The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference
Technical Services
Matawa Technical Services supports Matawa First Nations in developing and maintaining community infrastructure, including environmental management and Indigenous Services Canada capital approvals.
Services are tailored to each community’s needs and can include:
- Project planning, development, and reporting
- Operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems
- Coordination of water and wastewater operator training
- Environmental remediation support
- Housing inspection and programming
- Fire safety and protection
- Asset Condition Reporting System (ACRS) and Capital Asset Inventory System
The team works with communities to provide technical guidance, training, and management expertise to ensure safe and sustainable infrastructure.
Matawa Technical Services provides an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) certified through the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors. The EHO works to protect, promote, and enhance the health of Matawa First Nations through environmental public health programs and services, including:
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Communicable Disease Control
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Drinking Water Safety
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Health and Housing
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Food Safety
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Solid Waste Management
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Public Buildings Inspections
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Emergency Preparedness and Response
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Risk Assessment
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Environmental Contaminants Research
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Wastewater Disposal
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Pest Management
The EHO collaborates with other Matawa departments to ensure comprehensive community support.
Matawa Technical Services provides fire prevention and protection consultants, also known as Fire Marshals, to support Matawa First Nations in emergency services and fire safety. This program helps ensure safer communities by combining professional expertise with local training and support. Two Fire Marshals are available to provide advice, guidance, and training.
Services include:
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Developing and enhancing community emergency service plans
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Fire inspection services
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Training for firefighters, fire chiefs, and officers, including critical incident stress debriefing
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Guidance on emergency services, fire protection, fire prevention, and acts of terrorism
For fire safety resources, visit Amber’s Fire Safety Campaign.
Six First Nations, in partnership with the Municipality of Greenstone, are developing a Waste Management Environment Assessment to plan for long-term, sustainable waste management in their communities. The EA provides a consultation process to guide future decisions for:
- Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek
- Aroland First Nation
- Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
- Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek
- Ginoogaming First Nation
- Long Lake #58 First Nation
- Municipality of Greenstone
The assessment examines options such as regional landfills, waste transfer stations, incineration, landfill expansions, and recycling/diversion programs, while considering environmental, social, cultural, and economic factors.
Consultation Process:
- Phase 1: Inform participants and gather feedback
- Phase 2: Explore preferences and evaluate waste management options
- Phase 3: Determine the preferred long-term regional waste management solution
Project Consultants: KGS Group and Scatliff + Miller + Murray
Learn More:
Project Contacts:
- GreenstoneEA@kgsgroup.com
- Lindsey Jupp, Matawa First Nations Management – ljupp@matawa.on.ca
- Meagan Hindman, Nokiiwin Tribal Council – environment@nokiiwin.com
Established in fall 2017 by Matawa Technical Services as a pilot project with support from Indigenous Services Canada, Nibi Water Services provides ongoing water and wastewater support to Matawa First Nations and their Water and Wastewater Operators (WWOs). Nibi Water Services is staffed by a Class 4 Water Plant Operator, a Class 2 Water Treatment Operator, and Class 1 Wastewater Operators, who together provide expertise and hands-on support to Matawa First Nations. Services include:
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24/7 emergency support for water and wastewater systems
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Training and certification for WWOs in compliance with Ontario Drinking Water Regulations and Federal Guidelines
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Monitoring and data collection on water quality
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Maintenance and repair of water treatment equipment, including filter media replacement, reverse osmosis repairs, and chlorination
The team also assists Matawa First Nations in developing Preventative Maintenance and Emergency Response Plans to ensure safe and reliable water services.