OFFICE CLOSURE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 25th due to provincewide shutdown. Essential services will be maintained and staff will work remotely during this time.
Following the announcement on January 7, 2021 that Ontario is extending the provincewide shutdown for another 14 days (until midnight on Saturday, January 23, 2021), Nipissing First Nation (NFN) Council has decided that NFN offices will remain closed to most staff until Monday, January 25, 2021. Our offices remain closed to the public until further notice.
Please click here for more information about our extended office closure.
Emergency Contacts During Extended Closure:
- Public Works: 705-840-3626 OR 705-498-2519
- Right Path Counselling & Prevention Services: 705-753-1375 (Please leave a message. Voicemail is monitored daily.)
- Food Bank & Social Services Emergency Access Date: December 30th from 9am to noon.
- Food Bank Access Dates: January 6th and 20th. Download the order form at nfn.ca/food-bank/. For more information, call 705-753-6972 (leave a message) or send an email to foodbank@nfn.ca.
Nipissing First Nation offices remain closed to the public until further notice. Drop boxes are available between the doors of the following entrances: Administration Building main entrance, Finance department, Health Centre, Education Office and Natural Resources. Membership services (status cards and registrations) are available curbside. Please call 705-753-2922 to make an appointment in advance.
** ONLINE SURVEY: UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON OUR COMMUNITIES **
Please click HERE to download a hard copy to print out.
Mail to:
IMPACTS OF COVID SURVEY
c/o Auburn Larose,MSc, BA, BPHE| Epidemiologist | Planning & Evaluation
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
345 Oak Street West | North Bay, Ontario P1B 2T2 | Canada
Request a pickup:
For those living in NFN there is the option to call NFN Health Services by January 29th and we will arrange to pick up and deliver the survey to the public health unit.
Important Updates & Contacts
- January 14, 2021 - Community Notice: Changes to Operations during Provincewide Stay-at-Home Measures
- January 9, 2021 - Update #2 - Garden Village Outdoor Rink Now Open with Fewer Restrictions
- January 8, 2021 - Office Closure Extended to January 25, 2021 due to provincewide shutdown
- January 5, 2021 - Notice of Potential High-Risk Exposure to COVID-19 at NFN Business
- December 26, 2020 - UPDATED: Garden Village Outdoor Rink Operations During Provincewide Shutdown
- Click here for the FINAL 2020-2021 schedule. Please note timeslots have been reserved for east end residents (including Yellek) since the rink in Duchesnay will not be open this year.
- December 23, 2020 - Media Release from the Anishinabek Police Service
- December 22, 2020 - Holiday Office Closure Extended until January 11, 2021
- December 18, 2020 - Holiday Message & Travel Advisory and Chief McLeod's Video Message
- December 18, 2020 - Community Notice: New COVID-19 Guidelines for Outdoor Rink in Garden Village
- December 17, 2020 - UPDATE: Precautionary Measures Lifted at Nbisiing Secondary School
- December 2, 2020 - Update on May 2020 Ransomware Attack
- November 16, 2020 - COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open
- November 13, 2020 - COVID-19 Wave 2 Notice - Travel Advisory and Chief McLeod's Video Message
- July 29, 2020 - Harm Reduction Supplies (Needle Exchange) can be picked up at the Right Path (316 Ted Commanda Drive) or call 705-753-1375 to arrange for pick-up outside of Garden Village.
- Information on the mandatory use of a face covering as of July 24, 2020
- July 10, 2020 - Community Notice: Organizational Changes
- July 3, 2020 – Community Notice: Measures to Address Criminal Activities & Chief McLeod's Video Message
- June 12, 2020 - Duchesnay Shuttle Service Resumes on June 15
- June 3, 2020 - Free Cloth Face Masks Available
- May 28, 2020 - Notification of Security Incident (Ransomware Attack)
- May 15, 2020 - Increase in Directed Patrols in Garden Village (Anishinabek Police Service)
- May 8, 2020 - A message from Chief McLeod for Mental Health Week
- May 6, 2020 - COVID-19 Community Update Video
- April 30, 2020 - NFN members* can request new/replacement status cards by email to juliettem@nfn.ca or leef@nfn.ca or call 705-753-2922. Indigenous Services has advised that you can still use your expired status card during the COVID-19 pandemic (service providers are asked to accept your status card past the renewal date). Just make sure to bring along another piece of ID. More info: http://ow.ly/zHeB50zsiWC (*Please note: we are not processing status card requests for members of other First Nations at this time.)
