About Us
The Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) is presently located in Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation) in Southwestern Ontario. SFNS is the administrative arm of the London District Chiefs Council and is responsible for providing support services to the following member First Nations: Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Caldwell First Nation, Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point, Chippewas of the Thames, Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation), Munsee-Delaware Nation, and Oneida Nation of the Thames.
What we do
Southern First Nations Secretariat delivers programs and services to our member First Nations in the following areas: Post-Secondary Funding & Support Services, Technical Services, Employment & Training Support Services, Economic & Capacity Development and Financial Advisory Services.
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The six strategic priorities are depicted linearly because they are seen as a process of interdependent and consecutive priorities that support SFNS in achieving its vision across service areas. Relationships is shown at the beginning, because it represents the foundation of SFNS’ work with member First Nations. Results are depicted at the end because they are tracked and measured transparently through an accountability framework consisting of annual work planning, monitoring and reviewing.
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History |
1989 - In response to the relocation of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada from London, Ontario to Brantford, Ontario, the LDCC noted that post-secondary students found it almost impossible to manage the time and money to travel to the new location for counseling and other services; thus, the LDCC established a small post-secondary education unit in London.
1992 - In January, the LDCC began to think about establishing a Tribal Council to operate as the service delivery arm for the LDCC. By November, the SFNS was born with its home at the corner of Queens Avenue and Williams Street in London, Ontario. 1993 - In December, the First Nations Post-Secondary Counselling Unit (FNPSCU) was transferred to SFNS where it joined the following programs: Economic Development; Technical Services; and a housing inspection unit. 1995 - Following negotiations with the province (Ottawa), SFNS successfully launched the Indigenous Education Coalition to deliver second level education services to member communities as well as some AIAI (Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians) First Nations. 1996 - SFNS coordinated the emergence of the Nimkee NupiGawagan Healing Centre and by 2000 the centre was located at the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. By December, SFNS assumed responsibility for an Aboriginal Human Resources Regionalized Bilateral Agreement with Canada. 1998 - An Economic Renewal Secretariat was formed and in the same year, SFNS assumed responsibility for the Ontario Aboriginal Economic Development Partnership program with the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat. 2000 - The Access Centre for Native Business emerged. 2002 - The For-Profit Corporation was formed to pursue economic opportunities for member communities. 2006 - Mnaasged Child & Family Services was launched. SFNS has hosted a number of special conferences and gatherings including an annual Elders gathering; and a youth gathering from which emerged youth programs. SFNS has actively supported fundraising partnerships throughout the years as well. Most notably, the Terry Henry First Nations Memorial Fund and the Ted Nolan Annual Golf Tournament. |
