Ontario Building Health and Safety in Indigenous Workplaces and Communities

Investment will support mental health and workplace safety programs

The Voice of Canada News:

Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines; Minister of Indigenous Affairs, on behalf of Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, announced Ontario is investing $280,500 to help Nokiiwin Tribal Council provide culturally-appropriate training and programs.

This funding will go towards programs to help protect the health and safety of workers from First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario by addressing mental health and workplace violence and harassment, as well as expanding supports for vulnerable workers.

“We are committed to supporting workers, students and families living in First Nation communities of the Robinson Superior Treaty area and beyond,” said Minster Rickford. “This initiative offers an opportunity to harness workplace health and safety as a catalyst for positive and lasting change.”

The G’minoomaadozimin – We Are Living Well project will offer training to help foster respectful workplaces and design programs that utilize the Seven Grandfather Teachings (Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility, Truth & Wisdom) inherent to the First Nations belief system. The Nokiiwin Tribal Council will also implement activities and tools to support safer workplaces, homes and communities and engage youth through creative storytelling exercises and artistry to foster safety and mental health.

“G’minoomaadozimin is steered by the needs and priorities of our member First Nations. The continuation of this initiative, especially during this unprecedented time, is integral to developing safety initiatives and solutions that are built on the traditional cultural foundations of our communities,” said Audrey Gilbeau, Executive Director, Nokiiwin Tribal Council. “Utilizing workplace health and safety as a catalyst for change, leads to safer families and safer communities.” 

“As Ontario’s economy begins to reopen, it is important to ensure that workers from First Nations communities are returning to safe and healthy workplaces,” said Minister McNaughton. “I have made the health and safety of every worker a key priority as Minister. The culturally sensitive training and programs developed and delivered by Nokiiwin Tribal Council are crucial supports.”

Quick Facts

• Since 2015, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has provided over $1.1 million in funding to Nokiiwin Tribal Council.
• Nokiiwin Tribal Council’s mandate is to provide culturally-appropriate advisory services and training opportunities that enhance growth and prosperity for member communities in response to their individual needs and priorities.
• Nokiiwin Tribal Council member communities within the Robinson Superior Treaty area: Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon Ojibway) Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point), Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay), Fort William First Nation, Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert).