MSSI Team Partners with Communities, Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong for Transformative Training

Photo – Left to Right: Barry Henry, Jason Williamson, Tammy Skead, Mary Henry, Amy Simons, Rhonda Fisher, Sharlyn Houde, Brenda Freel, Gary Beardy, Keiyanah Bird, Jenilee Williams, and Melanie Copenace.

Ogimaawabiitong (Kenora Chiefs Advisory) is honoured and thankful to be able to coordinate and complete a transformative two-day training program on ‘Facilitation Fundamentals’ in partnership with our partner communities and Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong.

KCA’s Our Min-O-Que-Ke-Ga-Bwe’in Social Services (MSSI) team, as well as Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong staff, completed the training for our Family Wellbeing and Ontario Works community programs, alongside leadership from a number of our partner communities.

Communities included Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, Naotkamegwanning First Nation, Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, and Grassy Narrows First Nation.

Our trainees embarked on an amazing journey with the Winnipeg Transition Centre, refining their facilitation skills and enhancing their ability to engage, support, and inspire the individuals they support.

Chi Miigwetch to Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong for sponsoring this regional training, and to our participants for their dedication and enthusiasm in learning and growing together to build capacity!

The Min-O-Qwe-Ke-Ga-Bwe’in Social Services Initiative Program has been involved in Ontario Works service delivery since 1998. Since 2007, KCA MSSI program and 7 participating First Nation collectively deliver Ontario Works programming through a group delivery model of the full Ontario Works Program.

Each First Nation maintains its Ontario Works designation and delivers both Financial and Employment assistance service in their communities. While cooperating with the other member First Nations, they share additional centralized Ontario Works functions delivered through the KCA-MSSI program. The centralized functions consist of the following: