through Nodin counselling services
- Support for family and friends
- Referrals to professionals
- Case management and case review
- Community awareness and healing plans
- Translation services
Call the Matawa Regional Crisis Intervention Coordinator toll-free at 1-800-463-2249 or 1-807-628-3880.
Community-Based Crisis Team Coordinator
Matawa First Nations provides emergency response services in Matawa communities through a Crisis Team Coordinator.
- Aroland First Nation: 1-807-329-8787
- Constance Lake First Nation: 1-705-463-2155
- Eabametoong First Nation: 1-807-242-1333
- Ginoogaming First Nation: 1-807-876-2732
- Marten Falls First Nation: 1-807-349-1190
- Neskantaga First Nation: 1-807-479-2592
- Nibinamik First Nation: 1-807-593-1113
- Webequie First Nation: 1-807-353-1210
Matawa Student Services
Matawa Education and Care Centre’s On-Call After-Hours Services
On-Call After-Hours Services are available for Matawa students aged 13-22 in Thunder Bay. To access any of the following services call or text 1-807-632-0639 or stop by the Matawa Education and Care Centre at 200 Lillie St. N. in Thunder Bay.
- On-Call Service provides free and safe transportation to Matawa students in Thunder Bay nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Students can request a ride by calling or texting 1-807-629-2900 or 1-807-629-4092.
- Outreach Workers are available nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. and on weekends. Outreach Workers help students with issues they’re facing, ensure students are in their boarding homes by curfew, and ensure their overall safety and wellbeing. They can be reached by calling or texting 1-807-632-0639.
- Youth Crisis Intervention Workers are available nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. and on weekends. These mental health professionals provide counselling and support services to youth who are under emotional duress or experiencing a crisis. They can be reached by calling or texting 1-807-632-0639.
Matawa Safe Sobering Site
Provides intoxicated youth aged 13-22 with a safe, home-like environment to stabilize before they’re referred for further mental health or addictions programming.
The four-bed site located in the Matawa Education and Care Centre is available to Matawa students 24-hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. Transportation is available from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily through Matawa On-Call After-Hours Student Services. Matawa’s Safe Sobering Site provides:
- Safe and supervised detoxification and stabilization support
- In-house Addictions Crisis Worker and Youth Residential Worker to provide immediate crisis assessment and intervention
- Provides clothing and harm reduction supplies
- Referrals to St. Joseph’s Care Group for addictions case-management and after-care planning
- After-care planning and referrals to other community-based programs as needed
To reach the Matawa Safe Sobering Site call or text 1-807-632-0639.
