VISION:
Southern First Nations Secretariat's commitment is to bridge programs and services based on common interests and needs achieved through collaborative relationships and partnerships.
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MISSION:
The Southern First Nations Secretariat is a transparent, consistent, and resourceful organization which is entrusted to address gaps identified by its member First Nations.  SFNS efficiently delivers quality programs and services for enriched communities while respecting the diversity of our culture, our values, and our traditions. 
MANDATE:
SFNS delivers programs and services to our member First Nations in the following areas:
  1. Post-Secondary Funding & Support Services
  2. Technical Services
  3. Employment & Training Support Services
  4. Economic & Capacity Development
  5. Financial Advisory Services

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
Southern First Nations Secretariat is an organization that respects equality and diversity in the services it provides.
At SFNS we strive for excellence in all that we do and are accountable to those we serve.

COVID-19 NOTICE

Hello,

We hope that you and your family are in good health and spirits.
SFNS' top priority is the health and safety of all of our employees, our families and our communities.  As a result, we've responded to the rapidly evolving  developments related to COVID-19 by making changes to the way we do business.
The following are measures that SFNS has implemented to do our part to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19:
  • The SFNS office closed to the public on March 16, 2020 and  to all staff effective March 18, 2020.
  • All SFNS staff are working from home and are accessible via email during  regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm). You can find staff  email addresses by visiting our staff directory page on our website .
  • All non-essential staff travel is prohibited. Staff are conducting business where possible by using teleconference and videoconferencing. Those meetings that  cannot be supported through either of these methods are being rescheduled.
  • All in-person workshops and training sessions planned  have been cancelled.
These measures are in effect for an  indefinite period of time. We will provide updates as more information becomes available on COVID-19.
Our staff are committed to continuing to provide all programs and services in support of our member First Nations. While we are uncertain what the future holds, we do know, that we will make it through these challenging times by working  together.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Whiteye
Executive Director
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SFNS Post-Secondary Education
​Collaborative Signing Ceremony

The SFNS Post-Secondary Education (PSE) Collaborative, have come together with a shared commitment and responsibility to prioritize the needs and interests of aspiring, former and current PSE students who are members of SFNS First Nations through formalizing a partnership agreement.
 
This agreement provides the framework and conditions under which the Collaborative agrees to work together toward which is a shared goal of supporting local First Nation PSE students to ensure they have a safe, positive and successful PSE experience.
 
To solidify this understanding, SFNS hosted a PSE Collaborative Participation Agreement signing ceremony on Monday, August 31st, 2020.  The event was live streamed on Facebook and has been posted on our website for your viewing.
​The Parties to this Partnership Agreement include the Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS),
a Tribal Council servicing six First Nations in southwestern Ontario (including
through PSE support); Tecumseh Community Development Corporation (TCDC), a development
corporation servicing ten First Nations in Southwestern Ontario, including all six SFNS member
First Nations; and the following post-secondary education (PSE) institutions:
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1. Fanshawe College
2. Lambton College
3. St. Clair College
4. triOS College
5. Western University
6. University of Windsor

Our Communities