From September 26th until its conclusion on October 21st, the jury for the Devon Freeman inquest heard testimony from many witnesses about Devon, his death, the circumstances and his care leading up to his death, the importance of community and culture and family, and things that could’ve been done and should be done. It was an inquest full of emotion, learning, acceptance, reflection, and forgiveness. These lessons were given to all those involved, and all those who watched, from Devon. His life, and his death, brought teachings to many. The Chippewas would like to extend the utmost thanks and love to Shannon Crate, our Band Rep, and Pamela Freeman, Devon’s grandmother. Their strength, courage, determination, and love brought about this entire process and forged the path for 75 jury recommendations to be made to help not only Indigenous children in care, but all children. The link below contains the verdict of the inquest and outlines all 75 jury recommendations.
We are excited to announce the return of the annual Brett Mooney Charity Golf Classic on Friday August 12th, 2022!
The tournament will again be taking place at The Pines of Georgina Golf Course, located at 30446 Hwy #48 Pefferlaw, Ontario.
Brett was a proud GIFN member and leader who loved his community. He was always assisting others in any way he could. With this annual golf tournament we continue to carry out his goodwill by donating all funds raised to a community member who is battling an illness.
Attached are links to the sponsorship form, prize form and registration form.
The Georgina Island Fixed Link Initial Project Description has been submitted to IAAC and is now up on their website for public comments, both for and against. Please follow the directions in the flyer to provide your input.
We are excited to announce that this year’s powwow will be held on September 24th and 25th at Sutton District High School.
NEWS: We are now live streaming! Here is the Link : Nish Radio Stream Link
Morgan Priester hosts the morning show on CFGI 92.3FM Nish Radio on Georgina Island. Morgan was nominated for Best Aboriginal Music Program in 2008 at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.
Chris Big Canoe is our afternoon and evening host!
September 29, 2021
Georgina Island First Nation – Broadband Extension Project Notice
Georgina Island First Nation was successful in securing funding under the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) – Universal Broadband Fund to complete an extension of broadband internet infrastructure across the Island. The project will greatly improve broadband connectivity to all underserved households on the Island. This project builds off the success of the recently completed YorkNet extension project that brought fibre infrastructure to the Island which now services our community buildings.
Construction will begin the week of September 27th, 2021 and will continue into Summer of 2022. Household hook-ups will be scheduled in the coming months. We are asking that if you have any private utilities between the road and your house that was not previously marked with locate flags to contact us as soon as possible.
Please contact the internet service provider (ISP) Coextro at www.coextro.com/Georgina or 1-888-552-9516 for more information on how to sign-up for connection to broadband internet services. The cut off date for signing up for the free installation is October 8, 2021. After that the cost will be determined and you will be billed for the work prior to commencing.
Please contact Brian Lee, Senior Contract Administrator for S. Burnett & Associates Limited, at brian.lee@sbaengineering.com for any questions related to construction works.
Beverly Warren
Network Administrator
Chippewas of Georgina Island
Beverly.warren@georginaisland.com
Please be advised that the Nanabush Trail System is closed to the general public as the trails are currently being upgraded.
A MESSAGE FROM GEORGINA ISLAND CHIEF AND COUNCIL
As more and more unmarked graves continue to be found at residential school properties across Canada, our collective grief as Indigenous Nations and People grows. We want to recognize all the children who were forced into a system of genocide by the Canadian government, and which were run by churches in every province and territory. Our hearts go out to all the children who lost their lives, their culture, their identity, their communities and their families. We also feel for everyone who continues to live in the dark shadow of these institutions and for everyone who this news has had a traumatic impact on. Please know that we are all here to support one another through this time.
For our allies who want to show their support for Indigenous People and their communities, please read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report. This report details the horrific injustices and treatment that the Indigenous population has been subjected to in this country. But it also provides 94 calls to action that all Canadians can engage in at a federal, provincial, municipal and individual level. Please put pressure on the government to acknowledge, teach about and act on not just the TRC calls to action, but also the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 231 calls for justice.
There are also numerous other Indigenous written resources available so people can educate themselves on Canada’s relationship with its Indigenous population at all reading and comprehension levels.
We ask that people respect that our communities are grieving, our hearts are heavy. The news that has recently come out is not new to us, but it brings to the surface, once again, all that deep grief and trauma. Please walk gently at this time, we are focused on our own healing and cannot be the leaders in others education regarding these matters.
We as a community will be using this Canada Day to celebrate ourselves and our culture. We ask our membership to learn a new word or phrase in our language, make a beautiful work of art, go fishing or hunting, practice or learn a ceremony, or spend the day with your family and children. This is how we honor those little spirits who have brought truth and light to all Canadians.
Update June 10, 2021
COVID Restrictions Remain in Effect – Ferry Boat Restricted to Leaseholders and Family only
The Aazhaawe ferry will continue to limit leaseholders to two vehicles per address. The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation will continue to monitor COVID 19 restrictions and review the policy as restrictions change. Day trippers are not permitted until further notice. Real Estate Agents and perspective buyers are not permitted at this time.
Effective the week of June 14th established camper’s trailers at Neezh Meegwunun Family Campground will be permitted access with one vehicle. No new campers.
Please continue to follow COVID 19 protocols and limit travel as much as possible. Your continued cooperation and patience are appreciated. Limiting travel protects our community and reduces ferry boat traffic.
As a reminder, ferry boat passes must be purchased at the Gas Shack prior to loading. Crew cannot accept credit on the ferry. Staff will continue to inspect vehicles and walk-on passengers prior to loading them onto the ferry.
Chief and Council will continue to monitor the situation together with our Emergency Task Force. Thank you for your cooperation and for continuing to make choices that protect our community.
Please monitor our website for future updates on this situation.
Sincerely,
Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
New ferry schedule and pricing for 2022 season.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
GIFN MEMBERS: IVBC security staff have been retained by the First Nation for trip collection and as a security checkpoint. Moving forward all Ferry Fee collection will be done prior to boarding the Aazhaawe and will be done by IVBC Security Staff. We will now be accepting Debit/Credit payment as well as cash. We ask that First Nation members be patient while we transition to this new collection method and be kind to the IVBC staff as they are also transitioning to this system. Any verbal abuse towards IVBC staff or Aazhaawe crew members will be directed to the Georgina Island Police.
NON-MEMBERS: The Aazhaawe rates have increased from $40 per trip to $50 per trip due to the increased price of fuel. There will no longer be 20 trip passes available for purchase, but we will honor those that are currently held for the remainder of this Ferry season. Payment will no longer be collected on the Aazhaawe and will be collected by the IVBC security staff prior to boarding. We will now be accepting Debit/Credit and cash as payment. We ask that everyone be patient while we transition to this new collection method and be kind to the IVBC staff as they are also transitioning to this system. Any verbal abuse towards IVBC staff or Aazhaawe crew members will be directed to the Georgina Island Police.
Chippewas of Georgina Island