The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference
Technical Services
Matawa Technical Services assists Matawa First Nations in the development and maintenance of community infrastructure. This includes assisting them with all aspects including the environmental component an Indigenous Services Canada capital approvals process. The services it provides varies according to individual community needs, level of individual capacity, technical proficiency and management expertise. They can include:
- Project planning, development and reporting
- Operation and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure
- Coordination of water and Wastewater Operator training
- Environmental remediation project support
- Housing inspection and programming
- Fire safety and protection
- ACRS and CAIS reporting
Initiatives
Matawa Technical Services provides the service of an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) certified through the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors. The goal of the Matawa EHO is to protect, promote and enhance the health of Matawa First Nations through environmental public health programs and services in in the areas of:
- Communicable Disease Control
- Drinking Water
- Health and Housing
- Food Safety
- Solid Waste
- Public Buildings
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Risk Assessment
- Environmental Contaminants Research
- Wastewater Disposal
- Pest Management
The Matawa EHO works alongside other Matawa technical units including: Nibi Services, housing, environment and the Matawa Fire Marshal; and, Matawa health units including the MHSMB and the MHC.
Matawa Technical Services provides the service of Fire Prevention & Protection Consultants, also known as Fire Marshals (FM). Two FMs are on had to provide advice and assistance to Matawa First Nation in this area. FMs assist Matawa First Nations in developing programs to enhance community emergency service plans and fire inspection services. They also provide information and training for fire fighters, fire chiefs and officers in the Matawa First Nations, including critical incident stress de-briefing.
The Matawa FMs provide advice on emergency services, fire protection and acts of terrorism, and fire prevention in the home.
For resources on fire safety, please visit: Amber’s Fire Safety Campaign
Some fire prevention and protection reminders:
In partnership with Municipality of Greenstone, six First Nations hosted a Rights-Holder Information Session on March 20, 2023 for off-reserve members to learn about the Waste Management Environmental Assessment (EA) currently underway. The objective of the EA is to provide a community consultation process for a future plan to address the management of garbage through the next 100 years for the communities of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake 58 First Nation, and the Municipality. The outcome of the process will result in new development to address waste diversion and landfilling waste.
KGS Group and Scatliff + Miller + Murray have been engaged by the Municipality of Greenstone as the project consultant to evaluate different options and methods of managing waste (ie. a new regional landfill, new waste transfer stations, incineration, landfill expansions and various waste diversion/recycling systems in response to approaching capacity limits of the existing municipal landfills. Each option will be evaluated in consideration of criterions like natural, social, cultural, economic, and built environments.
The consultation process is structured over three phases. The first stage of the planning process is underway to inform all participants of the project and gather feedback. The second phase will provide engagement on preferences and explore appropriate waste management systems. Phase 3 will determine a preferred project outcome for the establishment of a regional waste management system for the long-term.
For information on the project, visit https://www.greenstone.ca/en/shared-content/greenstone-waste-management-environmental-assessment.aspx.
See also, the latest news: https://www.netnewsledger.com/2023/03/20/greenstone-waste-management-environmental-assessment/
Project Contact can be made through the following:
- GreenstoneEA@kgsgroup.com
- Lindsey Jupp, Matawa First Nations Management, ljupp@matawa.on.ca
- Meagan Hindman, Nokiiwin Tribal Council, environment@nokiiwin.com
In the fall of 2017, Matawa Technical Services established Nibi Water Services originally as a HUB pilot project supported by Indigenous Services Canada. The goal of Nibi Water Services is to provide ongoing water and wastewater support to Matawa First Nations and their Water and Wastewater Operators (WWOs).This support includes 24/7 emergency services and training to ensure required certification in accordance with Ontario Drinking Water Regulations and Federal Guidelines for Operations. Nibi Water Services also monitors and collects water quality data in the Matawa First Nations includin overseeing the calibration of water treatment equipment including filter media replacement, reverse osmosis repairs, and chlorination.
Nibi Water Services staffs a Class 4 Water Plant Operator, a Class 2 Water Treatment Operator and a Class 1 Wastewater Operators to provide these services to the Matawa First Nations. It also assists Matawa First Nations in developing Preventative Maintenance and Emergency Response Plans.