- April 20, 2020 - Essential NFN Businesses to Re-Open on April 22
- April 20, 2020 - Protect Yourself from Scams during COVID-19 (Media Release from APS)
- March 13, 2020 – Community Information Package
Student Bussing & School Reopening Plans
- Nbisiing Bus Lines - Student Transportation Approach for Back to School
- Nbisiing Secondary School - Staggered Re-entry
- Near North District School Board - Staggered Re-entry
- Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board - Staggered Re-entry
- Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l'Ontario - Staggered Re-entry
- Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord - Staggered Re-entry
Other Helpful Information
- COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres - updated weekdays at 10:30 a.m.
- Parent Guidance - Letter from Minister of Education (August 26, 2020)
- COVID-19 and School Reopening – Public Health Information for Families - North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit (August 25, 2020)
- Face Coverings FAQ
- Guide to reopening Ontario’s schools
- Nbisiing Secondary School 2020-2021 School Year Calendar
- Supporting mental health and wellness during the return to school: Tips for parents and families
- Fend Off Digital Fatigue
- 5 Keys to Success in Virtual Courses
Updates & Notices
- September 5, 2020 - Staggered re-entry planned for Nbisiing students (North Bay Nugget)
- September 1, 2020 - Student Transportation Approach for Back to School (Nbisiing Bus Lines) NOTE: Masks are mandatory for students aged 5 and up while riding the bus. While in school, it is mandatory to wear masks for grades 4 & up.
- August 31, 2020 - Nbisiing Secondary School - Staggered Re-Entry Visit the Nbisiing Secondary School website and Facebook page for updates and notices.
- August 21, 2020 - Conseil scolaire catholique Franco Nord: Back to class guide
- August 17, 2020 - A Reopening Message to Parents/Guardians and Students - Nbisiing Secondary School
- August 6, 2020 - Letter to Parents from NFN's Director of Education re: Back to School Surveys
- August 5, 2020 - Letter to Nbisiing Secondary School Parents re: Back to School Survey
- July 30, 2020 - Ontario Releases Plan for Safe Reopening of Schools in September
- June 22, 2020 - Letter to Parents from Minister of Education re: September 2020
- June 16, 2020 - Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework for Reopening
COVID-19 Support for Post-Secondary Students - The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19. This benefit is for students who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI). From May to August 2020, the CESB provides a payment to eligible students of $1,250 for each 4-week period OR $2,000 for each 4-week period, if you have dependants or a disability. Learn more about the benefit and how to apply here: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/emergency-student-benefit.html
Contacts
- Nancy Allaire, Director of Education 705-753-6995 | nancya@nfn.ca
- Carole Couillard, Principal of Nbisiing Secondary School 705-497-9938 | carolec@nbisiing.com
- Community Health Nurse
- Carole Lafantaisie - 705-753-3312 ext. 2257 or 705-840-8830 (cell) | chn@nfn.ca
- Right Path Essential Client Services
- Phone-in appointments - 705-753-1375
- Overdose Prevention Line 1-888-853-8542
- Essential Client Transportation
- Home and Community Care - 705-753-3312
- Driver – Allan Penasse, HCC Cell # (705) 499-5921
- Home and Community Care - 705-753-3312
- Medical Transportation
- Driver – Eleanor McLeod, MT Cell # (705) 477-5143
- Until further notice, only one household (same address) is permitted in vehicle per trip.
