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.

History
The Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS) was provincially incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in November 1992. SFNS is a Tribal Council that is defined as a grouping of First Nations with common interests who voluntarily join together to form a regional organization and are provided advisory and/or program services. The origins of SFNS were known as the First Nations Post-Secondary Counselling Unit, which was founded by the London District Chiefs Council. This unit was housed at SFNS’ original location on Queens Ave. in London. May 25 & 26, 2001, were moving days for SFNS as we relocated to our new location at 22361 Austin Line, which is on the outskirts of the Delaware Nation. SFNS’ grand opening was in the fall of 2001.
  • In 1993, SFNS expanded its services to include Economic Development, Technical Services, and a housing inspection unit. Below are some highlights of SFNS’ evolution and involvement in community over the years:
  • In 1995, after negotiations with the province (Ottawa), SFNS successfully supported the establishment of the Indigenous Education Coalition to provide secondary education services to member communities and certain AIAI (Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians) First Nations.
  • In 1996, SFNS facilitated the creation of the Nimkee NupiGawagan Healing Centre, which, by 2000, was located on the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.
  • By December 1996, SFNS had assumed responsibility for an Aboriginal Human Resources Regionalized Bilateral Agreement with Canada.
  • In 1998, an Economic Renewal Secretariat was established, and in the same year, SFNS took responsibility for the Ontario Aboriginal Economic Development Partnership program with the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat.
  • In April of 2000, SFNS successfully secured a contract with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to develop a Native Inspection Services Initiative Guide. The guide was developed as a useful tool for those individuals or organizations who enter into contracts with CMHC to complete inspections under the various CMHC programs offered on First Nations.
  • In August 2000, the Regional Bilateral Agreement (RBA) program administered by SFNS was replaced by the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement (AHRDA).
  • Mnaasged Child & Family Services originally operated under the umbrella of SFNS but became a stand-alone corporation in February of 2003.
  • SFNS established 2047353 Ontario Inc., a for-profit corporation in May 2004. It’s original formation was to ensure a mechanism was in place for property owned by SFNS and to build long term wealth that would benefit the members of SFNS.
  • From October 2009 until December 2010 the AHRDA department ran the Nakaaziwinan, “Tools for a Better Life” – First Nation Literacy and Essential Skills Program. Program partners included the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, Stepping Stones Support Services, and the Lambton Kent District School Board Alternative Education.
  • On October 1, 2010 the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement was replaced by the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS).
  • SFNS offered Roster for Mediation Services beginning as a 2-year pilot project in July of 2015 with costs shared between SFNS and Legal Aid Ontario. The Roster for Mediation Services program sunset on March 31, 2024, having trained member First Nation mediators, increased mediation skills in community, and conducted a number of mediation sessions across our member First Nations.
  • With data analyzed between the years 2016 and 2019, SFNS has supported its member First Nations in conducting a leakage study to understand economic leakage at the administrative, household, and business levels. Strengthening the local First Nation economy because a goal of SFNS.
  • September 2018, following input from First Nation leadership, the OFNTSC was awarded the new lead contract for providing CMHC technical services on-reserve. SFNS signed a sub-agreement with OFNTSC to deliver these services within our member First Nations. To date, SFNS holds a contract agreement as CMHC’s technical service provider for CMHC funded projects - professional inspections for new house construction (Section 95), the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), and Property Condition Reviews (PCRs).
  • On April 1, 2019, the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy was replaced by the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISETP).
  • In 2021 the first LDCC Annual Golf Tournament was hosted where proceeds were used to benefit regional youth initiatives.
  • In 2022 SFNS organized its first ISC Ontario Joint Gathering which is an annual event with the goal to gather First Nation leaders, public servants, and elected officials to build upon existing relationships and to share priorities, successes, and concerns.
  • In 2022, SFNS further developed the SFNS Economic Toolkit (SET) and began promoting it to stakeholders which increased skills bank registrations, job bank postings, as well as business directory listings. In 2023, SFNS began the process of rebranding the SET website and it was launched in May 2024.
  • In 2024 SFNS became a designated Trusted Source by Indigenous Services Canada with the goal of supporting applicants with their understanding of applicants relating to registration, and Secure Certificates of Indian Status, and facilitating SCIS applications for already registered individuals.
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