COVID-19 hasn’t left us, and I am hoping you will send an urgent gift to help First Nations Communities, who are being hit harder than most.

I’m writing on behalf of Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation which has been created to help the Kenora Chiefs Advisory – an alliance of nine independent First Nations in Northwestern Ontario.

COVID-19 is still a significant issue, with many of our supported communities suffering significant outbreaks and now the COVID pandemic continues to impact food security and youth mental health. I am hoping you will make an urgent gift to help First Nations Communities.

Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin means “People Helping People”. To help Indigenous communities through this crisis, we hope you will become one of them as soon as possible.

Help indigenous communities through the crisis and DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT until April 30 with matching donations from an anonymous donor, who will match the first $50,000 donated by April 30, 2021.

First Nations Communities are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 as two or three generations – and sometimes two or three families – may live in one house. This creates a problem if you are told to self-isolate for 14 days owing to a cough and fever. Furthermore, diabetes, heart and lung disease are rampant on many reserves, in numbers higher than in the general population. COVID-19 is more serious for older people with these and other underlying health issues, magnifying the dangers it presents to our elders and people generally.

On top of this, families are worried about food security – and this is one area where I hope you will help. Your gift today could help provide food to a family who is struggling in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The other major problem is around the wellbeing of young people. With schools closed, communities in self-isolation to protect themselves, and no group gatherings, our young people are suffering tremendously.

Which is why, in addition to food, we’re also hoping you can help provide a computer tablet for the young people, allowing them to connect with others while maintaining the appropriate physical distance.

Your gift will ensure that social isolation won’t occur and young people will be engaged, tackling mental health issues and reducing depression and suicidal thoughts. We are already working with our redeployed staff to locate and customize software for tablets and computers for this purpose.

Our goal is to raise $100,000 for much needed food and tablets. Give now to help us reach this goal.

We recognize that this is an uncertain time for many people – so if you are able to give, please know that we will be very grateful for whatever you feel able to spare.

Every day, between one and three youth from our communities arrive at Kenora’s hospital in crisis. Their lack of hope and loss of cultural identity create a perfect breeding ground for serious mental health issues and high rates of school failure, addictions, self-harm and suicide.

Well-balanced meals coupled with engaging activities on the computer tablet (games with others over the Internet, educational programs and exercise videos) will lead to involved young people and stronger, more vibrant communities.

Proceeds from this COVID-19 appeal will benefit over 1,000 young people from Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation (Kenora), Asubpeechoseewagong First Nation (Grassy Narrows), Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation (Dalles), Naotkamegwanning First Nation (Pawitik), Washagamis Bay First Nation (Keewatin), Shoal Lake 40 First Nation (Shoal Lake), Wabaseemoong Independent Nations (Whitedog), Northwest Angle #33 First Nation (Pawitik) and Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation (Kenora).

Don’t delay, DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT until April 30 with matching donations from an anonymous donor.

This is a time of crisis for Canada, but also for the people of our First Nations. We hope we can count on your support.

Hoping that you and your family are safe during these troubling times,

Yours Truly,

Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation Board of Directors

David Zimmer, Board Chair & President, Former Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Eric Fisher, Secretary, Member of Wabaseemoong Independent Nation, former Chief and Council Member

Hanita Tiefenbach, Treasurer, Former Assistant Deputy Minister, Aboriginal and Ministry Relations Division,

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs

Vernon Redsky, Director, Chief Shoal Lake 40 First Nation

Stephen Chan, Director, Founder and CEO of Dapasoft, award-winning software designer of healthcare solutions

David de Launay, Director, Former Ontario Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and of Northern Development and Mines, and is currently on the Advisory Council of the Development Partners Institute.

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