- Community Transportation Services:
- Driver Cell # (705) 840-8850
- Services available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and are limited to one trip per week per household (same address), and limited to one (1) grocery store, one (1) pharmacy and one (1) bank per trip.
Non-Insured Health Benefits Q&A Document NIHB & COVID-19 Chiefs of Ontario Update
Contacts
- Carole Lafantaisie, Community Health Nurse – COVID-19/Pandemic Response 705-753-3312 ext. 2257 or 705-840-8830 (cell) | chn@nfn.ca
- Kimberly Lalonde, Director of Health Services 705-753-3312 ext. 2223 | kiml@nfn.ca
Garbage & Bi-Weekly Recycling Collection:
Garbage is collected every week on Mondays, and Recycling is collected every two weeks on Tuesdays. Please note that in the event of a storm storm, waste collection will be delayed by one day to allow Public Works staff to ensure NFN roads are clear and safe.To help protect the safety of workers, please put all garbage in bags before placing it in your bin. NO LOOSE GARBAGE will be accepted.
Landfill Operations:
Effective Saturday, January 16th, the Landfill has returned to normal hours of operation and is open Saturday, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday from 9am to 5pm Download the NFN Waste App for Apple or Android and never miss garbage day again! More details: Garbage & Recycling » Nipissing First Nation (nfn.ca)Other Services:
- Building Maintenance & Disinfection
- Road maintenance
- Waste Management
- Water & Wastewater Treatment
Contacts:
- Patrick Stevens, Director of Community Infrastructure 705-753-2050 ext. 1220 or 705-498-2519 (cell) | patricks@nfn.ca
- Steve Doucette, Public Works Manager 705-753-4167 ext. 4001 or 705-840-3626 (cell) | steved@nfn.ca

Food Bank Services
Access days are the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Click HERE to visit the Food Bank page for the current month's order form. Deadline is Tuesday at 4:30pm prior to each access day For more information, call 705-753-6972 (leave a message) or send an email to foodbank@nfn.ca. * If you are not a current Food Bank client and would like to see if you qualify, please call 705-753-6972 or read the Food Bank Policy on our website to learn more about eligibility requirements.Other Social Services
- Ojibway Women’s Lodge 705-472-3321 (emergency), 705-472-0233 (crisis support) or 705-472-7828 (inquiries) OFRC@nfn.ca | www.ojibwaywomenslodge.ca
- Ontario Works Ginger Penasse, Ontario Works Supervisor 705-753-2050 ext. 1324 | gingerp@nfn.ca
- Child Welfare (Emergency) Wendy Lariviere, Band Representative Program Manager 705-753-2691 | wendyl@nfn.ca
- True Self Debwewendizwin
705-477-4043 for Administration inquiries or
705-494-0743 for General Information and for a call back from staff for Support Services or Peer Support
Individual Staff can also be contacted by email:
- donnaf@trueself.ca - Program Manager
- jocelynp@trueself.ca - Administrative Assistant
- cassandrad@trueself.ca - Employment Facilitator
- maureenl@trueself.ca - Support Services Counsellor
- juliaf@trueself.ca - Peer Support
- daves@trueself.ca - Peer Support
Resources from Giyak Moseng (Right Path) Counselling and Prevention Services:
- Culturally Defined Community Withdrawal Management Program Brochure: Who We Are & What We Do
- Funerals & Wakes
- Processing Grief
- How to Talk to Your Child about COVID-19 (for parents)
- Kids' Resources Guide
- Tips for Coping with Stress & Anxiety during COVID-19
- Alcohol Use during the COVID-19 Outbreak
- Online Resources for Substance Abuse Disorders
Other Resources:
- Supporting mental health and wellness during the return to school: Tips for parents and families
- Mental Health Week (May 4-10, 2020): Key Messages
- Indigenous Services Canada: Online Resources for Indigenous Communities - Mental Wellness and COVID-19
- AFN Mental Wellness Resources for First Nations
- Thunderbird Partnership Foundation Fact Sheet - Managing Withdrawal during COVID-19
- Nanaadawejgaazawak Wii-Mnomaadizwad Shkaabe Poster
- Take Care of Yourself and Each Other
- Mental Health and COVID-19
- List of Resources that Support Mental Health
- First Nations Hope for Wellness Line (1-855-242-3310) or www.hopeforwellness.ca for chat option
