NFN hosts summit to address homelessness and substance use

February 7, 2025

Nipissing First Nation hosts summit to address homelessness and substance use

Nipissing First Nation, Ontario – On January 30-31, 2025, Nipissing First Nation (NFN) hosted the Community Wellness Summit, a transformative event focused on tackling homelessness and substance use within the community. The summit brought together NFN leadership, experts, and community members to engage in critical discussions and explore solutions.

Highlights included presentations from Sergeant Chantal Larocque of the Anishinabek Police Service on community safety, and a panel discussion on traditional healing and harm reduction led by members of Giyak Moseng (The Right Path Counselling and Prevention Services) team. Dr. Brenda Restoule, a registered clinical psychologist, addressed the shifting landscape of addiction services in First Nations communities, while Elder Dan Commanda shared insights on community healing through culture and tradition. The Mkaana’aa Wii-Giiwe’aad Program, a supportive housing initiative with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, and the True Self Debwewendizwin program highlighted the integration of traditional knowledge, harm reduction practices, and peer support to assist individuals navigating homelessness and healing. The peer support approach plays a critical role in meeting individuals where they are at in their journey, offering tailored, empathetic guidance that empowers them to make positive changes in their lives.

A key theme of the summit was the community’s deep connection to tradition and ceremony as part of the healing process. Attendees also explored the Icelandic Prevention Model, land-based healing pathways, and strategies to improve local wellness programs. Conversations highlighted the widespread impact of homelessness and substance use, with many attendees sharing personal experiences or connections to the issue.

The event provided invaluable strategies for creating sustainable, culturally relevant solutions to improve community wellness in NFN and beyond.

Quotes

“Homelessness and substance use are critical issues for our community. To address them, we created a space for both professionals and community members to collaborate, share stories, and explore potential strategies. This approach reflects our commitment to addressing these challenges through a lens that is personal and rooted in Nishnaabe culture, helping us understand where to start the healing process for our people.”
Chief Cathy Stevens, Nipissing First Nation

Quick Facts

• Nipissing First Nation works collaboratively across departments to provide holistic support for individuals facing homelessness and substance use challenges.

• The Peer Outreach Support Team (True Self Debwewendizwin) offers peer-led, harm-reduction support to individuals dealing with mental health, substance use, and housing issues, helping connect them to the right resources.

• Giyak Moseng (The Right Path Counselling and Prevention Services) offers the Culturally Defined Community Withdrawal Management Program (CDCWMP), blending traditional Indigenous healing with medical support to help individuals recover from substance misuse.

• The NFN Housing Department has over 80 rental apartment units for members aged 18 and older, including accessible units for seniors, and also provides credit counselling services to help members improve their financial habits, manage debt, and build long-term financial success.

Associated Links

• Giyak Moseng – The Right Path Counselling & Prevention Services: Culturally Defined Community Withdrawal Management Program (CDCWMP) (Brochure)

• True Self Debwewendizwin – Peer Outreach Support Team (POST) (Brochure)

• Language Matters – Stigma Awareness (Brochure)

• Video: Community Wellness Summit: Addressing Homelessness and Substance Use Together

Nipissing First Nation – The people of Nipissing First Nation (NFN), known as the Nbisiing Nishinaabeg, have called the shores of Lake Nipissing home since time immemorial. Long before the signing of the Robinson Huron Treaty in 1850, Nbisiing Nishinaabeg thrived in the Lake Nipissing watershed, relying on the land for sustenance through fishing, hunting, and other traditional practices. Today, NFN remains dedicated to safeguarding inherent rights while empowering Nbisiing Nishinaabeg to work collaboratively in a positive, progressive manner. NFN’s mission is to enhance the well-being and quality of life of our members, fostering social and economic independence, cultural strength, and self-governance for future generations.

Nipissing First Nation – The people of Nipissing First Nation (NFN), known as the Nbisiing Nishinaabeg, have called the shores of Lake Nipissing home since time immemorial. Long before the signing of the Robinson Huron Treaty in 1850, Nbisiing Nishinaabeg thrived in the Lake Nipissing watershed, relying on the land for sustenance through fishing, hunting, and other traditional practices. Today, NFN remains dedicated to safeguarding inherent rights while empowering Nbisiing Nishinaabeg to work collaboratively in a positive, progressive manner. NFN’s mission is to enhance the well-being and quality of life of our members, fostering social and economic independence, cultural strength, and self-governance for future generations.
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For further information, contact:
Hillary Shabogesic
Communications Manager, Nipissing First Nation
705-753-2050 ext. 1270
hillarys@nfn.ca

NT5