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GEORGINA ISLAND
FIRST NATION
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NEWSLETTER
DATES TO
REMEMBER
April 28 & 29
Resume and cover
letter workshop at
the library. Sign up
ASAP!
April 30
Deadline for Buzzy
Big Canoe Award
May 19
Aboriginal Conservation Program Launch
May 25
Jason Pelltier from
Waubetek. Call the
office to book an
appointment
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Nish Radio
92.3 FM
News
2
Ec Dev
Strategy
Update
2
Virginia
3
Beach Marina
& Restaurant
Aboriginal
3
Conservation
Program
Georgina
4
Island First
Nation
Library News
Aazhawe
picture
6
GI Business
Directory
7
Majiigi-Starting to Grow
Z E E G W U N
2 0 1 5
ABOUT This Issue
Spring has finally sprung, and we
are thrilled to tell you about all
the exciting projects that are on
the go right now! With the temperatures slowly climbing, we
feel energized by the power of
the sun. Speaking of which, read
on to learn more about the
Georgina Island Solar Project and
the new Aboriginal Conservation
Program. There is also great
progress being made at the new
Virginia Beach Restaurant . You
will find updates about this
project and others inside, so
keep reading!
The first quarter of the year is
already behind us, and was a busy
time for the community with
elections and budgets. Economic
Development staff have set their
priorities for 2015, ensuring that
these priorities align with Council’s priorities, as well as with the
Georgina Island Economic Development Strategic Plan which is
based on these four pillars; Generate Partnerships, Infrastructure
The Aazhaawe is awake
after a long winter slumber.
Great pictures taken by
Leah Atkinson on page 6!
Development, Financial Growth
and Nation Building. A roundtable discussion was held with
various departments, and their
input was used to update the
strategic plan. It is important to
recognize that by working together we will continue to move
forward. The Economic Development department is very grateful
to all the departments who
shared their ideas with us.
With summer approaching,
students and small owners are
about to get very busy! Students
can now apply for the OTTER
Board’s annual Buzzy Big Canoe
Entrepreneurship Award and for
anyone interested in starting a
small business or expanding an
existing one, there are lots of
great resources and websites
that we would be happy to share
with you.
So come in and visit us at the
Georgina Island Administration
Office!
Georgina Island Solar Energy Project
Everyday the sun bathes each
square yard of our planet with
3,440 million trillion photons of
light. Those photons are packed
full of energy. Georgina Island
First Nation decided it was time
we took advantage of this amazing energy source, and became
part of Ontario’s microFIT
program.
The installation of solar panels on
four Georgina Island Administration buildings commenced this
April. The Fire Hall, the Police
Station, the school and the childcare centre are being retro fitted
for the province’s microFIT
Program, a renewable energy
initiative that sells clean energy
and contributes to a healthier
environment. Connection to the
province’s electricity grid will be
the first week of May 2015. On
the Connection Operation Date
(COD), the system will be
generating revenue and the 20year contract with the Ontario
Power Authority will come into
effect.
PAGE
CFGI 92.3FM
Nish Radio
2
Nish Radio 92.3 FM News Update
The Chippewas of Georgina
Island, with the help of Rock
95, started up Nish Radio
102.7 FM in 2000. The station
has a mixed format program
schedule and features many
different kinds of music ranging
from Pow Wow to Alternative
Rock to Heavy Metal. The
station was relicensed by the
CRTC in 2014 for another 7
years. Last July, Nish Radio
switched to 92.3 FM, increasing its power and gaining a 50
km range with the new tower/
transmitter upgrade.
The station is operated by two
community members. Morgan
Priester started full time in
2004 and is the morning host,
music director and manager.
He was nominated for “Best
Radio Show promoting Aboriginal Music” at the Canadian
Aboriginal Music Awards in
2009. Morgan co-produced a
Residential School radio documentary in 2013 that aired
across Canada through the
Nation Campus and Community Radio Association. Chris
Big Canoe started full-time as
afternoon DJ and evening host
in 2012 and has gained a large
following with the popular
“Overdrive” show on weeknights.
A three-year business plan has
been completed, and will be
the driving force in developing
a marketing and promotional
strategy. Nish Radio offers a
unique format with a variety of
music genres to listeners north
of Aurora and on Lake Simcoe,
and features local knowledge
and something completely
different for its audience. By
developing a website, on-line
streaming and advertising and
promotions, Nish Radio is
moving towards self-sufficiency
and profitability.
Economic Development Strategy 2015
During the past 10 years,
Georgina Island First Nation
has pursued many
economic initiatives in
order to establish a
foundation for a vibrant
and stable economy. The
implementation of an
effective, comprehensive
strategy provides benefits
to everyone involved with
the goal of developing longterm economic prosperity.
Based on the current market conditions and the
desires of the community
(remember all those
surveys and interviews last
MAJIIGI-STARTING
TO
GROW
year?!), there are four
economic pillars that we
will focus on for future
development. To see the
lists of tasks that have
been identified under
each pillar, you can visit
our website at
www.georginaisland.com
and click on Economic
Development, or you can
request a paper copy of
the plan by calling or visiting the Economic
Department on Georgina
Island.
PAGE
3
The Virginia Beach Marina & Restaurant Project
1,296 square foot dining area with a
retractable wall to accommodate a
meeting space and the 462 square
foot outdoor patio will overlook
Lake Simcoe.
The Marina Project is in full swing;
we are pouring the new restaurant
pad and soon will be framing the
building. This past winter has set
us back a couple of months, but we
sill push forward and try to make
up some the time lost. The building
will have a natural look with stone
and wood on the exterior. The
interior of the restaurant will host a
Some things we are working
on:
We are in meetings with a consultant
company, “The Fifteen Group”; they
are assisting us with the restaurant
design, layout and business plan.
Their company has been in the
business for over 10 years and has
launched a number of successful
restaurants across Canada.
We will be putting together a leasing
package for the retail and office
spaces to be sent out to potential
businesses that might be interested in
the space.
Steimer Contracting will be hiring
some of our qualified community
members as soon as the framing is
ready to go.
We will also be installing a new
parking gate system once the project
is close to completion.
For further information or answers
to questions you may have about the
project, please feel free to contact
Suzanne Howes at
suzanne.howes@georginaisland.com
or Marlene Stiles at
marlene.stiles@georginaisland.com.
Aboriginal Conservation Program
Georgina Island has been chosen as
one of 17 communities to
participate in the saveONenergy
Aboriginal Conservation Program
(ACP).
with the province and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), is committed to energy
conservation programs in our community.
This initiative is designed to help
homeowners and renters receive
free energy efficiency products and
upgrades for their homes.
Businesses and band owned / operated facilities can also receive energy efficient lighting and water heating upgrades up to $1,500 free of
charge. The Aboriginal
Conservation Program also helps
Aboriginal people learn how to
confidently save
electricity in their homes and businesses. Georgina Island, together
To find out how to get involved in
this program, you can call Vicki
Wolske, Housing Coordinator at
the Georgina Island Administration
Office.
Please join us for a
community dinner and
info session May 19!
5:30-7:30 at the
Community Centre
Aboriginal
Conservation
A few easy conservation tips
you can try at home:
Use weather-stripping and
door sweeps to seal doors
and reduce drafts
Install a programmable thermostat. Properly set, it can
reduce heating and cooling
costs
A fan uses about one-tenth
the electricity that an air
conditioner uses. That’s why
it’s a good idea to use a fan
instead of an AC whenever
possible.
Program on
May 19th at
Community
Centre!
5:30-7:30
The Chippewas of Georgina Island
First Nation Public Library
&
Adult Native Literacy Program
Aaniin
Lynn and Karen would like to invite you to visit the library. Here are some of the programs that
are offered out of the library.
For more info call
the library at
(705) 437-4327
*Free Library Membership
*Computer and Internet Access
*E-Learning
*Computers for children
*Upgrading
*Tutoring
*Beading Classes
*Scrabble
We have four computers with public internet access. We also offer hands on computer skills.
E-Learning is access to online courses for completing grade 12, college, university and computer skills.
We have two early learning literacy stations geared for children, toddlers to grade three.
Our LBS program includes upgrading, tutoring and GED preparation, we also have two computers that are equipped with a program (destinations) which is designed for you to work independently on upgrading your skills, and is the same program that is offered at the Georgina
Learning Center in Keswick.
Tutoring is available for both adults and children.
We have a qualified teacher who will assist students with their studies.
We have computer software programs that assist with math, reading and typing.
Our weekly scrabble games will be starting again next month. Keep an eye out for flyers! We
will invite the Sutton Public Library Scrabble Club to come and join us, usually it is a potluck
lunch and an afternoon of socializing.
Workshops
@
Your Library
Resumes & Cover Letters
10 am – 3 pm
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
&
Resume Writing
10 am – 3 pm
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
6 spots available
Call Karen to book your spot (705)437-4327
In partnership with
GCHI-NANDUM
“BIG HAPPY” FEELING
Smiles all around the day of the first ferry trip on Friday April 10th! The Aazhaawe is
looking forward to another season of safe and convenient travel for everyone. We
would like to welcome our new Transportation Manager, Mike Big Canoe.
Thank you to Leah Atkinson for capturing this moment for everyone on board!
Georgina Island Economic
Georgina Island
Economic Development
Development Mandate
Department
Marlene Stiles,
Economic Development Officer
Rachel Big Canoe,
Economic Development Assistant

