New leadership for the Partnership
Micheal Hardy

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Micheal Hardy to the position of Executive Director of Mamow-Sha-way-gi-kay-win: North South Partnership for Children. Micheal joins the Partnership with a wealth of experience and expertise in organizational development with services for indigenous children, families and communities. Micheal has a proven track record of transforming fledgling organizations to thriving successful enterprises. He was formerly the Executive Director of Tikinagan Child and Family Services in Sioux Lookout for ten years and previously he was the Executive Director of Abinooji Child and Family Services from 1995-2000 and Dilico Ojibway Child and Family Services from 1987-1996. As a former Chief of a First Nation in Northern Ontario, he recognizes the importance of enduring relationships and the power of partnerships.

Micheal, as a co founder of Mamow-Sha-way-gi-kay-win, understands the values and principles that are foundational to its success. Micheal’s tremendous energy and tenacious spirit has influenced and motivated the work of the Partnership from its inception. As a visionary and leader, Micheal has the ability to guide, direct and manage this unique venture.

Micheal has relocated to Toronto to be available to the opportunities and resources in southern Ontario which will be matched to the priorities and needs of the First Nations in northern Ontario. Welcome Micheal!

Judy Finlay
Co-Chair, Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win

Ambulances for northern communities 


On April 4, Sandy Lake First Nation took delivery of its first ambulance and improved patient care. Up to then, it had to use a van to take patients to the nursing station or to the airstrip for the air ambulance.

Sandy Lake Chief Adam Fiddler learned about the opportunity to buy an affordable ambulance at a March 2009 Partnership meeting. There he met Ron Kyle, International Project Coordinator for Green Solutions Charitable Trust, who wanted to learn how Green Solutions could help First Nations communities.

When Chief Fiddler said the community needed emergency vehicles, Kyle, also a Toronto firefighter, knew where to find them. Along with the Partnership, he was able to help two communities buy vehicles from Elite 911, a Toronto new and used ambulance dealer.

Sandy Lake and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug(KI) First Nations were each able to purchase an ambulance at a reduce cost because of their Partnership connections.

This June, Green Solutions Charitable Trust’s CEO, Sherry Prenevost, and Ron Kyle will visit other communities to hear about their needs. Green Solutions acquires redundant goods and distributes them to needy organizations in as environmentally friendly manner as possible. Read more from the Sandy Lake website.

Four More First Nations Conduct the Searching Together Process
In 2009, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Bearskin Lake, North Spirit Lake and Kasabonika Lake First Nations began the searching together dialogue. All the communities are partners within Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win; North South Partnership for Children. The searching together process highlights each community’s unique needs and strengths. Read more...

Increased investment in the Partnership — 2007–2008 Annual Report
The 2007-2008 Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win Annual Report affirms the power of good relationships.  “We have witnessed an increased investment in the Partnership by the north and the south which has shaped its growth and development.  Undoubtedly, the equity in the Partnership is its relationships,” wrote Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win Co-chair, Judy Finlay. Read the report.

Building relationships, repairing homes in Webequie and Mishkeegogamang

Webequie youth helping summer volunteer | Making windows secure in Mishkeegogamang

In August 2008, one volunteer Partnership team worked with Webequie First Nation and another with Mishkeegogamang First Nation to repairs homes and build for the future. “Quick fixes” were out. Their priorities were to build relationships and plan for future collaboration. During their stays they feasted, fished, and talked, while improving homes and a church. Read more on Webequie teamwork. Read more on Mishkeegogamang teamwork.

Tikinagan recognized for innovative work
In 2008 Tikinagan Child and Family Services received the prestigious $50,000 Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award. At the award ceremony in Kasabonika, Nancy Hindmarsh, chair of the selection committee, said, "Tikinagan has helped to dramatically improve services in the north. New partnerships with First Nations help keep children safe and connected to their family and cultural identity.”

While Tikinagan receives provincial funding to offer child protection services in remote northwestern Ontario, more support is needed for prevention programs.

“This award will expand our ability to respond and test innovative ways that can help our children discover their past, seize the present and anticipate their future," said Micheal Hardy, Executive Director, Tikinagan Child and Family Services.

Native agency hailed for saving kids
“The Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award was granted to Tikinagan to allow it to do more of what the agency thinks is the real key to a brighter future: cultural awareness.”
For more read The Toronto Star article.

Other Partnership News
Pictures of progress
Visit the NSP photo gallery to see the Partnership at work, distributing food and supplies, making music, renovating homes, and having fun at camp.