NIIGAANIIN HISTORY
Where we came from
In 2005, Niigaaniin received its name and officially began talks about funding by the Provincial Government citing the 1965 Welfare Agreement between the Federal Government and Ontario. In 2006, after about a year of negotiations, Niigaaniin received designation as a 3-year pilot project and opened its doors on April 1st, 2007.
Niigaaniin became designated as an official social services agency in 2010. This has made Niigaaniin, the first and only First Nation Social Services agency of its kind in Canada.
Since setting this historical precedent, Niigaaniin has been active in changing the lives of the community member that it services. Niigaaniin continues to
work towards devolution and self-reliance
for First Nation Communities and its people.
Niigaaniin has developed programs that allow community members to seek help or relief with financial troubles, find employment, life skills, and connect to culture and community as well as mental health and addiction services. Niigaaniin has been innovative and active when finding ways to help the communities that it services and will continue to do so moving into the future.
Moving Forward.
At Niigaaniin we are trailblazers who like to lead. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at Niigaaniin Services. We Are Stronger Together!
By utilizing the existing knowledge and strengths of each community, we will create a culturally safe space for healing, recovery, learning and reconciliation.
OUR COMMUNITIES
Our Services are available to anyone in the Robinson Huron Treaty Area!
The biggest misconception we hear from communities is that you need to be on Ontario Works to receive assistance. Niigaaniin Services are available to everyone!
As a part of Mamaweswen, Niigaaniin Services provides social supports to the North Shore Tribal Council Communities. All Communities are signatories of the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty. The Robinson Huron Treaty territory encompasses an area that stretches from Agawa Bay along Lake Superior, as far north as Chapleau down to Penetanguishene.