To provide a strong foundation that will
lead the community to self-sustainability

To ensure that our community’s identity
is maintained, supported and promoted
through projects and ventures
Councillor Bill McCue,
Economic Development Portfolio

To measure and recognize successes

To ensure that social and environmental
responsibilities are as equally important
Phone: 705-437-1337
Fax:
as wealth generation in development
705-437-4597
Email: marlene.stiles@georginaisland.com
rachel.bigcanoe@georginaisland.com
activities.

To help remove barriers to economic
success in the community.
bill.mccue@georginaisland.com

To contribute to the future well-being of
the community, recognize our rich past
and support community members living
today.
Georgina Island Business Directory
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Our greatest resource are the people in our community
Big Canoe Cabin Rentals
(289) 231-2310
Heron’s Landing Cottage
Blackbird Log Cabin
(705) 437-3775
East Point Marina & Construction
(905) 955-1022
Nish Radio 92.3 FM
(705) 437-2255
Niiji Contracting
(905) 836-8826
Warren’s General Store &
Driving Range
(705) 437-3506 or 437-3775
Farmer’s Contracting
(705) 437-3103
Neezh Meegwunun Family
Campground
(705) 437-4387
Charlie Warren Contracting
(905) 868-2844
The Eagle’s Nest Eatery
Island B&B
(705) 238-7152
Big Canoe General Contracting
(289) 231-2310
The Lawn Rangers
(416) 220-4380
Doug Warren’s Septic Service
(705) 437-3775
Virginia Beach Marina &
Water Taxi
705) 437-2533
MCT Excavation
(905) 955-0033
B&C Island Cottage
(705) 437-3025
First Nation Cultural Tours
(905) 830-2278
Gibson Designs Graphic Design
(905) 213-2330