- Kids Help Phone (1 800-668-6868) / text CONNECT to 686868 / chat option at www.kidshelpphone.ca
- Overdose Prevention Line 1-888-853-8542
- Online Resources for Substance Abuse Disorders
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction website
- Mental Health & the COVID-19 Pandemic: This site is designed to provide information and suggestions about how best to cope in this difficult time. It is not intended to be a resource for people who require screening for COVID-19 or are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 911 immediately or present to your nearest emergency department. For up-to-date information about Ontario’s COVID-19 response, please visit the provincial government's COVID-19 information page
- Sending a cheque in the mail (36 Semo Road, Garden Village ON P2B 3K2)
- Providing us with a void cheque to do a Pre-Authorized payment
- Providing us with a credit card/Visa debit (including Expiry and 3 digits on the back)
- Interac e-Transfer – see details below *NEW*
Messages options:
- Rent
- Loan
- Land Lease
- Natural Gas
- Daycare – indicate which daycare
- Hall Rental – date of event
- Workshop – must provide name and date of event
- Other – (Specify what payment is for – ex. Good food box payment)
- Chief Scott McLeod 705-498-7599 (cell) | scottm@nfn.ca
- Brendan Huston, Chief Executive Officer 705-498-0889 (cell) | dwaynen@nfn.ca
- Melvin McLeod, Emergency Services Manager 705-493-6508 (cell) | melvinm@nfn.ca
- Freda Martel, Director of Administration 705-471-4172 (cell) | fredam@nfn.ca
- Gen Couchie, Communications Officer 705-498-2507 (cell) | genc@nfn.ca
- Rental Housing Emergency Repairs/Maintenance 705-477-1586 (cell)
Chi-Miigwech to everyone for your patience and diligence during these extremely exceptional and uncommon circumstances. Please pay close attention to public health information and stay safe and healthy.
We all play an important role to lessen the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing and self-isolation are critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Stay informed with updates from reputable sources, such as the health officials listed below.
Current Status of Cases
- Cases in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (updated Monday at 9:30 a.m. & 3pm and Tuesday to Friday at 3pm)
- Cases in Ontario & COVID-19 Resources (updated daily at 10:30)
- COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres (updated Monday to Friday at 10:30 a.m)
- COVID-19 and Indigenous Communities (Indigenous Services Canada)
Public Health Information
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News:
- Status of Cases in our District - updated Monday at 9:30 a.m. and Tuesday to Friday at 3pm with the most up-to-date information on the status of cases in the North Bay Parry Sound District. Please note: NFN Health Services will receive phone and fax notification of COVID-19 cases that require our follow-up.
- Information on the mandatory use of a face covering as of July 24, 2020
- More COVID-19 News
For status updates:
- COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres - updated weekdays at 10:30 a.m
- COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open
- Ontario News Room
- Ontario Ministry of Health - updated twice daily at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET. with the most up-to-date information on the status of cases in Ontario
- Public Health Ontario
- Public Health Canada
- World Health Organization
- Indigenous communities information from Indigenous Services Canada
Everyone can take simple precautions to stay healthy and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you are sick
- Avoid unnecessary outings and practice physical distancing if you must go out - this means putting distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community (this is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick)
- Clean high touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach
- Self-monitor and if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share your recent travel history with your health care provider
- If you need to self-isolate, please follow the advice from your healthcare provider.
