The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference

In partnership with the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, Matawa’s Approaches to Community Wellbeing (ACW) program supports the development of the Sioux Lookout First Nations Public Health program. The ACW program facilitates and coordinates information and training sessions to support community health and wellbeing initiatives.

Matawa’s Crisis Intervention Program supports eight Matawa First Nations with advisory, advocacy, and technical support during crises. The program collaborates with agencies such as the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority’s Nodin Mental Health Services, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, and other Matawa departments.

Services include:

• Assistance in developing crisis response plans

• Coordination of community and individual needs during crises

• Support for impacted families and individuals

• Capacity-building and training initiatives

Matawa Staff Contact: Nicole Jacob

This program provides crisis support to all nine Matawa First Nations during social crises. The Mental Wellness Team and Crisis Support coordinates a team of mental wellness specialists who travel to affected communities for up to three weeks, depending on the situation.

Program services include:

• Limited training in mental wellness and crisis response

• Traditional healing and wellness supports

• Case management assistance using the Biimadeswig Kamik Life Lodge (A Place of Good Life) framework

Matawa Staff Contact: Aaron Tyance

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program is a national program supporting First Nations people in achieving health outcomes comparable to other Canadians. It helps maintain health, prevent disease, and manage illnesses, injuries, or disabilities.

NIHB may cover:

• Dental care
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Medical transportation
• Eye and vision care
• Short-term crisis intervention and mental health counselling
• Health benefits outside of Canada

The program provides medically necessary goods and services when they are not covered by provincial or third-party health plans and coordinates with other health care programs in Ontario.

Matawa NIHB Client Navigators support members from all nine Matawa First Nations by providing advocacy, care coordination, and access to services, including Jordan’s Principle resources, working closely with First Nations health staff, health care providers, and partner organizations.

Matawa Staff Contact:

• Elizabeth (Liz) Wapoose – Phone: 1‑807‑631‑5829 | Email: ewapoose@matawa.on.ca

• Cheryl Suganaqueb – Phone: 1‑807‑630‑1331 | Email: csuganaqueb@matawa.on.ca

Visit the NIHB Navigators Facebook page.

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, this program supports all nine Matawa First Nations in preparing for and responding to emergencies.

Program services include:

• Co-developing capacity-building programs for social emergencies in collaboration with internal and external partners

• Providing training and supporting the development of community emergency plans

• Assisting communities during social emergencies (mental health crises, addictions, suicides, crime prevention) and physical emergencies (evacuations, forest fires, power outages, water system disruptions)

Matawa Staff Contact: Hilary Fox

SOCIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RACK CARD

The Transitional Housing & Support Program provides support to women and their children experiencing abuse.

• Remote fly-in communities served full-time: Eabametoong, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Webequie First Nations

• Road-access communities served part-time: Aroland and Constance Lake First Nations

Full- and part-time workers provide guidance, advocacy, and support to ensure safety and access to necessary resources.

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, the Victim Services Program provides culturally relevant supports for victims of crime (male and female, ages 16 and up) within Matawa communities.

Program services include:

• Providing direct support and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, serious physical assault, homicide or attempted murder, break and enter, criminal harassment, Elder abuse, human trafficking, and other crime-related occurrences

• Organizing and facilitating community information sessions with local and external service providers

• Building partnerships with agencies to strengthen community response

• Coordinating integrated, safe, and culturally grounded services for victims

VICTIM SERVICES RACK CARD  HUMAN TRAFFICKING PAMPLET

The Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP) provides assistance to victims of crime in accessing services and compensation related to their victimization. Through this program, VQRP applications are processed when victims request support.

The program also offers or arranges training for Matawa community-based workers involved in the victim services sector, helping strengthen local capacity to respond to victims’ needs.

VICTIM QUICK RESPONSE PROGRAM RACK CARD 

The Mental Wellness Team and Crisis Support Services provide rapid-response support to Matawa First Nations communities, families, and individuals experiencing crisis. The program’s approach balances clinical and traditional cultural practices, ensuring care is both effective and culturally grounded. Remote traditional specialist services are also available.

Program services include:

• Grief and trauma counselling
• Cultural support
• Care coordination

For more information please contact: 807-738-0983