- Know the Difference: Self-monitoring, self-isolation and isolation for COVID-19
Non-medical Masks
Non-medical masks help to contain droplets of those wearing them and are meant to keep people without COVID-19 symptoms from unknowingly infecting others. They are not intended for use by people with symptoms such as cough, fever or body aches. Always wash your hands before putting on a mask, after taking it off and wash the mask between each use or discard it and use a new one. Turning the mask inside out to use again is not recommended. Avoid touching your face including your eyes while wearing it. When you must leave home, adhere to a 6 feet (2m) physical distance from others as just wearing a non-medical mask will not stop COVID-19. The best prevention is to stay home, avoid non-essential trips and frequent hand washing for 20 seconds with soap and water. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/non-medical-masks-covid-19-spread-1.5523321
Testing
Individuals are encouraged to call their health care provider or the Health Unit if they believe they may have or been exposed to COVID-19. An assessment for COVID-19 will be done by a primary health care provider, they will then decide if a test for COVID-19 is required. Considerations include an individual with a fever – over 38 degrees Celsius – and/or a cough and any of the following exposures within 14 days prior to onset of illness:- Travelled outside of Canada or
- Was in close contact with a confirmed or possible case of COVID-19 (determined by a health care professional) or
- Was in close contact with a person who has been to an impacted area and has breathing issues (acute respiratory illness)
VIDEO: COVID-19: Testing & Care in First Nations Communities (Indigenous Services Canada)
Assessment Centres
West Nipissing Assessment Centre – by appointment only Open 10am – 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Phone: 705-580-2186North Bay Regional Health Centre – by appointment only 2 Options: Assessment Centre at west end of NBRHC in parking lot #9 – for symptomatic patients or children 8 years & under, and a new drive-thru option for asymptomatic testing at west entrance. 705-474-8600 ext. 4110
Note about Assessment Centres – as of September 25th, new testing guidelines are in place and Ontarians are asked to go to Assessment Centres only if they are showing COVID-19 symptoms, have been exposed to a confirmed case (as informed by the Public Health Unit or the COVID-19 Alert App), are a resident or worker in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak (as identified and informed by the Public Health Unit), or are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the MOH or MLTC).
Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 positive cases have ranged from mild to severe. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to someone with COVID-19. Call 911 if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:- severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, can only speak in single words)
- severe chest pain (constant tightness or crushing sensation)
- feeling confused or unsure of where you are
- losing consciousness
For more information:
- Telehealth Ontario for medical advice at 1-866-797-0000
- North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5229
- Your primary health care provider (i.e. Family Doctor)
Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, contact:
- Telehealth Ontario for medical advice at 1-866-797-0000
- North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5229
- Your primary health care provider (i.e. Family Doctor)
- If you are having difficulty breathing or are experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history. Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
Assessment Centres
North Bay Regional Health Centre – by appointment only 2 Options: Assessment Centre at west end of NBRHC in parking lot #9 – for symptomatic patients or children 8 years & under, and a new drive-thru option for asymptomatic testing at west entrance. 705-474-8600 ext. 4110
- North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
- COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres - updated weekdays at 10:30 a.m
- Ontario Ministry of Health - updated every day, seven days a week, at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET. with the most up-to-date information on the status of cases in Ontario
- Ontario News
- Health Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Public Health Ontario
- World Health Organization
- Assembly of First Nations COVID-19 Fact Sheet
- COVID-19 - Information Sheet (Ontario Ministry of Health)
You may also be interested in:
- Case Definition - Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- What is Self-isolation?
- What is Physical Distancing?
- Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Parenting
- Food and COVID-19
- Workplaces and Employers
- Restaurants and Bars
- Mass/Large Gatherings
- International Travel
- Healthcare Providers, Hospitals and Long-Term Care
- Pregnancy & COVID-19 Q&As
- Feeding your Infant during COVID-19
Contacts
- Telehealth Ontario for medical advice at 1-866-797-0000
- North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5229
- Your primary health care provider (i.e. Family Doctor)
Carole Lafantaisie, Community Health Nurse
705-840-8830 (cell) | chn@nfn.ca
Kimberly Lalonde, Director of Health Services
705-753-3312 ext. 2223 | kiml@nfn.ca